It doesn’t matter if you are heading away for Thanksgiving, taking a Christmas break, planning an annual vacation, or simply want a weekend of sunshine. You need to make pest control planning part of your checklist. If you’re not at home the pests will have free rein and that’s not something you want to come home to.
Fortunately, you can use this pest control checklist to eliminate any concerns.
Start With An Inspection
You can check here to find your local pest control expert. This is something you should have done every year and, ideally, not too close to the holidays. It’s better to add it to your checklist a month before.
You can find out more here about the service these experts offer. But, a month will give them enough time to identify any issue and resolve it.
Of course, they will also advise you regarding the best way to prevent the pests from coming back in.
Having an inspection doesn’t just eradicate any pests, it gives you peace of mind.
Cleaning Process
A crumb is nothing to you but it can be a feast to a mouse. It’s time to make sure your home is clean. That means wiping all the surfaces down, preferably with a disinfectant. Once that is done you should vacuum the floor and mop it, again with a little disinfectant.
Wipe surfaces after you have used them and try to prevent the crumbs from falling on the floor. It helps to vacuum daily.
Storing Food
Food is very attractive to pests, that’s why you need to make sure it is stored properly. The best approach is to use sealed plastic or metal containers. These block the smell of the food and make it difficult for the pests to get to.
Any open packet should be placed in a sealed container, you can even empty unopened ones into containers if you wish.
Remove Clutter
Clutter is simply a pile of things that haven’t been used for a while. Any pile in your home represents a potential hiding place for pests. If the pile doesn’t move it can be a hiding place and a home. Eliminate clutter in your home and in your yard, if you have one. This reduces the possibility of pests coming to your home.
Check Entry Points
The holidays are often a time when flowers or greenery are brought into the home for decoration. However, before you bring anything in check it is pest-free. You don’t want to make it easy for them!
Alongside this, take a look at the exterior walls of your home. You are likely to find cracks and gaps that will allow pests into your home. They can get through surprisingly small gaps. Seal the gaps and block the entry points. This is one of the most effective ways to keep pests out.
Check Your House
The above precautions will help to ensure your home is not invaded by pests. But, if you are going to be away for a few weeks it’s a good idea to get a friend to check your home. They will spot any signs of pest problems and be able to take appropriate action for you.
Of course, if you’ve taken the right precautions the risk is very low.
