Pests such as rats, cockroaches, moths and flies are the leading cause of many public health concerns. Every day, households are plagued with pests, with a shocking 14 million homes (out of 124 million) reporting roach sightings in the past year. 

According to the USGS, Texas ranks among the top five states in the U.S. with the most pesticide problems, following Kansas, Illinois, Washington, and California. Unfortunately, people living in these states turn to expensive resorts to combat this concern, unaware of alternative methods. To offer some convenience, this article lists some hacks that can make your homes pest and vermin-free.

1.   Calling in Professional Pest control services

Pest control services are the best option for an infestation that seems out of control. Although an expensive process, it remains the most trusted and is guaranteed to free your house of pesky pests.

Using a spray, the control team delves deep into all the corners of your home, leaving no trace for any pest to run or hide. Professionals know how to take care of the trickiest pests, so you can rest assured that the process will leave your home 100% pest-free; learn more here. However, be aware that pest control may leave your house with a funny smell of chemicals. You may even have to move out for a time, but this will definitely be worth the effort. 

Fortunately, if you’re living in Texas, the state is home to some of the most effective and reputed pesticide services in the country. No matter which area you’re located in, you will find many fast services available that’ll come to your doorstep in no time. To ease the process, you can even use the Google search bar. For instance, if you’re in Austin, just type: “Pest Control Austin TX,” and you’ll be directed to one of the best pest control services available throughout the state. 

2.   Cleaning out the breeding grounds for Pests and Insects

Kitchens are the most common pest breeding grounds in a typical household. Hence, keeping this part of the house is essential if you want to keep it pest-free. 

Kitchens provide a favorable environment for pest infestation due to the abundance of food fragments. You must ensure to clear the residue as soon as you’re done with cooking. Clean the counters and wash the dishes before turning off that light! Any remaining food particle will attract thousands of vermin and pests, making it their new favorite feeding ground.

When cleaning your kitchen, you should also consider looking behind kitchen appliances such as microwaves and ovens. These dark nooks and crannies act as shelters where rats and roaches can breed and venture out for food when no one is around. Use a store-bought disinfectant to clean your countertops and cooking grills. It can be quite effective in eliminating food grease—a food source for vermin. 

Don’t forget to wash all the dishes as dirty dishes left out overnight add fuel to the fire. The food waste and leftovers are like a welcome party for rats and other tiny creatures to crawl and feast on. 

3.   Keeping an eye out for the sources

Bathrooms are equally responsible for attracting this unwanted attention. You should regularly keep in check for any sightings of rats or roaches near your bathroom, as they multiply quickly and can spread to other rooms in no time. 

Since bathrooms have many pipelines and sewage connections, vermin can easily crawl in and out of drains and sinks. Therefore, it is essential to clean these sensitive areas regularly. Keeping the drains clean (clearing out any clogged hair and cleaning outgrowing moss inside toilet tanks) limits food supply for pests and dramatically reduces their number. 

Another helpful tip is to disinfect your bathroom every alternate day. For the best results, spray over the sink and toilet bowl with disinfectant. Fill it with rodenticides for the best results.

4.   Avoiding common pest-luring mistakes

Stagnant water left for long periods causes a foul stench which attracts mosquitoes. As a result, they get into homes and become a leading cause of malaria, one of the most deadly diseases in the world. In the aftermath of heavy rains or morning car washes, you should wipe any remaining water dry or push it into the drains, so it doesn’t accumulate and risk moss.

Rugs, carpets and even clothes are prone to moisture in certain weather conditions, which can be hazardous to health. Any damp item will lure pests seeking shelter in wet and humid places. Therefore, keep an extra eye out for damp fabrics, and alternatively check cupboards for moisture stench. If you suspect anything, immediately put the fabric out in the sun to dry. Direct sunlight also possesses the power to kill any hidden bacteria that may show up after it’s dried. 

5.   Taking all the necessary precautions

Secure your home entry points, such as windows and doors, with nets to keep the bugs out. If you live in an area where spiders and moths are common, these nets have small meshes, which keep insects at bay while allowing air to pass through. Moreover, for added mosquito protection, you can secure your bedside with mosquito nets. 

In Conclusion

While bugs and mites might seem insignificant, they are a threat to our health and well-being. Carry a myriad of diseases, viruses and bacteria crawl out of unhygienic spaces like gutters and sewage lines to which we become victims. It is therefore essential that we keep an eye out, take all necessary precautions, and do everything we can to keep them out of our way. By following the steps mentioned above, you can successfully protect yourself and your family from any illness. 

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