Pest-Free Thanksgiving
Imagine this scenario. You’re having a lovely Thanksgiving dinner with your family and friends and seemingly out of nowhere, an unwanted guest makes their presence known. No, we’re not talking about a disinherited relative—we’re talking about outdoor pests such as rodents, roaches, spiders, ants, lady beetles and boxelder bugs. These critters often seek shelter indoors during the fall and can throw your dinner party guests for a loop. To avoid this embarrassing scenario, our experts at Clark’s Termite & Pest Control make the following preventive recommendations for a pest-free holiday meal.
1. Perform Seasonal Home Checks for Access Points
Do a perimeter check of your home to inspect for any cracks or holes in your roofing or foundation. Check for any gaps around doors and windows. These are common access points for small animals, insects and rodents seeking shelter, so you’ll want to repair any damage you discover before the holiday season arrives.
2. Remove Lawn Debris and Trim Back Trees Near the Home
Pests often take respite in damp, dark areas such as stacks of wood and piles of leaves. Remove landscaping debris regularly to prevent unwanted visitors from hanging out near the home. Trimming back certain types of trees can reduce the number of pests such as boxelder bugs that are notorious for making a fall entrance into homes in large numbers. You can also prevent the entry of raccoons and squirrels who use branches near the home to get inside the attic.
3. Secure Outdoor Containers
Garbage bins, compost piles and recycling containers can attract unwanted pests looking for shelter and/or food. Secure such containers with lids and latches and place them away from the house if possible. After all, if you’re feeding the critters outdoors, they might be more interested in seeing what goodies you have indoors.
4. Keep a Tidy Home
Perform seasonal cleanings in more than just spring. Get down and dirty in corners, pantries, cabinets and other areas that are often neglected during daily cleanings. Keeping a clean kitchen is a powerful defense against attracting pests indoors. If you have carpet or upholstered furnishings, regular vacuuming can help eliminate small insects and remove any legs they may have laid during their stay.
5. Regular Professional Pest Inspections
The best prevention against pest home invasions is to have a pest control specialist come out periodically and inspect your home for any signs of infestations. These experts can also help detect any potential access points and make recommendations as needed. Even if there are no signs of pests currently, pest control professionals can offer preventive measures to ensure there’s no pests crashing your Thanksgiving dinner plans.
Pest Control Prevention and Eradication Services
If you want to make sure your Thanksgiving dinner is free of unwanted pests, contact Clark’s Termite & Pest Control today to schedule a consultation with one of our pest control professionals.
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