Top Ten Pest Prevention Tips

You’d think a company who eliminates pests would say that all bugs are bad but that’s simply not the case. Here at All-American Pest Control, we realize insects have value in their natural environment. Our beef with pests (and this includes insects and rodents) is when they sneak under the door or through a crack in the foundation and start getting comfortable in someone else’s home. So with that in mind, we’ve put together our top 10 pest prevention tips to help homeowners in Nashville and Middle Tennessee keep pests out.

1. Seal off all points of entry. Did you realize a mouse only needs a ¼ of an inch opening to get inside? It’s true these critters can flatten themselves enough to slip through fairly small gaps and cracks. Just imagine what else can slip through if a mouse can. Set up a good defense by sealing any cracks or gaps in the foundation or elsewhere on the exterior. Replace window screens that are ripped or torn. You should also check areas where utility lines enter to make sure that pests cannot slip inside.

2. Keep gutters clear and downspouts aimed in the right direction. Clogged gutters that cause water to pool practically invite mosquitoes to breed. They may attract other pests as well. Clean leaves and other debris out of your home’s gutters often or consider installing a gutter protection system that will do the job for you. When downspouts are directed toward the foundation, water is allowed to pool right next to the house. Unfortunately this attracts a variety of pests including termites. Make sure all downspouts are aimed away from the house and that they are also free of clogs.

3. Keep all trees and shrubs away from the house. When tree limbs, shrubs and other plants touch the exterior of the house, whether the roof or the side of the dwelling, they create a bridge for opportunistic pests. You can correct this easy access by keeping trees trimmed back so that there’s no overhang. Regular pruning of shrubs and other landscape elements will also help prevent this from occurring.

4. Remove anything that collects water. Mosquitoes only need a small amount of water in order to breed and pests love moisture. Whether it’s rainwater in an empty flowerpot or stagnant water from a birdbath, you can be sure they’ll find the water and use it. Remove any item that could collect water. You should also refresh water in birdbaths and kiddie pools and keep your pool or hot tub covered when not in use.

5. Feed your pets inside. By leaving pet food outside for any length of time, you’re almost inviting foraging pests to your home. If there’s a food source available, they will find it. Feed your pets inside or pick up their bowls as soon as they’ve finished.

6. Stack firewood away from the house. Do you have a fire pit in your backyard or a fireplace inside your home? If you answered yes to either question, you probably have firewood stacked up somewhere but hopefully not in a pile abutting your home or worse inside. Pests like woodpiles. Spiders, ants, rodents, all kinds of critters can be found among the logs. If you put firewood in close proximity to your house, those pests may venture in.

7. Manage your trash. Dirty or uncovered trash containers will attract pests. It’s like a buffet really. Keep them out of your trash by storing it in containers that have tight fitting lids. You should also clean them regularly both inside and out.

8. Cleanliness in the kitchen is a must. Crumbs on the counters, drink spills on the floor and even grease buildup by the oven attracts bugs and are actually a food source. Take care of this by cleaning up spills or messes as soon as they occur. Clean around and under kitchen appliances often and never leave opened food on the counters.

9. Say goodbye to clutter. You might be ambivalent about cardboard boxes piled up high in the garage or closets filled to the brink. Unfortunately, pests including brown recluse spiders love this type of clutter because it provides them with multiple places to hide. Recycle boxes, use plastic containers to store items and organize storage areas.

10. Address moisture issues. As we’ve mentioned before, pests not only love water, they need the moisture to survive. If you have a pipe leaking water, a bathroom that’s not well-ventilated or wood that has been damaged by water you’re going to attract pests including wood destroying termites and carpenter ants. Repair pipes and appliances that are leaking, replace wood that is rotting or has been damaged by water and address rooms that have ventilation problems or that are damp or humid.

Benjamin Franklin was a smart fellow. Not only was he a scientist, inventor and writer, he saw the benefits of being proactive. After all, he is credited with the saying an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Now we realize he was not speaking of pests when he mentioned this but it holds true just the same. In order to prevent pests, remember it essential to eliminate food, water and shelter. When you do that you stand a better chance of enjoying a pest-free home.

And of course, should you discover ants in the kitchen, a mouse in the house or other pests lurking about, contact All-American Pest Control of Nashville to discuss our home pest control solutions.