From small animals like mice to snakes and insects, nuisance pests can cause big problems. They carry illnesses and diseases and some can cause structural damage. Whether you own or rent your home, you want to take steps to avoid letting these nuisance pests inside.
Nuisance pests have an incredible desire to get into the safety and security of your home. And, where there is a will, they will find a way. Limit their options by sealing any cracks or gaps around your house. Walk around the outside and note where any pipes or wires go through the foundation. Seal around them with caulk or spray foam insulation. No opening is too small to let pests in, wither. Consider that a common house mouse can fit through an opening as small as a dime, and you can quickly see how careful you need to be when inspecting and sealing your home.
Opening windows and doors lets fresh air into your home which can help increase air movement and reduce germs. However, it also sends an open invitation to the insects in your yard. Instead of keeping them closed up, install screens to let air through and keep bugs out. Most screens will keep bigger spiders and beetles out, while a fine mesh can even keep small ants and mosquitos from getting through. Fix any tears or rips in screens that you have since insects will take advantage of them.
Set up a boundary around your house to deter pests from approaching. Depending on what is native to your area, this can vary. Keeping grass trimmed will lower the travel paths of snakes, mice and other small critters. Removing leaves and debris from against the foundation will remove hiding spaces for insects and other crawling pests. You may want to have a chemical barrier or bait station system installed to keep termites or other wood bringing insects from damaging the structure. If your house is your castle, think of this as your moat.
Many pests will come into your home looking for food. Properly managing food sources for them will reduce the temptation and help keep their numbers down. Take time to organize your pantry and cabinets. Store food in sealed and lockable containers instead of bags and cardboard packaging.
You will also want to manage how food waste is handled in and around the house. Rodents, opossums and raccoons are all attracted to an open trash can. And once they find a reliable source of food they will continue to visit for more.
Insects like silverfish, gnats and termites may come inside seeking water in addition to food and water leaks are great places for them to find a steady supply. This is especially true if the leak is hidden within a cabinet or in a basement or crawl space. Be sure to fix any plumbing leaks as soon as you notice them. It will not only cut back on nuisance pests, but it also helps reduce mold growth, lowers your utility bills and conserves an important natural resource.
Landscape shrubs are attractive, but if left unattended they can be a great means for pests to get inside your home. Keep them trimmed to allow airflow around the foundation. This will also allow better visual inspections to ensure the early detection of problems. Trees can also be problematic. While they can provide shade and help control heating and cooling costs inside the house, they may also give small animals easy access to the roof. Keep them trimmed back at least six feet from any structures to avoid that.
Although carrying firewood across a yard in the dead of winter isn’t a fun task, stacking it near your house is asking for trouble. Rodents, snakes and wood-boring insects like to make homes in woodpiles, so it is best to locate them as far away from the house as you can.
Whenever possible you want to prevent nuisance pests from getting into your house or making themselves at home in the yard. However, sometimes the best efforts aren’t enough. Once you have a pest problem, it can be difficult to get rid of them. Humane traps are a solution for animals of almost any size. Raccoons, opossums, skunks and foxes can all be trapped and relocated. Wild animals can carry a host of diseases that can be transmitted to humans and domestic animals. Be sure to use any precautions against coming into direct contact with any animals that have been trapped. Children and pets should not be allowed to go near them, either.
Pests can cause problems when they get inside your home. Being proactive by removing food and water sources, sealing gaps, and reducing clear routes to your home can help you keep nuisance pests out. Sometimes chemical barriers or humane traps may be needed to reduce populations.
Luxury used to be all about flashing big logos and bold statements. But lately, the game’s changed. Quiet luxury is all about subtlety: investing in quality, craftsmanship, and classic pieces that don’t cry out for attention but quietly elevate your space. It’s that feeling you get walking into a room where everything just feels right, without needing […]
Imagine a home that breathes with the breeze, where sunlight filters through lush foliage, and the vibrant hues of nature are an extension of your living space. Tropical houses are architectural marvels; a profound dialogue between human habitation and the natural world, born from centuries of adapting to warm, humid climates. Far from rigid structures, […]
Buying a mini excavator isn’t something you do on a whim. Whether you’re expanding your fleet or picking up your first machine, you need to know it’s the right fit, not just for today’s jobs, but for what you’ll be tackling a year or two down the line. These machines might be smaller than full-size […]
“Dream kitchens don’t just happen — they’re designed with care and style.” Walking into the same old and outdated kitchen in your home? It’s time to change the design and get that wow factor, according to your needs and wise design choices. Seems like a challenging task, right? But let’s be clear here, the kitchen […]
Kerala style homes have courtyards surrounded by rooms on each side. Traditional Kerala-style homes have a central courtyard known as Nadumuttam surrounded by rooms. These homes promote natural light and ventilation according to the region’s climate. These homes, due to the feature of courtyards as their core spaces, offer beautiful opportunities for social gatherings. This […]
When it comes to enhancing the kitchen window over the sink, various design ideas are possible to decorate Indian homes. From rooted in tradition to Western-style modular kitchens offer both functionality and attractive aesthetics. Apart from the sleek profile and raised breakfast counter, the kitchen window over sink is another spot to add appeal and […]
Indian homes place equal importance on pooja room door designs as they do on main door designs. With diverse and unique ethnic backgrounds, every family strives to reflect their personalities and identities in their designs. These identities can encompass religious or spiritual interests, local contexts, or other personal elements. This series of blogs, featuring 50 […]
The door design for main door is a defining feature of any Indian home, embodying both style and cultural significance. In a country rich with diverse architectural traditions, the entrance to your home reflects not only personal taste but also cultural heritage. Whether you’re drawn to the intricate carvings of traditional Indian door designs or […]
Pillar design is a cornerstone of architectural elegance, seamlessly blending structural support with aesthetic appeal. Our blog, “50 Best Pillar Design Inspirations,” celebrates this essential element, showcasing a variety of styles from classical Doric and Ionic to contemporary and avant-garde innovations. Whether you’re an architect, interior designer, or a design enthusiast, these pillar design inspirations […]
The integration of screening evergreen trees serves as an artful blend of practicality and natural beauty. These screening evergreen trees, with their lush foliage and diverse benefits, play a crucial role in enhancing privacy. It also blocks unwanted views, and contributes to the overall well-being of homeowners. From the majestic Jamun trees to the versatile […]