As the new year approaches, you may be considering a new year’s resolution or two. The most common new year’s resolutions typically revolve around things like losing weight or getting in shape. If you have new year’s resolutions, they probably don’t have anything to do with pest control. However, if you make a few small changes to your daily routine, you can sharply reduce the risk of having a pest infestation in 2023. Don’t get us wrong, if you need pest control, Eastern Pest Services can help. We’ve been providing pest control services to Northern New Jersey since 1985. But as the old expression goes, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” If you take the following steps, you may be able to avoid a pest infestation entirely.
Clear the Clutter
Most pests like to live in quiet, dark, and undisturbed areas. If you have clutter in your home, you may be inadvertently creating an ideal habitat for pests. Roaches, mice, and bed bugs all love having easy access to areas where they can feed and reproduce without being bothered. That’s why it’s important to combat clutter in your home. Consider renting a storage unit or donating unneeded items in the new year to help clear out the clutter. Doing this won’t just help with pests, it’ll also leave your home feeling tidier, more comfortable and more spacious.
Keep the Kitchen Clean
Are the dishes from last night’s dinner still in the sink? Do you leave food out on your kitchen counter? Food is one of the biggest attractants to pests. The longer you leave food or dirty dishes out in your kitchen, the greater the risk that you’ll attract ants, roaches, or rodents. If you avoid leaving food and dirty dishes out, sweep or vacuum regularly, and properly seal and store food, your kitchen will be much less attractive to insects and rodents.
Seal Entry Points
No matter what kind of pest we’re talking about. Pests all get in through some kind of opening in the exterior of your home. So, take the time to find and seal any potential entry points to your home, ideally before temperatures plummet and force pests inside. Focus your efforts on windows and doors, as well as vents, and the gaps around any electrical, gas, or water pipes. Installing new weatherstripping or door sweeps on exterior doors can help further deny entry to pests.
Be Careful With Firewood
A wood fire in the winter can be delightfully cozy. However, there are a variety of insects that could be hiding in the firewood and end up inside. To avoid bringing spiders, ants, and other insect pests into your home, always check the wood before you bring it in. Also, only bring in what you plan to burn right away. Finally, consider keeping the firewood further away from your home to make it harder for bugs to get in. Ideally, it should be 20 feet or more away from your home but at the very least, move it so it isn’t resting against the exterior wall of your home. If you follow these steps, you’ll be able to stay warm without worrying about bringing in uninvited pests.
Call Eastern Pest Services
If you take these precautions and still wind up with a pest infestation, Eastern Pest Services can help. We’ve provided quality pest control service to Northern New Jersey for over 35 years. We know the pests that live here and how to eliminate them. Contact us today for a free consultation!
