Resolutions to Avoid Pests in 2020

Every New Year's Eve, many of us make resolutions for the coming year to eat better, exercise more, and reach goals that may have been unattainable the year before. Being in the pest control business means that we don't just think about the health of our clients but the health of their property and structures as well. Have you made a resolution about keeping your home healthy and safe from pests?While it is not a common resolution, there are some steps you can take as a responsible homeowner to keep the pests at bay in the coming year. This could mean avoiding the damage that can be caused by pests looking for food and shelter, or even a catastrophe like a pest chewing through electrical lines or causing structural damage in your basement. Here are a few steps you can take to avoid pests in 2020.

Stay Alert

One of the best pieces of advice we can give any homeowner is to remain vigilant to any signs that you have pests. Don't turn a blind eye to droppings, chewed cardboard, wings that have accumulated, holes in the wood, nesting sites, or smells/sounds that are out of the ordinary. The earlier you take care of a pest problem, the less potential damage can be done. In addition, catching a pest early means that it might not give the pests a chance to procreate and turn into an infestation.

Seal Cracks and Openings

Another really smart step that homeowners can take is to be aware of cracks, crevices, or openings in a home's exterior. Conduct regular inspections of the chimney, foundation, and siding to be sure that there are no openings that could allow critters access to the interior of a home. Don't forget to check chimney caps and utility vents as well.

Remove Trash & Debris

All homes accumulate trash and debris to some degree. It's just a matter of how you manage this trash that can determine whether you harbor a pest problem or not. We recommend keeping a lockable lid on all of your trash containers and keeping recycling bins clean of drips and messes. The smell from trash and recycling can be just enough to make your yard look attractive to pests like raccoons, rats, mice, skunks, and all sorts of insects.An often ignored area that can harbor pests like ants, squirrels, and insects are gutters. Be sure to clean gutters out so that twigs, leaves, and yard debris do not become the perfect nesting place for wildlife, especially as the weather gets more harsh.

Firewood and Yard Waste Warnings

Firewood and yard waste are two areas that are especially alluring to pests of all kinds. These items make for great places to nest and ride out the long winter. Be sure to inspect all wood that is headed indoors to be burned in your fireplace and clear all corners of your yard of organic debris to avoid creating a hiding place for insects.Welcome to 2020. We hope you have a wonderful year free of pests. If the occasional pests should appear give us a call at 800.287.4321 or via our website contact page.