8 Tips for Pest Control: How to Keep Bugs Out of Your Home

Pests can be a huge problem for homeowners, and unfortunately, there is no one solution that will work for everyone. In this blog post, we will discuss 8 tips for pest control that should help you get started on ridding your home of unwanted bugs! If you are a resident of Southern California, you can expect to see the following pests try to enter your home: 

Limit Food and Water Availability 

One of the best ways to keep pests out of your home is to make sure that there is no food or water available for them. This means keeping your kitchen clean and free of crumbs, sealing up any gaps or cracks where they might be able to enter, and making sure that you don’t have any leaks or standing water on your property. Pests are natural scavengers, so if any food is left out or crumbs are laying on the floor, chances are they will find it. Make sure to take out your trash as often as possible as this is another way pests can invade your home. 

Seal any Cracks and Crevices 

Inspect the outside of your home and look for any cracks or crevices that might be potential entry points for pests. These can be found in the foundation, around windows and doors, in crawl spaces, and anywhere else where there is a hole or opening. Once you have located these areas, seal them up with caulk or another type of sealant to prevent pests from getting inside. This is arguably the most common reason pests are entering your home, so it's one to make sure you can check off your list. You should also check the weather stripping around doors and windows to make sure it is in good condition and not allowing any pests to slip through. If you have any gaps, simply add more weather stripping or replace what you have. This is a quick and easy fix that can make a big difference.

Clean Drains

A lot of people don't think about their drains when it comes to pest control, but it's actually a really important step. Drains are the perfect breeding ground for all sorts of pests, so you want to make sure they're clean and free of any debris. Once a week, pour some boiling water down each drain to kill any eggs or larvae that might be lurking. You can also use a drain snake or plunger to remove any blockages that might be present. This will help keep your drains flowing freely and make it less likely for pests to take up residence there.

Clean Your Home on a Regular Basis

This one might seem obvious, but it's worth repeating. A clean home is a less inviting target for pests. They're looking for food and shelter, and if your home is free of both of those things, they'll be much less likely to stick around. Vacuum regularly, sweep and mop your floors, and wipe down surfaces. You should also declutter your home as much as possible to give pests fewer places to hide. If you keep your home clean, pests will have a much harder time taking up residence there.

Use Essential Oils Throughout Your Home

Essential oils are a great way to keep pests away. Not only do they smell nice, but they also repel a wide variety of bugs. You can use them in diffusers, make your own sprays, or even just dab a little on your skin before you go outside. Some of the best essential oils for pest control include: 

Keep Pet Food Closed Off

One of the main reasons pests come into our homes is because they’re looking for food. If you have pets, it’s important to keep their food in sealed containers and to clean up any spills immediately. This will help to keep ants, roaches, and other bugs from taking up residence in your home. You should also avoid leaving pet food out overnight. If you do this, you’re essentially inviting pests into your home for a free meal. So be sure to put pet food away before you go to bed each night.

Keep Vegetation Trimmed

Another way to keep pests out of your home is to trim vegetation away from the exterior of your house. This is especially important if you live in an area that’s prone to flooding. When vegetation is left unchecked, it provides a perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes and other insects. If vegetation is hanging close to windows, this is a perfect opportunity for pests to look for openings in screens and enter your home. Be sure to trim back any bushes or trees that are touching your house. You should also remove any dead leaves or debris from around your property. Keeping a well-maintained yard will not only limit the number of pests on your lawn but also limit them from joining you in your house. 

Professional Pest Control

If you have tried all of the methods above, yet you are still noticing nagging pests entering your home, you may need to inquire about professional pest services. Our expert exterminators at the bugman have been servicing the local community around SoCal for 66 years now. We offer same day services and a satisfaction guarantee, so make sure to relieve stress with a pest-free home