If you’ve spotted pests such as ants, flies, hornets, mosquitoes, termites, wasps, bed bugs, cockroaches or ticks, call in a professional pest controller. Technicians are trained to discover the source of the infestation and will offer a long-lasting solution, rather than just dealing with the bugs at the moment.
There's plenty you can do as a homeowner to help prevent pests inhabiting your property. Here are some tips you can put in place to help keep pests away.
1. Repair your roof
Damaged roof tiles or cracks can give pests easy access to your home. Fill in cracks with roofing cement or replace broken tiles. Check your drainpipes too. Debris can cause water to accumulate providing breeding grounds for numerous types of insects, especially mosquitoes. You can also check the overhang of the roof and in between roof tiles for signs of nests.
2. Clean your air vents
Air vents can give termites a swift entry point to your home. That’s because when the climate changes in spring and summer, termites begin to swarm to establish new colonies. To prevent your home from being vulnerable to a termite swarm, install mesh airbrick ventilation covers. A pest control expert will advise you on other ways you can prevent termites from entering your home, such as baiting systems.
3. Keep an eye on your attic
Roof voids and attics are popular for all types of pests to establish nests. The exposed wood beams can be a good source of food for termites and items stored in cardboard boxes can nourish cockroaches and rodents, for example.
To reduce the risk, store items in plastic boxes. Also regularly check beams for termite damage. Press your thumb on the timber to test if it is soft and spongy.
4. Rethink your bedroom
Bedrooms are notorious zones for pest activity. For some pests, like bed bugs, it can be a source of food and refuge. To prevent (and kill) bed buds, wash bed linen at a high temperature (60 degrees Celsius) regularly. You can check beds, pillows, mattresses, bed frames, and carpet for signs of bugs. Check skirting boards and ensuite bathrooms for signs of termite activity, such as damp patches on the walls. Keep furniture away from the walls and shut doors and windows at night.
5. Maintain your garden
Gardens are ideal for pests because they provide many sources of food, places to live, and breeding areas. To make yours less hospitable to termites, remove unwanted tree stumps, and don't store piles of wood near the foundations of your home. Use mulch made from plastic, rubber, and gravel instead of wood and seal compost in a container that has a tight lid. Also, remove standing water from buckets and containers and keep shrubbery to a minimum.
6. Don’t forget your garage
Garages are a great place to keep your car, but they also provide pests with a place to nest. Don't ignore basic maintenance in your garage. This means ensuring is damp-free, seal entrances, and repair any damages to the infrastructure. Store items in plastic boxes, and ideally off the floor and check corners for wasps and hornet nests.
7. Keep your kitchen clean
Avoid your kitchen turning into a buffet for pests. You need to keep on top of this as pests in your kitchen can contaminate your food and make you ill. Empty bins daily and keep work surfaces clean. Always store food in airtight containers and don't leave pet food out in hot weather. Finally, check pipes for leakage, and repair if them if you need to.