Pests are a significant issue for homeowners in the United States, with over 14 million households facing health issues resulting from pest infestations. Many Florida homeowners are reaching a point where they want to handle rodents and termites with DIY methods. While it’s recommended to hire a pest control company, there are several things you can do to keep the pests out of your home.
You’ll find several natural remedies and steps you can take to combat the common pests in Florida and avoid structural damage and health concerns. The best tips and tricks will help you take pest control in Florida into your own hands.
The good news is that you’ve found the perfect resource to learn how to rid your home of pests. Continue reading to pest-proof your home with these pest-control tips today!
1. Clean Your Home
When using pest control tips, a clean environment is the first thing to implement in your home. A dirty house is more likely to attract pests looking for shelter and food sources. A clean home is an inhospitable environment for pests, so wash dishes and throw out food scraps daily.
Store food and drinks and sealed containers, and wipe down surfaces in your kitchen after cooking. The yard is another area where emphasis is required to keep the pests away. Rid your lawn of weeds and keep it mowed to deter rodents and termites from choosing your home as their new haven.
2. Eliminate Resources
Most pests are similar to humans when seeking a place to reside. They’re seeking food, water, and shelter, and you can eliminate those resources to make your home a less desirable place to live. Repair any leaky pipes in your home to decrease the water pests need to survive.
Avoid leaving dog and cat food out in bowls overnight. Food sources left out overnight will attract roaches and other pests to your home. Use plastic storage bins for storing your sentimental items and belongings to keep these items safe and the pests out.
3. Seal Your Home
Termites and rodents access your home through the smallest gaps and cracks. Sealing those areas is one of the most practical DIY pest control tips. Inspect the home’s foundation on the inside and outside to look for places where pests can enter, and use the proper equipment to seal these areas.
Caulk and steel are the most effective resources when sealing your home from destructive household pests. Door and window frames are other areas that pests enter through. Repair any broken frames and windows to keep the pests outside where they belong.
The best way to prevent damage and health concerns from household pests is to keep them outdoors. Work with professionals to find each space where pests are entering. Use this florida pest control website to handle all the common pests in Florida easily.
4. Maintain Your Yard
The plants growing in your yard also play a role in pest control in Florida. Your yard maintenance is the first line of defense against the pests that want to become your new house guests. They’ll need to pass through your yard to make it to your home, but you can use pest control tips to make that journey more challenging.
Hire a lawn care company to keep your lawn short and weeds nonexistent in your yard. Get rid of piles of leaves and brush that shelter household pests. Elevate any wood you’re storing in the yard off the ground to prevent termite infestations and other issues.
5. Keep Your Home Dry
A ventilated and dry home is less hospitable for pests than a dark and wet home. Most pests enjoy the darkness of basements, crawl spaces, and attics. It’s the perfect environment for them to breed, and your pest problem will rapidly evolve into a full-blown infestation.
Invest in a dehumidifier for your home to eliminate any excess moisture pests need to survive. A crawlspace enclosure is another wise investment that will improve your home’s energy consumption and save money on pest control in Florida.
6. Use the Proper Plants
Plants are natural repellents for insects and other pests that want to settle in your home. Knowing the common pests in Florida will guide you toward planting these repelling plants around your home to keep it safe from damage and droppings.
Spearmint is an effective herb if you have issues with ants and rodents in your house. A Venus Fly Trap is another incredible pest control upgrade for your home and yard. It’s not selective about which insects it eats, so you’ll eliminate ants, flies, mosquitos, and more.
Catnip is perfect for keeping roaches away and entertaining your cats. Use rosemary to keep beetles, mosquitos, cockroaches, and more out of your home.
7. Protect the Good Pests
Some household pests are beneficial for your home and health. While rodents and termites cause health and structural issues, some pests, like spiders, are perfect for handling unwanted pests in your home without affecting you.
Ladybugs eat aphids and clear your garden of pests, while bats eat mosquitos and other annoying insects. Take steps to help these good pests thrive and maintain a safe environment for your family.
8. Do Laundry
Doing laundry doesn’t sound like something you’d associate with a practical tip for pest control in Florida, but many pests enjoy snuggling up in your clothes and bedsheets.
Washing and drying the laundry will flush them from their hiding spots. Roaches will scatter, and dust mites will perish when you wash your clothing, towels, and bedding. Remember to clean any bedding your pets use to maintain their health.
Handle Pest Control in Florida Today
Learning how to manage pest control in Florida is essential when you make a down payment and join the ranks of Florida homeowners. Learning about the common pests in your area and the best pest control tips to keep them out of your home will do wonders for your health. Work with a professional pest control company to identify troublesome areas and eliminate infestations.
You spend much of your time at home, and having a clean and safe living space is essential for your health. Explore our Health and Fitness blog content for more beneficial health tips today!
