You know how the saying goes – “A house is made of brick and mortar, but a home is made by the people who live there.”
While this definitely rings true, you may not exactly get that feeling when you have extra critters who live there uninvited. If you want to keep pests where they’re meant to be kept (outside), it’s time you created your own pest control strategy to defend your home and ensure your family and pets are kept safe from potentially diseased animals, diseases left by urine and feces, or stings and bites from upset bugs.
Keep reading for tips and tricks from actual professionals on how to keep your home pest-free.
Keep The Exterior Of Your Home Updated
1. Trim Those Trees
While you may love the front tree in your hard that’s helped create many lasting memories for your family, it could actually be the bridge that’s leading pests into your house. You don’t have to take the tree down, but you should definitely consider having an arborist take a look at the branches that are close to your attic/roof. Many types of animals and insects use trees for nests, so the closer it is to your house, the likelier you are of having problems.
2. Check Gaps In Doors & Windows
One of the main reasons we determine how insects and small critters are getting inside people’s houses is they have gaps in their doors and windows (or they’re left open). Take a walk around your home, both inside and outside, and reseal any windows and doors that have cracks or gaps to keep bugs out. They can fit in the tiniest of rips too, so check over your screens on your windows and doors while you’re at it.
3. Rinse Your Garbage
Garbage is garbage, right? Well yes, but the dirtier your garbage bins are the likelier you are of seeing bugs and pests in and around your home. Make sure you rinse every container, can and bag that’s had food in it to remove any liquid or crumbs. Try to keep your garbage bins (and even your recycling bins) as clean as possible, especially since they’re usually sitting right against your house or even in your garage. Pests and insects have a very strong sense of smell, raccoons especially. Even if they smell garbage in a closed can, they’ll do anything to find a way inside and that includes damaging your property.
How Do I Keep Bugs Out Of My House Naturally?
Homeowners often ask us how to get rid of bugs or keep them from returning with natural pesticides as to not introduce harsh chemicals to their home. We understand and respect this completely and luckily, there are plenty of natural ways to keep away pests so you can feel rest assured knowing you, your family and pets aren’t at risk of potentially dangerous chemicals. In fact, you may already have many of these ingredients hanging around your home already so rather than rushing to the grocery store for a solution, you can get right to business and keeps pests where they’re meant to be kept: outside.
1. Vinegar
White vinegar is widely used as an ant, spider and fruit fly repellant. Why? It helps to destroy the scents that would otherwise attract these insects as ants and spiders rely on their sense of smell to find food. But with fruit flies, it acts a bit differently. These insects love the smell of vinegar (especially the sweetness of apple cider vinegar). We know what you’re thinking – why would I use vinegar if they love it? We suggest filling a bowl or plastic container with the vinegar and cover it with plastic wrap with a couple of small holes in it. The flies will fly into the covered bowl towards the vinegar but not be able to get back out.
2. Cinnamon
Not only does cinnamon smell amazing and make your mouth water, but it’s a great way to make any pest want to stay outside. Cinnamon sticks can be hung in your closet to repel moths and cinnamon powder can be used at entrances around your home to ward off ants and other bugs as it covers up other scent trails. Have a cinnamon essential oil? Try soaking a cotton ball with the oil and leave it at doorways and windowsills. Ants especially do not like the smell of it and won’t want to enter your home.
3. Orange Peels
After peeling your oranges and eating them, don’t throw out the peels! They can be used for a variety of all-natural purposes around your home, including an insect repellant. Place the peels in a jar and fill it with white vinegar and let them soak for a week or two (if you have time to wait and don’t currently have a bug problem). Transfer the peels and vinegar into a spray bottle and spray around problem areas. This is a great way to keep away spiders, ants and mosquitoes from your doorways and windowsills (and can even work as a wood polisher at the same time!)
Have bed bugs? This nasty pest absolutely hates orange peels as it contains an ingredient that actually kills them almost instantly. Use your mixture of vinegar, orange peels and add in some blackstrap molasses and spray the infected area.
4. Eucalyptus Oil
You’ve probably heard it before, but eucalyptus is a commonly-used method homeowners rely on to get rid of insects in their home, particularly bed bugs, ants, flies, earwigs or mosquitoes as they don’t like the strong scent. So, if you’re having trouble with pests taking over your garden too, make sure to use eucalyptus oil spray on your plants or look into purchasing eucalyptus tree bark mulch. Small doses of eucalyptus oil will not harm your family pet, however, it’s best to make sure they do not ingest large doses of it as it can be toxic.
Leave It To A Pest Control Company
If you’re experiencing issues in or around your home with raccoons, skunks, rats, bats, or even insects, it’s always best to call a pest control company for help. Many homeowners make these top four common wildlife removal mistakes and think they’re solving the problem, but are unintentionally causing more damage to their home and hurting the animals. You can avoid these mistakes right off the bat by calling a local wildlife removal expert who knows precisely what animal or you’re dealing with and how it can be removed humanely, as well as what preventive measures to take in order for you to avoid future complications.
If you’re looking for a reliable wildlife removal service in Burlington that specializes in the humane removal of all animals, contact us today over the phone or by email to learn how we can help you with any wildlife removal inquiries. We only use the safest and most effective wildlife removal solutions around, including quality preventive measures so you never have to worry about another animal control issue again. If you’re on a tight budget but think you could use some professional help, you can also contact us for a free estimate regarding any of our removal services. There are no hidden costs when you work with us. Stop making these common wildlife removal mistakes. We’re only a call away!
Robert Liam Donnell, owner of Wildside Wildlife Removal and Prevention LTD, is a renowned figure in the wildlife removal industry with over eight years of experience. His company, celebrated for its ethical approach, is highly rated on platforms like threebestrated.com. Starting his career at 22, Robert has grown his business into a trusted brand, known for honest and effective wildlife solutions. He has also contributed to public awareness through a radio interview on AM900, discussing wildlife management nuances. An avid skier, golfer, and nature enthusiast, Robert’s personal interests complement his professional dedication. His achievements include high Google ratings for his new business, reflecting his commitment to customer satisfaction and ethical practices. Robert’s advice for success in this field includes persistence, honesty, and prioritizing customer needs. Discover more about his work at Wildside Wildlife Removal, where his passion for wildlife and customer care is evident in every service.
