A New Year’s Resolution Must Have: Pest Proofing
It’s the time of year once again when we make our “New Year’s Resolutions List.” If you’re a business owner or homeowner, pest-proofing is usually NOT at the top of your list, if it’s even on the list at all. According to Zip Poll USA, here are the top ten resolutions made in 2019, according to their survey of 2,000 people:
- Diet or eat healthier
- Exercise more
- Lose weight
- Save more and spend less
- Learn a new skill or hobby
- Quit smoking
- Read more
- Find another job
- Drink less alcohol
- Spend more time with family and friends
As you can see, this list is typical for most people we know, including ourselves. But when it comes to protecting the investment of your home, apartment, place of business – or whatever – why is pest control not on the list? January is when we set out with the best intentions of keeping our resolutions, but many end up falling by the wayside. Pest-proofing shouldn’t be one of them! While it might not be the first thing that comes to mind, or even on a top ten list, it can save you a lot of frustration and money over the course of the year if done properly.
Avoiding pest control can definitely come back to “bite you.” Timely, regularly-scheduled pest control maintenance is so affordable these days. Hopper Termite & Pest Control encourages you to give us a call NOW and get ahead of the curve. We have seen case after case where pest control maintenance was avoided, only to turn into a homeowner’s nightmare with a major infestation.
While pest issues often vary by season — with mice and spiders being prevalent in the winter months, and mosquitoes, ants, and ticks being more common once the weather gets warmer — there are certain steps that homeowners can take long after the ball drops to ensure a pest-free New Year. Here are five tips to help homeowners pest-proof their home and avoid unwanted damage or infestations in the new year ahead.
1. Store Holiday Decorations Correctly
When it comes to getting out the Thanksgiving or Christmas decor, it’s usually a breeze – done without much thought. BUT when it comes to packing everything up, many times shortcuts are taken. Don’t skimp on this step. Choose to use durable plastic containers that will seal tightly. This will keep the unwanted pests out, leaving your festive decorations in tip-top shape for next year!
2. Seal the Gaps
Consider installing fresh door sweeps on exterior doors. This will not only prevent the pests from coming inside, but this will also help your utility bills. Door sweeps simply attach to the bottom of exterior doors to minimize the airflow from outside, and seal the gap between the floor and the door. It’s also important to seal cracks and crevices on the outside of the home, including areas where utilities and pipes enter.
3. Keep Your Kitchen Clean
Food is one of the main reasons pests are attracted to homes year-round. Tidy up the kitchen after each and every meal. Dispose of garbage regularly, store food in airtight containers and don’t forget about those food items that are hibernating in the back of the pantry.
4. Firewood Stored Correctly
Store your firewood in the right place. Woodpiles are a favorite hangout for many pests. Be sure to store firewood at least 20 feet away from the house, and brush it off before bringing it indoors to avoid any unwanted visitors from hitching a ride indoors.
5. Exterior Care
Don’t forget outside! Although most pest prevention measures seem to focus on the inside of our homes and businesses, we tend to neglect the source of many critters – which is OUTSIDE. Despite cold temperatures, pest-proofing the exterior during the winter months is crucial. Remove any dead bushes, branches or old, fallen leaves from the yard. Also, consider cleaning out leaves and other debris from the gutters, and fix loose shingles to prevent standing water, which could lead to ice dams.
Add Hopper to Your Resolution List
As you think about the changes you want to make in 2020 and the aspirations you have for maintaining your home or business, consider adding pest-proofing to the top of the list. Hopper Termite & Pest Control has years of experience and has the perfect plan to fit your budget. Give us a call and let us help address your pest control issues as a New Year’s Resolution!
