Preventing Pests While Cleaning: Some Extra Tips For Keeping Critters at Bay

As the weather warms up, so too do common household pests begin to appear. From spiders to ants, cockroaches to unwanted rodents, you can prevent these pests from ruining your spring (and your home!) by implementing some preventative measures.

Pick up any pet food off the floor at night. Cover it with plastic wrap and keep it up high or on a counter. If possible, use wide-lipped Tupperware or Rubbermaid containers that have lids so you can easily seal them up before you go to bed.

Keep food inside. Don't feed pets outdoors or put out scraps. Forgo putting wild animal feed in your yard unless it is a fair distance from the foundation of your house. Food attracts pests of all kinds.

Seal all the cracks that may have appeared over the winter months. Use a sealant that is weather resistant and incorporate copper wool into the paste to deter mice or other rodents from chewing through it

Patch up any holes or rips in door or window screens.

Clean the pantry as thoroughly as possible. Empty shelves right to the back and throw away any food products that are expired, have been improperly sealed or have been sitting, unused, for months. Keep your food in airtight containers if possible.

Vacuum and sweep regularly and thoroughly. Remove cobwebs, spiders and their webs as well as any other small pests and debris that may have accumulated, unnoticed over the winter months.

Keep the kitchen clean, daily. Wipe counters and wash dishes promptly. Keep trash cans covered and/or empty when possible. Pay special attention to any food scraps that may attract pests.

Keep your recycling bins clean. Before placing recyclable tins, cartons, glass etc. into your bins, rinse thoroughly to ensure there are no edible remnants that may look appealing to bugs or animals. If your recycling bin has a lid, always use it.

By following these simple, common sense rules of thumb and taking a little extra time while going about a routine cleaning, one can put a hearty dent in the plans of any spring pests that may consider paying your home a visit this year.