While many pests are harmless to humans, others can carry diseases and parasites that could endanger your family and pets. If you spot insects, rodents, or spiders in your home, you may wonder how they got inside and how to get rid of them. Pest control is an important maintenance task of homeownership, and here are a few critical tips to help keep your space pest-free.

Do: 

Stay on top of repairs. 

Pests are attracted to convenient living spaces where they can find food, shelter, and water. If you ignore broken home components, such as the underside of a sink, you could be unknowingly providing pests with an ideal home environment.

Dripping water can offer pests the moisture they need, while organic materials—like rotting wood—can provide a natural food source. Prevent potential problems by regularly inspecting your home and performing repairs for plumbing, structural issues, and worn components as soon as the issue is discovered. 

Check items before bringing them inside. 

Pests can hitchhike into your home on a package, children’s toy, or blanket used for a picnic. Before bringing items inside, check them carefully for bugs. Shake out blankets and jackets thoroughly, and think about frisking off packages before carrying them in from the doorstep.

Don’t: 

Leave food out. 

Eating at home can generate smells and smudge trails that attract pests, so clean up carefully after meals. Clear the table right after you eat; wash your dishes; and wipe down counters, chairs, and tables with cleaner. For better food storage, keep dry goods in airtight containers. Always keep temperature-sensitive food items in the refrigerator.

Misuse pesticides. 

Pesticides can be exceptionally powerful and, if used improperly, completely ineffective. If you decide to use baits, traps, or contact sprays, read the directions carefully beforehand. For lasting protection against invaders, work with a professional pest control company that knows how to target pests indigenous to your area.

Whether you are concerned about crickets, spiders, or termites in your home, the team at Leitchfield Exterminating can help. These pest control experts serve the Elizabethtown, Glasgow, Bowling Green, and Owensboro, KY, areas. Since their inception in 1975, these trusted professionals have been focused on making homes safer and more comfortable through effective, time-tested pest control methods. Visit their website to learn more about how they can help, or call (270) 234-1295 to schedule service.