There are many more insects and other small animals in the world than people, which means we are sharing the planet with them, but it’s best if they remain outdoors and don’t have them inside. Having a company doing regular building and pest inspections on the Gold Coast is the best way to ensure your home is in good condition and pest free.
The following tips will help prevent pests in your home.
By eliminating the conditions that appeal to pests it will help to stop them coming inside
Plants and Vegetation
Trim trees or bushes that touch or overhang your home as these make access to your home too easy for all manner of pests. Mulch is very attractive and provides an ideal shelter for a multitude of pests, keep it well away from buildings and foundations
Doorways and Windows
Many pests wiggle their way through very small cracks, gaps and holes so having tight fitting doors and windows is essential for keeping them out. Repair warped or broken doors, windows or screens. Insect screens should have a mesh size 200 holes per inch or more
Gaps and Cracks
Many homes have gaps, crevices or cracks around the exterior where pests can enter. Check foundations, flooring, weatherboards, roof tiles and iron flashings as well as any pipe work or places where utility lines enter. These places should be sealed with steel wool or mortar that can’t be chewed through.
Flotsam and Jetsam
Keep all outside areas including decks and pathways clear of rubbish, litter, leaves, weeds and standing water to remove pests hiding places. All rubbish bins should have tight fitting lids and be kept away from buildings, if there’s nothing for pests to feed on they will look elsewhere.
Lights
Lights attract flying insects which in turn attract other predatory pests. Replacing standard white lights with pink, orange or yellow tinted bulbs will help to deter many flying insects. Instead of having lights on buildings, place them on poles away with the light shining back towards the building, this not only keeps insects away it’s better for safety issues.
Interior Gaps
Many small gaps are only viable from inside. Check around cupboards, behind and under stoves, fridges, kitchen and bathroom fittings, vents and air conditioning ducting. All these areas need to be sealed.
Drains
Areas such as kitchens, laundries and bathrooms commonly have floor drains, these as well as sink, hand basin, bath and laundry tubs, shower trays and toilet pans all need to be inspected for leaks and debris that could act as food or breeding sites for pests.
Recycled Items
All items being stored for recycling need to be washed and stored in a vermin proof container away from buildings
Food Storage
Avoid storing food in open containers, use jars with tight fitting lids and store fresh vegetables in vermin proof areas. Always remove old, stale or perished foods promptly so they don’t attract pests.
Keeping your home clean and clear of rubbish and in good repair helps reduce the ability of pests to enter and find food in or around your home. Call your local building and pest inspections company on the Gold Coast to provide regular checks on your home to keep you pest free.
