One of the best methods of effective pest control is prevention. Pest-proofing your property successfully dramatically reduces your chances of a pest infestation and therefore saves you from extensive structural damage, health risks, costly repairs and, of course, paying for a professional pest control treatment.
To help you keep your property pest-free, we’ve put together our top tips to prevent pests from entering your home. Implementing the following suggestions could save you time and money in the years to come, so let’s get started!
Tip 1 – Block Your Drains
Well, don’t actually block your drains, of course! We’re referring to blocking access around your drains to prevent pests from getting into your property. Drains are one of the biggest access points used by various pests, including rats and mice, so by securely blocking them up, you dramatically reduce your chances of a rodent infestation.
However, using the right materials to get rid of rats in drains is vital. Rodents will chew their way through anything they can find, including wood and plastic, so the only material we recommend using is metal. Purpose-built rat guards are made from stainless steel, which cannot be chewed through, and they securely fit around your drainage pipes to block access to rodents while still allowing water and waste to flow freely.
Tip 2 – Seal All Cracks
All pests, including rodents, insects and birds, will do whatever they can to gain access to your property – even if that means squeezing through tiny cracks in your building’s exterior. And you would be surprised about the size of the cracks they will fit through!
We recommend taking a close look all around the outside of your home, paying close attention to your roofline, windows, and doors. Look for any holes or cracks that have appeared and fill them in where possible. For very small cracks a regular DIY filler will be sufficient.
However, larger holes that are wide enough for rodents and birds to get through will require proper pest-proofing materials. Rodents and birds are able to chew through the standard filler, rendering it redundant in blocking their access. Instead, opt for metal-based fillers, or grates, explicitly designed for this reason. They will provide long-lasting protection against pests and prevent them from accessing your home.
Tip 3 – Keep Your Gutters Clear
Regular gutter maintenance is vital for keeping your home pest-free, but it’s a task that many of us often neglect. Over time debris will build up along your roofline and collect in your gutters. Fallen leaves and sticks are ideal nesting materials for problem birds, and their abundance in your gutters is like an open invitation to pest birds in the area.
Birds will use such materials to build their nests nearby and sometimes even build them directly in your gutters – causing leaks and potentially costly damage over time. From here, birds can then easily break through your fascias and create an entry point into your home.
We recommend clearing your gutters every 2-3 months and more regularly during autumn due to the prevalence of fallen leaves in this season.
Pest-Proofing Your Home
There are a number of ways to deter pests from entering your home, including keeping a clean and tidy garden, disposing of your waste securely and removing potential water sources on your property.
As well as our top tips, most professional pest controllers offer their expert pest-proofing services to homes and businesses in their area. While DIY methods can be effective, sometimes you just need the help of a professional.
Give our tips for preventing pests from entering your home a go today, and protect your loved ones and the property from the threat of pests for years to come.