Bug Prevention 101

The first step to getting rid of bugs is making sure they never get there in the first place.
Alyssa Ruane,

Why are bugs so interested in hanging out in our homes? I mean, I get it. My house is warm, stylish, and there's almost always food on the ground, but that doesn't mean I've got an open-door policy for creepy crawlers. 

In fact, I'd much rather bugs didn't take respite in my cozy quarters. They just kind of ruin the vibe, you know?

Luckily, Damon Milotte, Vice President of Tailor Made Lawns, is offering his best advice for keeping critters away from your home in the first place. Turns out there are lots of little changes you can make to your lifestyle that will greatly reduce the chance of bugs becoming full-time guests in your home.

 

How to Prevent Bugs from Entering Your Home

The key to bug prevention is to make sure your house is as least bug-friendly as possible. Ensure you're taking the precautionary steps below, and you'll see a lot less bug action happening in your living areas.

 

The Kitchen

  • Keep food in sealed containers
  • Store fruits and veggies in the fridge, not on display
  • Use a trash can with a lid
  • Clear kitchen drains of any food
  • Ensure countertops are clean. You can wipe down surfaces with a mixture that's 1-part water and 1-part vinegar to eradicate any food particles and odors that may have been left behind.
  • Vacuum, sweep, and mop floors regularly to get rid of any little bits of food that might be invisible to you but very visible to bugs.
  • Store pet food away after feeding them. Don't keep it on the floor.
  • Don't leave dirty dishes hanging around.

 

Bathrooms

  • Get rid of standing water in the sinks and tubs
  • Inspect pipes regularly to make sure they're not leaking. Fix any leaky faucets and pipes.
  • Prevent humidity build-up during showers with a bathroom fan
  • Seal any openings where plumbing may be coming through
  • Empty garbage cans regularly
  • Keep it clean

 

Openings around the home

Inspect the below areas to make sure all of them are sealed. Seal with caulk if they are not; bugs can sneak in through these spots without you even knowing it.

  • Doors
  • Floors
  • Baseboards
  • Walls
  • Cabinets
  • Screens

This article appears in the March 2017 issue of Charlotte at Home.
Categories: Charlotte @Home

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