As the new year approaches, you may be considering some new year’s resolutions. The most common new year’s resolutions typically revolve around things like eating better or starting an exercise routine. Your new year’s resolutions, if you have some, probably won’t have anything to do with pest control. However, if you make a few simple changes to your daily routine – changes that are probably easier to stick to than most actual new year’s resolutions – you can reduce your chances of having a pest infestation in 2023. Don’t get us wrong, if you need help with a pest infestation, Arrow Exterminating has your back. We’ve been providing pest control services to Long Island for more than 75 (new) years. But as they say, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. If you take the following steps, you may be able to avoid a pest infestation entirely.
Clearing Clutter
Pests like to hide and nest in quiet, dark, and undisturbed areas. If you have a lot of clutter in your home, you’re inadvertently creating an ideal habitat for pests to hide under or behind. Roaches, mice, and bed bugs all love having easy access to areas where they’ll be able to feed and reproduce without being bothered. That’s why it’s important to be consistently vigilant in combating clutter. Consider renting a storage unit or making a donation run in the new year to help clear out the clutter. Doing this won’t just deter pests, it’ll also leave you with a tidier home and more usable space.
Keeping Your Kitchen Clean
Do you have food unattended on the counter? Are the dishes from last night’s dinner still in the sink? Food is one of the biggest attractants to pests. If you leave food or dirty dishes out you’re increasing the risk that you’ll attract ants, roaches, or rodents. If you prevent dirty dishes from piling up, sweep or vacuum regularly, and properly seal and store food your kitchen will be much less appealing to bugs and rodents in your neighborhood.
Eliminating Entry Points
Pests don’t appear out of thin air. They all get in through some kind of opening in the exterior of your home. So, take the time to find and seal any potential entry points to your home, ideally before temperatures get really cold. Pay special attention to windows and doors, as well as vents, and the gaps around any electrical, gas, or water pipes. Inspecting, and if necessary, installing new weatherstripping or door sweeps on exterior doors can help further secure your home against pests.
Focusing on Firewood
A wood fire in the winter is wonderfully cozy. However, there are a variety of insects that could be hiding in your woodpile and end up inside with the wood. To avoid bringing spiders, ants, and other pests into your home, always check the wood before you bring it inside. Also, only bring in what you plan on burning right away. Also, consider keeping the firewood further away from your home, ideally at least 20 feet away from your home but at the very least, move it so that it’s not resting against your home’s exterior. If you take these precautions, you’ll be able to stay warm without worrying about bringing in pests that want to get out of the cold.
Contact Arrow Exterminating
If you do all this and still wind up with a pest infestation in 2023, Arrow Exterminating is here to help. We’ve been controlling pests around Long Island for over 75 years, so we know the pests that live here and how to eliminate them. When we’re done, you’ll be able to start the new year off right. Want to know more and get a free quote for your household? Contact us today!
