Protecting your home against pests can be a tricky proposition. As the weather outside continues to cool off, more and more critters are going to try to get inside your home, whether or not you actually want them there. Here are some useful tips for keeping the pests out and ensuring you have a comfortable life this fall and winter thanks to effective pest control.
Address the Greenery Around Your Home
Yes, the greenery around the exterior of your home does have an effect on the presence of pests. Take the time to deal with tree branches and shrubs that might be overgrown. This is the most basic form of pest control that doesn’t involve using glue traps or fly swatters. Mulch, as beautiful as it is, presents another dilemma. It can hide the pests attempting to access your house so replace the mulch with some crushed gravel or a layer of rocks instead.
Reseal All of the Doors and Windows
Making sure you seal up all of the doors and windows of your home is a good idea on principle. After all, you can prevent warm air leakage and also keep cold air that might make you uncomfortable outside. Doors can warp, crack, and break; the same can be said of ill-fitting window frames. Screens can also rip open, especially when attacked by pointy little claws. Make sure you fix them as soon as you notice something is amiss.
Fill in Unexpected Cracks and Gaps
Likewise, be on the lookout for any unexpected cracks and gaps in other elements of your home’s exterior face. Some notable examples include:
Fractures in the foundation;
Loose siding panels;
Displaced or damaged roof shingles;
Odd gaps around vital utility lines
Clean Up Excessive Trash and Recycling Materials
Piles of typical household trash and recycling can quickly become an eyesore. Moreover, they invite pests such as ants, rodents, and roaches who can sneak inside to have a feast. Waste in the yard can also be a problem when it comes to pest control – so be sure to tightly seal garbage can lids, promptly dispose of debris, and clean up spills. Fall is a time when fallen leaves, plant clippings, and puddles of standing water left behind after a rainstorm are all common sights. That’s why you’ll want to be extra vigilant about cleaning and maintaining the areas around your yards, patios, decks, garages, driveways, and gutters.
Choose the Correct Light Bulbs
Although this seems insignificant, choosing the correct light bulbs does more than just improve your custom home’s energy efficiency levels. It is also an easy way to control the flying pests hovering around your home. High-pressure sodium vapor and halogen lights do more to ward off insects than the mercury vapor lights that are often considered a standard for exterior lighting. Move the lights as far away from doors as you can, but don’t leave doorways shrouded in darkness. That way, you can illuminate the area and make it easier to walk around after dark, which comes earlier and earlier these days.
Questions? Call Cedar Square Homes Today!
Whether you are ready to start the custom building home process, or you still have more questions, the trained professionals at Cedar Square Homes are here to help you out. We are beloved throughout Maryland and beyond for our attentive service and affordable home remodeling and building prices. We proudly serve Pasadena and Annapolis. Visit us online or give us a call at 410-987-9771. To see more examples of our work and for helpful tips and tricks, be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Cedar Square Homes MHIC #27095.