DETERRING HOUSEHOLD PESTS

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Photo courtesy of Wikipedia Public Domain

For deterring household pests, the first job is to check around the outside of the house

Deterring Household Pests

Keep the structure and building of your house in good order. Be watchful for unexpected pest lures.

• Is there any damage around your doors and windows causing gaps through which unwanted pests and rain could find entrance.
• Check the damp proof course. A faulty course could allow damp to enter the house which will encourage rot in the timbers.
• Are there any broken or defective drains that provide entry into the house for rats?
• Look for where outside pipes enter the house and check the airbricks. Are there any handy gaps where small creatures such as mice could squeeze through?
• Is there anything stored just outside the house attracting pests, such as the dustbin or a composting bin or any piled rubbish waiting for sorting or collection?
• Check the roof for cracked or missing tiles or slates, blocked or broken gutters and damaged flashings.
• Are your roof timbers treated against woodworm?
• Check the chimney for damage. Birds, bats and many bugs can enter quite small openings. If the chimney is unused, is it capped? Rain entering via the chimney will cause dampness that will in time attract mould growth.

Check, Declutter and Organize the Home

• If any pests get into the house make sure there is nothing available for them to eat.
• A vacuum cleaner used regularly is an excellent tool for pest control. Do remember to vacuum all areas of the house especially those hidden areas that are difficult to reach!
• If flying insects are a problem install fly screens over windows and doors.

Keeping out Household Pests

All photos courtesy of Wikipedia Public Domain Deterring Household Pests

• Do not store old papers and fabrics in the loft. These items are very handy nest making material for mice and other little creatures.
  
• Clear out and clean your clothes cupboards regularly. This will discourage clothes moths.
  
• Keep a good account of foods stocks in the larder. Always use the earliest dated food-stuffs first.
• Do not allow food stocks to linger and rot in the larder. Breathing in mould spore is very unhealthy.
  
• Do wash out and recycle old food tins and drinks bottles. Do not leave them lying around as any food morsels or liquid drops will be a party invitation to household pests.
  
• Do not leave any unwanted, left-over foods or crumbs lying around. Place the wanted foods into the fridge and wrap any refuse well, before throwing it into the dustbin.
  
• Empty and wash out your dustbin regularly. Overflowing dustbins encourage flies and rats.
  
• To discourage flies and insects from the dustbin especially in the Summer, spray the bin with a suitable insecticide.
  
  Remember to declutter and organize your home. Keep it well maintained and clean. This tips will go a long way to deterring many of the common household pests.
  
  
  
  

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