
Do you see evidence of living things within your pantry? Do you hear shuffling in the walls while you sleep? If you’ve said yes to either of these, then chances are, you have a problem with pests. Here is some excellent advice to help you keep pests out of your house.
Steel Wool
Use steel wool to fill mouse holes. Rodents such as mice and rats are known to be able to chew through almost anything, but steel wool will stop them dead in their tracks. Stuff any opening that is bigger than one half inch. Remember, these pests can fit through very tiny openings.
Make sure you understand applicable codes and regulations regarding pest control methods. Spraying down a locally banned chemical can backfire if you try and sell your home later. Although this doesn’t happen often, this should motivate you to do some research on which methods of pest control have been approved in your area.
If brown recluse spiders are causing problems, utilize adhesive traps. These spiders are poisonous and hard to reach using chemicals. They tend to hunt for food overnight. Traps along your baseboards and behind furniture will capture them.
You need to always have an inspector take a look at a house before you decide to buy it. Certain kinds of infestation are obvious, but remember that you will not really know what type of pest problems you will have until you live in the house for a little while.
A perimeter spray will discourage pests from getting too close to your home. In addition to the foundation, you should spray porches, patios, steps and around windows and doors. When spraying, look for small cracks where pests can come in. It can be very effective if you fill these spaces with caulk.
A dog trained to sniff for termites is the best method for checking for an infestation around the house. Humans can only check about a 30% of your home’s surface area for termite infestations. However, a dog that is properly trained is actually capable of ensuring a home’s safety one-hundred percent! These dogs can pick up the scent of methane gas which is caused by termites.
It is time to fix those leaky faucets and pipes. Pests love water. They can end up finding water in the most obscure places. Don’t let your neglect be the reason you have pests. Inspect your plumbing regularly and contact a professional if you notice a leak or need help with inspecting the plumbing that is not easily accessible.
Mint Leaves
If you are fighting a mice problem, you should consider using mint. Just plant mint all around your foundation. This will make the foundation undesirable for mice to live in. If mice are already a problem, think about placing mint leaves where you’re finding them. Most of the time, this will act as good repellent, but the mint leaves must be fresh.
Now, the pest problem is one step closer to ending. Use this advice to help you get rid of pests, big and small. It may not be easy, but you can be successful.