Silverfish, beetles, and other bugs try to cope during the coldest months of the year by seeking shelter in the frames and floorboards of residential homes. Due to these seasonal infestations, pest control becomes an absolute necessity during the wintertime. To prevent your house from becoming an insect breeding ground or a rodent refuge, consider the following ways you can protect your home from pest problems.

5 Productive Pest Control Habits

1. Dispose of Debris

Practice proper pest control by clearing your outdoors of debris. Because termites feed on dead wood, limit their food supply by getting rid of any fallen branches or firewood near your house. Throwing away plastic bags, cardboard boxes, and other rubbish decreases the places insects can hide on your property.

2. Wash Your Clothes

One of the best ways to prevent bed bugs from breeding in your home is to keep on top of laundry. Along with pillowcases, sheets, and mattresses, bed bugs are notorious for nesting in clothing. Avoid attracting bed bugs by picking clothes piles off of your floor, thoroughly washing fabrics in a washing machine, and drying them on high heat in the dryer. This will eliminate any insects in the garments.

3. Clean Your House

Sanitizing your home with cleaning products is a simple, successful way to protect your residence from pests. Keep colonies of ants from swarming your kitchen by not allowing dishes to collect in the sink, scrubbing spills off of countertops, and routinely sweeping the floor. Additionally, regularly clean rooms where you eat, such as the living room and dining room.

4. Close Crannies

Stop mice, rats, and other rodents from entering your home by blocking common entrances. Install screens over vents to stop critters from climbing down your chimney. Make sure all windows stay tightly closed, and caulk if necessary. Walk the perimeter of your home and look for any holes that could be letting pests enter. 

5. Hire a Pest Control Professional

Although stores carry pesticides and other pest control solutions, using them can pose a hazard to your family. Instead, put pest problems in the hands of professionals. Equipped with eco-friendly chemicals and topnotch equipment, exterminators can identify problem spots, prevent populations from spreading, and treat your home for termites.

Family-owned and -operated since 1971, the expert exterminators at Southeast Termite & Pest Control are passionate about assisting communities in Knoxville, TN, and the surrounding areas with premium pest control services. A BBB-accredited and award-winning business, their team of trained technicians is dedicated to providing clients with guaranteed termite treatments, reliable rodent control, and more. Call (865) 925-3700 to schedule service, learn more about their services online, and like them on Facebook to learn how this premiere pest control company has provided 46 years of complaint-free service.