There is always that feeling of excitement when buying a new home. Along with that comes new responsibilities and tasks. Newly built homes can have gaps and cracks that can serve as gateways for pests to move in. Whether you live in the urban or rural area, pests can easily infiltrate structures, which means your home is susceptible to infestation. This is why after the construction of a new home, pest control should be a priority.
Understanding how and when pests invade your place will help you prevent possible pest problems. It will help you safeguard your investment — your home — too. Therefore, this calls for a thorough inspection, inside and out. Check out these top pest control tips that will help you big time.
Contact a Professional Pest Control for Inspection and Treatment
Home pest control professionals can perform a thorough inspection when the house is still vacant. This allows them to determine key areas to watch out for, and subsequently provide preventive measures. Besides meticulous inspection, they will also provide tips for pest control for new houses based on what they find.
Complete Inspection of Packed Items
If you forget to inspect the boxes before you pack, the next thing you know, bugs have found their way into your new home. Bugs are likely to hide in packages or boxes, specifically when these containers are stored in the attic or garage. Check the box and its contents prior to placing them inside your new home. You should also inspect your clothing, beddings, curtains, and pieces of furniture. This may take a bit of time, but it’s worth it.
Landscape and Lawn Cleanup
Outdoor areas with plenty of clutter can draw harmful insects. Logs and overgrown shrubs are potential dens for different insect activities. Give your landscaping and lawn more attention prior to moving in. This will prevent bugs from invading your indoor space, and improve the overall look of your landscape.
Here’s what you can do:
- Trim your lawn.
- Dispose any junk.
- Rake the dead leaves.
- Clear out the woodpile and move them far from your home.
- Cut shrubs and tree branches so they won’t reach the exterior of your house.
Reduce Vegetation and Compost
You need to trim shrubs or tree branches near your home. This gets rid of “paths” that bugs can use as a route to easily access your house. Compost, on the other hand, can provide a hiding place for pests. Rather than using compost on your garden beds, replace it with rocks as ground covers. Alternatively, place a secure cover over your compost bin to ward off pests.
Door, Window, and Wall Inspection
Do a regular inspection of your doors, windows, and walls. Repair cracks or gaps immediately. Otherwise, you leave an opening for pests. Do the same with your window screens if you see any tears or rips. It is recommended to use at least 200 holes per square inch for your screen mesh size. You can buy them at any hardware store or home depot.
Check for Cracks Inside the House
After your exterior inspection, pay the same amount of attention to the interiors. Certain gaps or cracks can be visible from the inside. Check your refrigerator, kitchen cabinets, under and behind your room closet, stoves, and cupboards for any sign of invasive pests. Look also for gaps in vents, cables, and pipes. Cover the holes if you find any. You can determine if these cracks lead outside if you can feel air flowing through.
Proper Garbage Disposal
Trash can easily attract all sorts of pests not limited to insects. Raccoons and rodents find garbage enticing as well. Lawn waste is no exception. Ensure that all garbage cans are covered with tight-fitting lids. Clean and disinfect the area where trash bins are placed to clear spills and debris on which insects can feed. Don’t forget to keep your lawn, garages, and patios free of plant clippings, leaf litter, as well as stagnant water. All of these are potential to provide pests adequate shelter.
Wash Recyclables
When storing your recyclables, make sure the container has a tight-fitting lid similar to your trash bins. In case your local area provides open bins, make sure you thoroughly rinse and separate recyclables from food waste before placing them in the container. Doing this on a regular basis should keep your bin as well as your home pest-free. If possible, keep your bins outside instead of placing them indoors.
Using of Appropriate Light Bulbs
To prevent insects from flying around your windows and doors, make use of halogen or high-pressure vector lights. Light bulbs that have an orange, pink, or yellow tint are less enticing to the insects. It’s also ideal to place the light on a pole away from the house, instead of its typical place — wall exteriors adjacent to the doors.
Routine Drain Cleaning
Oftentimes, drains and kitchen sinks rack up debris which can attract pests. This will eventually turn up to be their breeding site, particularly for flies. To prevent this, make sure to inspect and clean the drains in the basement and laundry area on a regular basis. You can use vinegar and baking soda as homemade cleaners for your drain and sink. They can easily wash out clogs because of their foaming action.
Declutter Your Home Regularly
A clean home is less attractive to bugs. Mop, vacuum, and perform other house cleaning chores regularly to keep bugs at bay. If you have an existing infestation, this also allows you to find out where their nests and breeding grounds are. Regular house cleaning enables you to completely eliminate food sources (like crumbs) and spot entryways so you can take the necessary measures right away.
A newly built home of your own is a big investment. This is why you need to protect it from pests to preserve its structural integrity while ensuring that it remains a restful sanctuary. Pests can be a serious detriment to your home. As soon as you spot signs of an infestation, call home pest control services immediately.
JDM Pest Control offers services in Aurora, Newmarket, Richmond Hill, and Vaughan. We have been servicing the GTA area for more than 20 years, making sure that homes and commercial areas alike are free from unwanted guests. We would love to hear from you, call us now at 416-729-3568 for a free assessment.