Celebrating National Homeownership Month… Pest-Free

Pest prevention tips that every homeowner needs to know.

Did you know that June is officially named as National Homeownership Month? This month is dedicated to celebrating the American dream of owning your very own household. A great way to celebrate this month is to educate yourself on how to keep your home protected from outside threats. As a homeowner, you should be the first person to know what the best strategies and tips are to keep pesky pests like termites, cockroaches, and wildlife out of your home! 

Termites

Termites cause over $5 billion in damage each year in the United States! When it comes to termite infestations, it’s all about moisture and food supply… so be sure to protect your home with these tips:

• Eliminate or reduce moisture around the home. You can do this by checking that downspouts and gutters are clear and functioning and by installing splash blocks to move draining water away from your home.
• Reduce humidity in crawl spaces with proper ventilation.
• Termites love wood of any type, so removing their food supply is your best bet in preventing them — keep tree branches and shrubs trimmed and away from your house, remove any firewood stacks to a different area of your yard (preferably not touching the ground), and eliminate contact areas between wood and the ground wherever possible.
• Seal all cracks and holes around your home, including where pipes and utilities enter. Termites only need 1/32 of an inch to gain access — that’s the size of three grains of salt!

Cockroaches

Cockroaches are definitely one pest you don’t want to see crawling around your home. These nasty critters can survive on whatever food source is nearby, including hair, sewage or sweets and have been known to carry diseases such as Salmonella, Staphylococcus, Streptococcus and Escherichia coli. Try to prevent them by taking these steps:

• Declutter and straighten up your home – whether it is stacks of books, magazines, movies, or boxes, it is best to keep an open space.
• Store food in thick metal or plastic containers with tight lids.
• Seal cracks and holes, including areas where utilities and pipes enter the home.
• Vacuum your home on a regular basis.  

Wildlife

You certainly don’t want to give rats, squirrels and bats an open invitation to move into your home. When it comes to these mischievous pests, sealing openings and choosing better storage options are a must.

• Your first step is to seal all cracks, crevices and holes that lead from your home to the outdoors — don’t give these guys a chance to get inside!
• Use plastic boxes and store items off the ground if possible, to prevent rats from finding an undisturbed place to nest.
• Tighten up window screens and gutters.
• Use thick plastic or metal garbage cans, and keep bags and lids locked up tight.

Back to the Command Center home!