All pests seek a location that meets their needs for survival. The basic needs of shelter, food, and water. As soon as they’ve found a comfortable home, the next thing they do is mate…and mate, and mate, and mate. Before you know it your home is littered with an entire extended family of rats, mice, or other vermin that would be better suited somewhere else. As the breed, they become much more difficult to get rid of. They also can spread diseases and invite other pests in as well. The best solution for getting rid of pests is to not allow them inside in the first place.
A Place to Sleep
Every type of pest needs a place to rest. Cardboard boxes, old clothes, rotten wood piles, all of these are very inviting to potential home invading pests. Any type of storage box or trash would make a nice home for mice. Spiders love moist or humid areas, like wood piles. Raccoons and opossums love piles of trash, too. If you leave it out for too long, they’re going to find it and make it theirs!
Crumbs, Sticky Spots, and Leftovers
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Food is just pretty much the main thing any kind of pest is looking for. If you keep your discarded food in an outdoor trash can, make sure the lid is tightly sealed or secured. If there are sticky spots left over from syrup, sauce packets, spills, or anything else that might attract ants, they’ll find their way in. Your kitchen can be a haven for them or let them starve, you decide. Leaving dirty dishes with food on them in the sink is a surefire way to attract pests. Make sure you keep the kitchen dry and food airtight and out of sight.
Water and Moisture
Though we may incur times of drought, living in Georgia has its pitfalls when it comes to moisture and standing water. Dampness typically creates a place for crawling bugs, while damp materials and low air flow can contribute to a few strains of mold. If you have a leaky toilet, tub, or sink, it’s attracting bugs. Not only are they costing you money, you’re inviting more vermin to live in and around your home.
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Possible Entryways
The outside of your home in spots such as crawl spaces, attics, and garages is where creatures make their way in. Holes and small openings can allow snakes, bats, rats, raccoon, squirrels, spiders, mice and plenty of other rodents into your home. Repairing these holes is a small task that can have a big impact. You want to prevent any type of entry into your home because it’s YOUR home, not theirs. This will also help maintain the integrity of all of your insulation. Utilizing this step is a big help in the fight against pests.
Use of Pesticides
Pesticides is always an option. However, if you’re unsure about how or how much to use, it’s best to call a professional. You want to be sure that you’re not damaging anything in your home or endangering your family or pets. Should you decide your skills are up to par and you want to DIY pesticide use, follow the manufacturer’s guidelines. The last thing you want to do is harm the environment.