Whether it is having the in-laws over for a big holiday meal or getting the neighborhood together for a potluck, the last thing you want is to have some unwelcome guests spoiling the event. It is difficult for anyone to eat after seeing a cockroach or sleep while imagining mice running around through the pantry, so when it comes to pest control and prevention, it is important to take it seriously.
Don’t Give Them an Easy In
It is easy for a pest to weasel its way inside your home through a crack in your insulation, or a tear in the screen of the window. About a week or so before entertaining guests, you should make it a point to check in and around all of the doors and windows of your home, ready with a caulk gun, tape, or spray foam to fill in any gaps or holes. While you cannot make your house air tight, it is always a good idea to make it as difficult as possible for pests to enter.
Keep Temptations Low
Pests are generally attracted to homes because they are searching for food and shelter, so it is important to keep your house clean and to dispose of all food scraps as fast as possible. If you live in the country, this often requires sweeping the kitchen every day and storing flour, sugar and other goods in Tupperware rather than paper or thin plastic bags. You also do not want to forget to take out the trash as often as possible. Consider having a smaller trashcan just made for coffee grounds, eggshells, potato peels and the like so you can take it to the curb, dumpster or compost every day rather than leaving it in the bin to rot and smell.
When in Doubt, Get an Inspection
If you live in a warm climate, you will want to consider an annual inspection from a pest control professional because these temperatures are home to many types of insects. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and even just a small treatment every year can be preventative enough of a big infestation.