The Importance of Home Maintenance: Pest Control

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Termites and other wood-destroying organisms can destroy a home in no time. Even if you have stucco on the outside, you have wood under the stucco. If a piece breaks off, termites and other bugs can get inside and destroy the walls. Wood is everywhere in our homes. Even block homes have wood in them. The trusses for the roof and the floor joists are usually wood. Keeping pests away from the house is part of maintenance that every homeowner should address.

Ways to Keep Pests Away From Your House

If your home does not have shrubs, flowers and bushes next to it, don’t plant anything there except for low flowers or shrubs. Keep them at least a foot away from the house. Plants are like superhighways into your home for bugs and rodents. If you do keep bushes next to your home, be sure to keep them trimmed at least a foot away from the house, and pick up any plant debris such as leaves and grass cuttings.

Termites are not the only bugs to worry about. Fleas, gnats, mosquitoes and other bugs make their home around your house. These bugs bite and are usually make spending time outside uncomfortable. Be sure you don’t have anything that will hold water near your house, such as old tires, empty flower pots or birdbaths. Items that hold water are a big invitation for pests.

Keeping Pests Away

If you prefer not to hire a pest control company, you can often do your own pest control as long as you keep up with it and keep the area around your house free from debris. Always choose a pest control spray that is from a known brand and follow the instructions faithfully. If you have other pests that are not common, such as Japanese beetles or you are getting overrun with Asian ladybugs, always read the label to see if the product you choose will control these types of bugs.

You could also try planting certain flowers and herbs that are known to keep pests away. For example, basil, garlic and lavender all tend to keep mosquitoes away. You could plant one or all of these, or create a garden with several plants to keep a variety of bugs away from the house. If you have pets be careful with some plants as they may be poisonous to cats and dogs.

Chemicals and Pets

If you have pets, be sure to keep them away from the areas you sprayed until the spray dries. The instructions for the spray usually include information that will help keep your pets safe. If you need to spray your entire yard, spray a section at a time, so animals have available outdoor space while you wait for the treated area to be ready for use again.