common pests Archives | Sawyer Exterminating

Keeping Your Holidays Pest-Free: Tips for North Carolina Homeowners

Dec 23, 2024 | Pest Control

The holiday season is a time for joy, celebration, and relaxation. However, nothing can disrupt the comfort of your festive gatherings like an unexpected invasion of pests. Whether it’s rodents searching for warmth or ants sneaking in for a taste of your holiday treats, keeping your home pest-free should be a top priority. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore common holiday pests, provide practical prevention tips, and offer advice tailored to health-conscious individuals. By the end, you’ll be equipped to ensure that your home remains a sanctuary throughout the holidays and beyond.

Common Holiday Pests

During the colder months, several pests may seek refuge in your home, drawn by warmth and the promise of food. Here are some typical culprits:

Rodents: Mice and rats are notorious for seeking shelter indoors when temperatures drop. They can cause significant damage by gnawing through wires, insulation, and even food packaging.

Ants: These persistent invaders are often attracted to sweet and greasy foods. Finding them in the kitchen can be especially frustrating during holiday baking sessions.

Bedbugs: With increased travel and guests during the holiday season, bedbugs can easily hitch a ride into your home. They are difficult to spot and can quickly become a nuisance.

Understanding these pests’ habits is the first step in protecting your home against them.

Common Holiday Pest Prevention Tips

To maintain a pest-free home, proactive measures are essential. Here’s how to defend your space against unwanted visitors:

Seal Entry Points: Inspect your home for potential entry points, such as cracks in the foundation, gaps around windows, and holes in screens. Seal these areas with caulking or steel wool to prevent pests from getting inside.
Maintain Cleanliness: Regularly clean your home, paying special attention to areas where food is prepared and consumed. Promptly clean up crumbs and spills, and store food in airtight containers.
Properly Store Firewood: If you use firewood during the holidays, store it at least 20 feet away from your home to deter pests like termites and rodents.
Regularly Empty Trash Bins: Pests are often attracted to trash, so ensure that garbage cans are tightly sealed and emptied regularly.
Check Holiday Decorations: Before bringing decorations into your home, inspect them for signs of pests, as they could have been stored in areas where pests are prevalent.

Special Considerations for Health-Conscious Individuals

If you’re concerned about the environmental impact of pest control methods, consider the following eco-friendly options:

Natural Repellents: Use natural repellents such as peppermint oil or diatomaceous earth to deter pests. These are green friendly options for pets and children.

Non-Toxic Traps: Opt for humane traps that capture pests without the use of harmful chemicals.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM): This holistic approach combines multiple strategies to manage pests sustainably. It emphasizes prevention, monitoring, and minimal use of pesticides.

Post-Holiday Inspection and Maintenance

Once the festivities are over, take the time to conduct a thorough inspection of your home. Look for signs of pest activity, such as droppings, nests, or damaged items. Regular maintenance throughout the year can help prevent future infestations:

Schedule Routine Pest Inspections: Consider hiring a professional pest control service to perform regular inspections and treatments as needed.

Maintain Landscaping: Trim back bushes and trees near your home to eliminate potential entry points for pests.

Monitor for Moisture: Leaky pipes and standing water can attract pests, so ensure proper drainage and repair any leaks promptly. Consider enclosing your crawl space to help reduce excess moisture and prevent common household pests, like rodents and termites.

A pest-free home is crucial for a stress-free and enjoyable holiday season. By understanding common holiday pests, implementing prevention measures, and considering eco-friendly options, you can protect your home and loved ones. By following the tips outlined in this guide, you’ll create a comfortable and inviting environment, allowing you to focus on what truly matters—making cherished memories with family and friends. If you need extra protection this holiday season, reach out to your local pest control company for a free estimate and recommendations on treatment and prevention options.

5 DIY Pest Control Tips for Homeowners

Aug 17, 2021 | Pest Control

Many will debate which is more effective – professional pest control or do-it-yourself pest control. There’s a growing trend among homeowners who want to be able to tackle pest control themselves to save time and money. Regardless of the route you take, prevention is always key to controlling pests. Below are some effective DIY pest control tips to try:

Keep Everything Clean

A clean house is much less attractive and hospitable for pests. Cleaning any dirty dishes and food scraps out of the sink will help keep pests away. Also, wipe down your kitchen counters and surfaces daily. Store food and drinks in sealed plastic or glass containers. Empty your garbage cans regularly. Keep your grass mowed and make sure to get rid of weeds. Lastly, keep all shrubs and trees trimmed back so they aren’t touching your house.

Make Your Home Less Attractive to Pests

Pests will come into your home in search of 3 things: food, water, and shelter. If you’re able to eliminate these attractants, pests will have no reason to come in. As referenced above, make sure you keep your home clean. Repair any leaky pipes and faucets both inside and outside of your home. Do not leave pet food or water bowls out overnight. Lastly, declutter your home and try to use plastic storage bins instead of cardboard boxes.

Use Plants as Natural Repellents

Some plants are known to be good pest repellents. Instead of using traditional chemical methods, these plants provide a green pest control alternative. Plant any of these around your home for a natural remedy to common pests:

Spearmint (for ants, beetles, fleas, moths, and rodents)
Rosemary (for beetles, roaches, flies, slugs, snails, and mosquitoes)
Lavender (for fleas, flies, mosquitoes, and moths)
Lemongrass (for fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, and lice)

Seal Them Out

Pests can’t get into your home unless they find a way in. Some pests only need a small opening to get in. Inspect the outside of your home for any potential entry points and seal them up. Make sure to check door frames, windows, utility pipes, and the roof. Repair any broken windows and screens.

Use the Pros

Sometimes an infestation can go beyond the scope of DIY pest control methods. In these circumstances, it’s best to call a professional who can properly identify the pest you are dealing with. They can provide proper treatment as well as ongoing prevention techniques that you can use at home.

If you suspect that you have a pest problem, contact your local pest control company for an evaluation.