Buffalo Grove is an amazing place to live, given its spacious parks and family-friendly neighborhoods. However, as with other towns, it has been home to some pests. From rodents to bed bugs and mosquitoes, such unwelcome guests can be more than just an annoyance. A lot of pests, including rats, mice, and cockroaches can pose health risks to your loved ones. Thankfully, there are several ways to control pest populations. It’s just important to know when to contact a pest control team from Pointe Pest Control to help you eliminate an active infestation and prevent one from happening again in the future. As a homeowner, there are steps you can take to protect your family from these unwanted visitors. These include the following:
Block Off Entry
Pests will look for a way inside, especially if they have detected the presence of a good source of food, water, or shelter. They can get inside through tiny cracks in the foundation, windows, or walls. To block off entry, inspect your home from the inside and outside first. Check for gaps around windows and doors and seal them using weather stripping. Use caulk to fill cracks in walls, particularly around vents and pipes. Also, repair, damaged window or door screens to prevent flying insects from entering. Sealing up such entry points makes it more difficult for pests to invade your living space.
Keep the Kitchen Clean
Pests can make a buffet out of what’s available in your kitchen. Food crumbs, spills, and food scraps can attract ants, mice, and cockroaches. By keeping this space clean, you can prevent an infestation from happening. To make your kitchen less attractive to pests, wipe down counters and sweep the floor regularly. Ensure food is stored in airtight containers, particularly cereals, pet food, and grains. Take out the trash every day and use a can that has a tight-fitting lid. Clean the dishes immediately after every meal as pests love leftovers.
Eliminate Sources of Standing Water
Mosquitoes can spread harmful diseases such as West Nile virus, dengue fever, malaria, and more. They like standing water. Given the rainy seasons in Buffalo Grove, standing water is usually present in yards. You must address this to ensure your property does not become a breeding spot for tiny pests. Empty water from birdbaths, flower paths, and gutters regularly. If outdoor faucets and houses are leaking, fix them right away. Keep the law properly drained, so puddles do not form. By getting rid of standing water, you will minimize the population of mosquitoes and other pests around your house.
Keep the Yard Clean
Before some pests can invade your home, they can start in your yard. Woodpiles, tall grass, and overgrown bushes create the ideal hiding spots for insects, rodents, and other pests. To prevent this from happening, keep the lawn mowed and trim bushes away from your home. Also, ensure firewood is stored twenty feet or more from your house. Get rid of hiding spots for pests by raking up debris and leaves.
Check for Bed Bugs After a Trip
Buffalo Grove is also a home for bed bugs. These blood-sucking pests hitch rides on clothing, luggage, and furniture. They can enter your home without being noticed. So, after traveling, examine your luggage and wash clothes in hot water. Be cautious when bringing used furniture into your house. If you spot tiny bloodstains on your bedsheet or small red bites on your skin, check your mattress for bed bugs.
Call a Pest Control Expert as Necessary
Sometimes, no matter your best efforts, pests can still enter your home. If you spot a growing infestation or signs of pests, call a pest control professional. This professional has the expertise, tools, and equipment to deal with pests safely and quickly.