As a new homeowner, I’ve spent months dreaming of all the fun things I’ll get to do in my house next Spring and Summer – barbecues, Pinterest craft nights, and fun dinner parties with my friends. What I haven’t accounted for in my dreams are the insects that I really hope aren’t hiding in my crawl space.
I usually share DIY projects for all sorts of things to decorate your home, but recently, I’ve been searching for DIY tips to keep my home protected from pests like ants, cockroaches, and spiders. Taking steps to block bugs while it’s still cold out can greatly reduce the chances of seeing them in your house in Spring and Summer.
My friends at Evergreen, a local lawn and pest control company here in Orlando, put together this list of ways to pest-proof the inside of your home.
- Seal Off Entryways
Make sure your doors and windows are closed to uninvited guests. You can buy a caulking gun for $15 at a hardware store to seal any cracks around those entries to your home. (Bonus – you’ll also save your air conditioning from leaking out and wasting money!)
If there are other spaces that bugs are crawling through – anywhere that wires or pipes exit your house – plug them up with expanding foam or a piece of steel wool.
- Clear the Clutter
Piles of old newspapers, junk mail, and even just the stack of laundry on your floor make excellent hiding places for bugs of all kinds, including:
- Spiders
- Roaches
- Stink bugs
- Silverfish
- And many more
Tidying up clutter in your home isn’t just good for your soul and the aesthetics of your living room – it can make it harder for bugs to sneak in and stay for awhile.
- Stay Dry!
Insects need water to survive. Leaky faucets and dripping pipes provide breeding ground for bugs like cockroaches and silverfish, so it’s important to get those fixed sooner rather than later. Standing water can attract mosquitoes and cause rot that invites termites, so clean up spills and be cautious that you don’t overwater your potted plants. Consider using a dehumidifier if your home gets really damp in humid weather.
- Keep the Kitchen Clean
Taking fifteen minutes every day to wipe down counters and sweep up crumbs can make a huge difference in keeping insects out. You also want to make sure that all food trash is kept in cans with lids, and that those trash bags are taken out to the curb every week. This keeps pests like roaches and spiders from coming inside, looking for your leftovers.
- Pack your Snacks
A layer of plastic wrap or aluminum foil isn’t enough! Make sure all your food is tightly sealed in plastic bags or tupperware containers. Don’t forget to keep pet food in sealed containers as well.
If you’re too late and the pests have already started making your house their home, my friends over at Evergreen Lawn & Pest Control are offering $25 off your first pest control application when you sign up for the year. If you want more information, you can visit their website.
I hope these tips keep you from any unpleasant encounters with spiders, roaches, and other pests as the weather gets warmer. Have any of you found any other great ways to keep the bugs out?
Disclosure: I was compensated by Evergreen for this post. As always, all opinions are my own. Who doesn’t need some helpful tips for keeping the bugs out right?
