Start, Stop, and Stick With These Pest Control Habits

The beginning of a new year brings a fresh chance to rethink what we want more (and less) of in our lives. It’s a time to stop habits that aren’t working, start ones that make life easier, and recommit to the routines that already work. 

If one of your goals is a healthier home, pest control plays a big role in creating a happy, comfortable environment. Before the year gets away from you, take a look at the habits you should stop, start, and stick with and use these tips to keep your home pest-free all year long.

Start Doing This

1. Seal small openings as you find them

Pests don’t need much space to get inside. Make it a habit to check around doors, windows, and siding a few times a year and seal any openings you find. This simple task can stop pests from getting into your home altogether. 

2. Pay attention to moisture

What pests love moisture? Almost too many to name. Leaky faucets, clogged gutters, and damp crawl spaces create ideal conditions for insects and rodents. Making sure your home stays dry, especially after heavy rain, can keep pests from sticking around.

3. Complete seasonal home checks

Like the weather, pest prevention looks different each season. Spring is an ideal time to inspect your home’s exterior for cracks or damage, while winter is usually when you need to watch for signs of rodent activity or nesting. Knowing what to look for each season will help keep pest surprises to a minimum.

4. Schedule preventive pest control

You never want to wait until pests become a visible problem. Instead of reacting to infestations, routine treatments help maintain a protective barrier around your home. A few treatments a year can keep your home protected year-round — even when pests are most active. Start protecting your home today with a free home inspection. 

Stop Doing This

1. Ignoring your garage

The garage is often out of sight and out of mind. But it usually has some pest fan favorites: cardboard boxes, pet food, and old storage bins. Keeping your garage organized and belongings sealed helps cut off a major hotspot for pests. 

2. Leaving food sources “almost sealed”

A closed pantry door can still be an open invitation to a hungry pest. And it’s not just your crackers pests are after — spilled crumbs, trash cans without tight-fitting lids, and loose pet food still count as a meal. Switching to sealed containers and keeping your kitchen clean will reduce the smells that draw pests in. 

3. Waiting until pests are obvious

By the time you see frequent activity, pests may already be settled in. Scratching sounds, droppings, damage, and unusual smells are all early warning signs. Addressing these issues quickly helps prevent small problems from becoming expensive ones.

4. Letting landscaping grow unchecked

A lush, green yard is beautiful. But it can be a problem if it becomes too overgrown. Tree limbs touching your house and woodpiles near the foundation create pathways for pests to make the move from the outdoors in. Keep pests’ shelter to a minimum by trimming back vegetation and clearing debris. 

Stick With These Habits

1. Consistent cleaning routines

Regular cleaning removes the crumbs, spills, and hiding spots pests rely on. Paying extra attention to kitchens, bathrooms, and behind appliances helps keep pests from settling in unnoticed.

2. Smart trash management

There’s a reason you see flies and other pests hanging out by the trash — it stinks. Taking trash out regularly and keeping bins sealed is a simple habit that makes a big difference. This is especially important during warmer months when odors travel farther and attract more insects.

3. Routine professional inspections

If you already have regular inspections scheduled, you’re off to a good start. Even quarterly checks can catch early signs of termites, rodents, and seasonal pests before they cause damage. 

4. Staying proactive, not reactive

Pests are persistent. That’s why the most effective pest prevention plans work quietly in the background. Sticking with preventive care helps protect your home all year long, instead of dealing with pests only after they show up. 

We’re Here to Help You Reach Your Goals

Starting new habits is easier when you don’t have to do it alone. If you need help getting started or keeping pests in check along the way, we’re here to help. Contact us to get home protection that will make your year a whole lot more comfortable.