The new year is finally here! Whether you’re making personal new years resolutions or going with the flow this year, now is the perfect time to reassess your home pest control efforts to make sure you’re protected from common household pests.
Here are some simple pest control resolutions that will help keep your New York home pest-free all year long.
Use Plastic Containers To Store Holiday Decorations
If putting you holiday decorations away is still on your to-do list, we get it; putting everything away after the holidays are over isn’t nearly as fun as decking the halls!
Nevertheless, when you’re putting away your ornaments, lights, and holiday knick-knacks, be sure to store those items properly in plastic totes. Many common household pests like mice, rats, and cockroaches, to name a few, will gravitate toward and even gnaw their way into cardboard boxes. When you’re storing your totes, double down on pest protection by keeping those containers stored off the ground in a clutter-free storage area to minimize potential hiding places for mice and other pests.
Keep Pests Out Of The Kitchen
It is no surprise that pests tend to congregate in kitchens. After all, they get hungry, too! Whether you’re still eating up those holiday leftovers, are in need of a deep clean after hosting guests throughout the holidays, or just need a few reminders for how to keep ants and other pests out of your kitchen, here are some simple tips to knock out kitchen critters.
- Regularly wipe down your countertops and appliances. Pests are drawn to crumbs and spills, so eliminating potential food sources will help keep them away.
- Store your food in airtight, sealed containers, preferably in the refrigerator.
- Take your garbage out frequently—don’t wait until it’s overflowing!
- Look for leaks. Moisture from a leaky faucet can attract a variety of pests like ants, cockroaches, and more.
- Wash dishes as soon as possible; don’t let them accumulate in the sink.
Pest-Proof The Exterior Of Your Home
When it comes to preventing pests in your home, New York homeowners often forget the exterior of the house! Pest-proofing the exterior of your home is just as important as pest-proofing the interior.
It’s a good idea to do a regular visual inspection of the exterior of your home to ensure there aren’t any openings that could be serving as convenient entry points for pests. Many pests need only a tiny amount of clearance to gain entry in your home; for example, even a typical-sized rat only needs a space around the size of a quarter to squeeze through.
When you’re inspecting the exterior of your home, you’ll want to locate any cracks, crevices, or gaps along your home’s foundation, windows, doors, and pipes. Seal any vulnerabilities with caulk or steel wool, cover up any open insulation mice might use as nesting sites, and place a cap on your chimney to prevent wildlife from sneaking inside your home.
Knock Out Pests Year-Round
Sometimes pests make it inside your home even when you’re taking all the right precautions around the house. The single best way to protect your home from common household pests like ants, spiders, cockroaches, rodents, and more year-round is with an annual pest management plan from Knockout Pest Control. We will knock out your pests and keep them down for the count all year long.
To schedule an estimate for your New York home, call 1-800-244-PEST.
