Just like you, pests and wild animals need shelter. Unfortunately for you, your home may provide the safety and refuge many insects, mice or other unwanted pests are looking for. So, how can you prevent your home being invaded by these pesky critters? We’ve compiled a few key ways you can prevent insects and other pests from invading your home.
If there are pests in your home, they’re entering somewhere. You can prevent this by blocking possible entrances with appropriate materials such as wire mesh. Also, take a look at your home’s exterior. Are there any cracks or openings where pests could squeeze through? You may want to patch them up to prevent entry.
Additionally, birds or other small animals can get caught in chimneys (or use them to enter your home). Special caps or dampers are available to block the entrance so pests can’t enter. Some entrances to your home are meant to be there - such as air vents. You can always put screens over these entrances to keep the airflow but block their entrance.
You’ve probably heard those scary stories of weird, exotic spiders hiding inside bananas and making their way into an unsuspecting person’s home. Thankfully, those cases are rare. However, what isn’t rare is common spiders, silverfish and other pests hiding in local produce, or any items brought inside from outside. Make sure you thoroughly inspect any items that could be hiding pests before bringing them into your Kelowna home.
Now that spring is here and summer is approaching, many homeowners will be opening their windows to let some fresh air in for the first time in months. Before you let that cool spring breeze in, you may want to check your screens for any holes. Even the smallest rip or damage can allow insects to crawl into your home.
Additionally, bugs and pests will look for imperfections around your windows and doors. There may be gaps in your home’s siding or exterior allowing them to invade. Sometimes, this can be as easy as re-caulking any worn or incorrectly applied caulking around your windows and doors.
If you’re reading this, you may have creepy crawlies in your home right at this minute. Even if you take all the preventative measures possible, you may still end up with an unwanted critter or two in your home. You can catch them by setting up glue traps in attics, basements or other areas where pests are commonly found. Some glue traps will capture both rodents and insects, so if your home is already invaded, you may know what you’re dealing with. Additionally, you may want to set up traps at least twice a year. The temperature rise in the spring and drop in the fall encourages pests to find shelter. Setting out your defences ahead of time can help keep your home pest-free all year long.
Here at C4U inspections, we know how frustrating it can be to have pests invading your home. Spring is one of the main times pests seek shelter as the temperature changes and may be one of the best times to have a home inspection done.
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