Did you know that there are so many insects they comprise 75% of the animal kingdom? So, it’s no wonder that, when they infest homes, they do so in large numbers, making them hard to get rid of.

The good news is that there are ways to keep not only insects but other household pests out of your home. We’ve compiled some of the top pest control tips in this guide, so make sure you read on!

1. Take the Bridge Down

There are at least 14 different diseases directly transmitted by mice and rats to humans. From Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome to leptospirosis, many of these are serious illnesses.

These rodents can find their way into your home through tree branches near your roof. They use their super-sharp fingers, called phalanges, to latch on to surfaces. They use these to climb tree trunks, cross branches, and leap and land on other places, such as your roof.

From there, they can gnaw away on your roof structure to gain entry to your home.

So, make it a habit to trim branches near your roof, especially the low-lying ones. Be sure there’s a gap of at least two yards from the closest branch to your roof.

2. Block Their Way In

The American roach may stand 12 mm tall, but it can squeeze through an opening as tiny as 3 mm. The CDC also says that mice can get past through a nickel-sized hole.

Many other pests have tiny but flexible bodies they use to their advantage to enter the tiniest gaps.

With that said, one of the best ways on how to keep pests out is to use window screens. This way, you can still open your windows for proper ventilation and some refreshing air. Make sure to seal and patch up leaks in your windows and doors, too.

3. Contain the Attractants

Insects and rodents have an incredible sense of smell that lets them pick up odors from afar. For example, ants have 400 odorant receptors, honeybees have 174, and mosquitoes have up to 158. They use their olfactory senses to detect sources of nutrition, such as your food.

So, if you always leave food out in the open, it won’t take long before you see signs of pests. This includes cooked food, left-overs, and food or beverage spills.

As such, always make it a habit to store food in containers with tight lids. Don’t leave dirty dishes in the sink, either, as these will attract ants, flies, roaches, and rodents. Clean food and liquid spills promptly, not only to get rid of their odors but also to avoid surface stains.

4. Call in the Pros

According to Pegasus Pest Control, bed bugs are almost impossible to get rid of without the pros. The same is true for termites, as once you see them swarm, that usually means you have a severe infestation. Visible pest droppings all over your home also indicate large pest populations.

In such cases, your best bet is to invest in professional pest control services. This is especially important for pesticide-resistant pests like bed bugs and roaches. Experts say that integrated pest management (IPM) is the only way to control such critters.

Keep Those Critters Out With These Pest Control Tips

As you can see, some of the best pest control tips involve simple home maintenance, such as tree trimming. Good hygiene practices, like cleaning up food spills and dishes right away, can also help. However, if you’ve already seen signs of infestation, it’s best to ring up a local pest control company.

Ready for more tips and tricks to help keep your home healthy and livable? Feel free to check out our other informational guides then!