Pest Control! Keeping Unwanted Visitors Out This Winter
Christmas is coming, and the only visitors you want are friends and family. There comes a time when most of us have to deal with household pests. If you’re keen to keep unwanted intruders out this winter, bear these pest control tips in mind!
Preventing ant infestations
If you spot one ant, it’s very unlikely that it’s a solo traveler. Before you know it your kitchen may be swarming. The best way to keep ants out is to ensure you don’t leave food out. Ants tend to be drawn to leftovers, so tidy up after yourself, and keep the kitchen surfaces clean. Brush the floor, and put the trash out. Keep doors and windows closed, and mop your floors frequently.
Keeping spiders out
The spider is one of the most dreaded house guests. When it’s cold outside, you tend to notice more and more spiders seeking shelter in your home. If you’re keen to keep spiders out, there are various things you can do. Firstly, keep your windows and doors closed. Secondly, add a seal to door frames. Patch up any holes or cracks in the walls. If you’ve already got unwelcome guests, use vinegar spider repellant. All you have to do is put down a dish filled with liquid soap and apple cider vinegar. It’s also a good idea to make sure you keep food in sealed plastic boxes.
Dealing with mice and rats
Have you noticed droppings on the kitchen floor? Can you hear scratching and scrabbling at night? If so, you may have rats or mice. You can put traps down, or call a pest control firm. To prevent further problems, plug holes in walls and underneath doors. Store food in airtight containers, and keep your kitchen as clean as possible. If you have a cat, letting it roam free at night might deter uninvited visitors.
Facing up to fleas
If you have pets, you’ll probably have to deal with fleas at once in your lifetime. Fleas are tiny creatures, which jump on and off animals and humans. The first warning sign is usually noticing your pet scratching. Fleas tend to be found near the ears and tail, so look out for your pet scratching in these areas. You may also notice flea feces on your bed linen or in the pet’s bedding. These tiny black specks turn brown on contact with water. If you do notice these signs, comb your pets. Fill a beaker with soapy water, and place any fleas you find straight into the cup. You’ll have to be quick, as fleas move rapidly. Once you’ve combed your pet, vacuum the entire house. Wash bed linen and towels at a high temperature Or, to avoid the hassle, you can just contact a pest control company to get all the work done. For instance, if you live in New Jersey, you can consider taking a bed bug treatment nj for safe and effective bed bug removal. Getting this treatment once in a few weeks would be more than enough. Ask your vet about flea treatments.
At Christmas time, the only guests we want to worry about are close friends and family members. The last thing you want is to be stripping beds or trying to fill cracks in the wall on Christmas Eve. Take these tips on board, and hopefully, you’ll keep those unwanted pests at bay.
