Pests are bad news for the health and hygiene of the household. It can be a real terrifying situation for any household as pests are known to cause a lot of damage. They do not just go around spreading diseases but also destroy the structure and other items in the property. Hiring pest control professionals for exterminating pests while also following a set of precautionary tips and tricks is necessary to keep pests away. Read this blog to know more about what can be done to keep your Melbourne home free of pests and insects.
Signs of pest infestation in your property:
Pests can be a huge problem if their colonies remain unchecked and untreated. Mentioned below are some signs to look out for pest infestations in your property. Do not forget to opt for professional assistance after spotting these initial signs of pest infestations:
- Keep an eye out for active pests in the property. For instance, you spot a cockroach in the sink, there are chances there is a bigger colony elsewhere in the house.
- A squeaking, squealing or screeching sound coming from the roof, attic, flooring, and wall cavities is a sign of a pest infestation which you should not ignore at all. Such sounds may be indicators of a termite, rodent, mice or possum infestation.
- Check the hidden spaces in ceilings, crawlspaces, roofs, porch, eaves, and vents etc. for nests made by birds, mice, yellow jackets and rats.
- Unpleasant and weird smells in the property is another sign of a pest infestation. Unexplainable smells also could be a possibility of dead pests trapped in difficult to access areas in the property.
- Sagging present on surfaces of walls, ceiling and floors is a sign of a pest infestation.
- Finding damaged items, chewed plastic containers, furniture, holes in clothes, insulation, electrical appliances are an indication of a rodent infestation.
- Dried spots of bloods and tiny black patches on mattresses, couch, upholstered furniture, bedding, and headboard are a sign of a bed bug infestation. Likewise, if you happen to experience sweet musty smells in the room that is another sign of a bed bug infestation which should not be ignored.
Tips and Tricks to Keep Pests Away:
1. Detailed inspection of the premises
Look for gaps, cracks, and holes throughout the property as these are used by mice, rodents, bed bugs, cockroaches, ants and other such pests to enter any property. Inspect the plumbing, utility pipes, vents, walls, windows, doorframes etc. thoroughly. Doing so will help you in identifying hiding places of pests but also in establishing the scale of the infestation.
2. Sealing all possible entry points
Bugs, bees, smaller insects, spiders, ants, cockroaches can enter into any property through the tiniest of holes. Likewise, rodents, wasps, possums also can enter using small spaces easily. Which is why you need to make sure to seal the identified entry points with sealants, adhesives or any other industrial chemicals. Also you need to inspect the areas around ceilings, roofs, attics, exhaust fans, ducts etc. and have them sealed similarly. This will ensure that no pests get access to your home ever again. Install screens on windows and doors to keep off bugs, worms, spiders, ants and other insects to make way inside.
3. Pest repellent plants
Most pests dislike the smell or even the color of the plant which is actually useful in keeping the insects and bugs away. Place citronella, geranium, lemongrass, mint, lavender, petunia, catnip, rosemary, tea-tree in areas that seem to be used commonly by pests. These plants will repel the pests and make your property unattractive for them. One can also use pitcher plants that eat insects, instead of repelling them!
4. Using essential oils
Dilute a few drops of any essential oil with water and then spray it on all places where you have seen pest activity. This mixture will act to annoy the pests and keep them away from your home in an effective and natural manner.
5. Reduce the food sources
Store pet food and all other eatables in airtight and secure containers that would not be easily accessible to pests. Rodents, cockroaches, ants, moths, flies all contaminate your stored food and feast on it. Ensure there are no uncovered food leftovers on the dining table, kitchen counter or in a way that could be easily accessed by pests. Clean out the cooking appliances as well to prevent roaches and ants from making a meal out of it.
6. Keep your house clean
Dust and dirt are also sufficient to attract pests. Likewise, clutter present in the house in areas such as attics, basement, garage, storerooms, garden sheds are sufficient for pests. They make use of unused woodpile, cardboards, plastics, piles of newspapers lying around for nesting and breeding. By clearing the spaces of these objects, they do not have any hiding places which will eventually repel them from coming to your property.
7. Check and fix leakages
Water sources and leakages by way of the same draws pests for sure. Checking and fixing the leakages from taps, faucets, bathtubs, etc. is useful in controlling pests and their colonies. Do not allow water to get collected in the bird baths and pet bowls. Similarly, make sure to clean out the swimming pool as stale and unclean water can attract bugs, worms and insects.
8. Store trash in tightly-wrapped bins
Bugs, cockroaches, possums, rodents, rats, mice, birds are pests that scavenge through trashcans and bins. They can consume anything in the garbage including leftovers, fruits and vegetable peels, meats, plastics, and any type of waste. Use trashcans which have a tight lid on top as using bins with poor coverage can attract pests thus causing them to grow uncontrollably.
Pests can easily enter into any property that offers them with shelter, food and moisture. They thrive in such surroundings and hence removing all favorable conditions necessary for pests is a step in keeping them off of your property. Home-owners also should routinely opt for inspection and pest control services from professionals which is also essential in repelling pests.