Having unwanted critters and pests in your house is bad for several reasons. Not only can pests lower your property damage, but they can also carry diseases and harm your family as well. It’s also worth mentioning that smaller pests, like roaches and mosquitos, lure larger pests, like scorpions and spiders, into your home. The good news is that a few simple tips are all you need to keep your home pest-free.
1. Keeping Raccoons Out of Your Chimney
Everyone knows that raccoons like getting into trashcans, but they also like getting into unprotected chimneys too. Usually, they won’t come all the way into the house when this happens but they can and will use your chimney as a breeding ground. The best way to get rid of raccoons in the chimney is by using substances with strong smells like vinegar or commercial raccoon repellant. Once the raccoons are gone, it’s a good idea to clear out their nesting and put a cap on the chimney so that they can’t come back. It’s also worth mentioning that while most raccoons are pretty easy-going by nature, they can catch rabies and can be aggressive if infected.
2. Protecting Your Crawlspace
The crawlspace under your home is also a tempting place for raccoons as well as mice, rabbits, opossums, and rats. Stray cats and dogs may also take up residence there as well. The best way to keep critters out of your crawlspace is to fortify it with insulation and maybe even a dehumidifier. One of the things that attract animals to your crawlspace is the humidity, so keeping it nice and dry will make it less appealing to unwanted guests.
3. Sealing Doors and Windows
One of the most overlooked places when it comes to keeping critters out of your home are your doors and windows. Improperly sealed openings such as these can let in several pests such as ants, mosquitos, mice, and flies. Making sure that all of your windows and doors seal properly when shut and fortifying them with insect screens can be a big help in keeping your home pest-free.
4. Ultrasonic Repellants
If you don’t like the idea of using chemical means to get rid of pests, you can try using ultrasonic pest repellants. These devices plug into an outlet and emit a constant ultrasonic noise that will deter pests such as mice and certain insects. The great thing about these devices is that humans can’t hear the ultrasonic frequency so you won’t even notice they’re there.
Prevention is the Key
When it comes to dealing with unwanted critters in your home, prevention is a better strategy than focusing on temporary fixes. Once you get rid of the pests that are giving you problems, make sure that you take the necessary steps to prevent them from returning. Not only is this safer, but it is also more cost-effective as well. By taking the proper action, you can make sure that your home is pest free and will stay that way for years to come.
