When you are preparing for the arrival of a new baby, there are so many things that need to be done around the home. Most expectant parents are most concerned about preparing the baby’s room, and baby-proofing their homes. But, have you thought about pest-proofing your home as well? This is something that a lot of people don’t think about, but really should. It only takes one small pest to cause a lot of problems, and if your baby is bitten, they could end up with a terrible reaction. So, while you are getting your home ready for your new baby, remember these pest-proofing tips.
1. Clean the Kitchen
Each day, spend at least 15 minutes wiping down the countertops in your kitchen with vinegar. Wash dirty dishes, sweep the floors, mop up spills, empty the garbage, and put away leftover food. Food in plastic bags should be transferred to sealed, glass jars. This will help to deter rodents, ants, roaches, and other pests.
2. Get Some Sticky Traps
These traps will help you to get rid of any pests that crawl, including roaches, ants, crickets, silverfish, and spiders. This type of trap is particularly good for catching spiders, because it won’t kill them (as long as you are able to get to them right away). Release the spiders outside, and let them help keep the pest population down naturally.
3. Install Window Screens
It’s great to open the windows for fresh air, but it lets all of the creepy crawlies come inside. In order to be able to let the air in and keep the bugs out, install some window screens that are made with 20-mesh or smaller. This will keep most pests out of your home, and screens are very easy to install with just a few tools. If you have screens but there are holes, use clear nail polish to fill in the holes instead of replacing the screens.
4. Seal Up Entry Points
You will need to do an extensive search around your home to find any entry points for insects. Then, you need to seal up these points with caulking, steel wool, etc. Look at areas such as dryer vents, where pipes leave the home, and where wires come in from the outside. Not only will this help to cut down on pests, it will also keep your home warmer by eliminating a lot of drafts.
5. Try Electronic Pest Control
Many home owners are turning to
electronic pest control, because they can get rid of pests without using a lot of harsh chemicals.
6. Get a Door Sweep
A door sweep will not only help to keep pests outside, but also to cut down on your energy bill by eliminating a lot of drafts. You can get these at hardware stores, and the simplest type will easily stick to the door via an adhesive strip, so you don’t even need any tools to install it.
7. Fix Leaky Faucets
Many insects are attracted to, and breed in water. They need it in order to survive, so you need to cut off their water supply. Make sure that you repair any leaky faucets in your home, because many insects are attracted to them. It is easy to fix faucets with washers, and you will be eliminating a lot of pests in your home.
8. Clean the Clutter
Insects can easily hide in clutter, such as old papers, piles of clothing, etc. Take a few minutes each day to get rid of the clutter in your home, and get rid of hiding places for pests.
