Using Our Suggested House Cleaning Tips Can Help Keep Pests Away From Your Home Between Scheduled Pest Control Treatments
Keeping a clean home is one of the best ways homeowners in Tampa Bay, Florida can prevent unwanted pests from invading their space. By implementing a few simple house cleaning techniques on a regular basis, residents can create an inhospitable environment for pests and enjoy a pest-free home. Vacuuming, dusting, cleaning food storage areas, and keeping bathrooms clean are easy methods that go a long way toward avoiding infestations of all kinds. Using natural essential oils in problem areas provides an additional layer of protection against unwelcome visitors. With some consistent effort using these house cleaning tips, homeowners in Tampa Bay can rest assured knowing their home is pest-free and clean.
Vacuum and Dust Regularly to Remove Pest Entry Points
To prevent pests from entering the home, it is important to vacuum and dust regularly. Vacuuming removes food crumbs and spilled liquids that can attract pests like cockroaches, ants and rodents. Dusting clears webs and entry points where spiders and other bugs can enter.
By vacuuming carpets, rugs, upholstered furniture and bare floors at least once a week, homeowners can eliminate access to food sources and hiding spots for pests. It is best to use the hose or brush attachment to vacuum along baseboards, in corners and crevices where crumbs and spills accumulate.
Dusting window sills, baseboards, vents, lighting fixtures and ceiling fans removes webs and entry points for pests to gain access inside the home. Feather dusters, microfiber dusters and damp dusting cloths are effective for dusting most areas. For stubborn webs in corners, a broom handle wrapped in a dusting cloth works well.
Keep Food Storage Areas Clean to Avoid Attracting Pests
Paying extra attention to how clean your food storage areas are is one of our most recommended house cleaning tips. Furthermore, it is also the best way to avoid pest infestations. Food storage areas in particular should be kept clean and sealed to prevent attracting unwanted visitors.
Store Food in Airtight Containers
Leaving food exposed or in open containers invites pests like roaches, ants, and rodents looking for an easy meal. All human and pet food should be stored in sealed plastic, metal or glass containers with tight-fitting lids. This includes items like cereal, rice, flour, snacks, and pet food. Wipe up any spills immediately and sweep floors regularly to avoid leaving crumbs.
Clean Up Food Waste Daily
Food waste, grease, and spills left sitting out attract pests and breed bacteria. It is important to clean up food waste, wipe down counters, sweep floors, take out the trash, and clean pet bowls daily. Empty the kitchen trash, recycling, and compost bin regularly and use bins with tight-fitting lids. Clean up after doing dishes and wipe up standing water which can be a breeding ground for pests.
Inspect Pantry and Cabinets
Go through your pantry, cabinets, and cupboards regularly looking for signs of pests like droppings, chew marks, or the pests themselves. Throw out any old or expired food items which can attract pests. Wipe down shelves and drawers before restocking them. Place bay leaves, cedar blocks, lavender oil or diatomaceous earth in cabinets and pantries to naturally repel pests.
Clean Bathrooms Thoroughly to Prevent Pest Infestations
Keeping bathrooms clean is essential to prevent pest infestations in the home. Bathrooms provide easy access to water and food sources that can attract unwanted pests. By implementing a regular cleaning routine and sealing up any entry points, homeowners can reduce the risks of pests making their way into living spaces.
It is important to sweep and mop bathroom floors frequently to remove any standing water or food crumbs. Spills and splashes around sinks, showers, and toilets should be wiped up immediately to avoid leaving moisture that can lead to mold and mildew growth. Mold and mildew can then attract pests looking for a food source. Bathroom drains should also be cleaned regularly to prevent clogs that allow water to pool.
All food items should be sealed and stored properly. Open food, especially sweets, should not be left out. Trash cans should have tight-fitting lids and be lined with plastic bags before disposing of any food waste or debris. Empty the trash regularly and do not overfill cans.
Check under and behind toilets, sinks, cabinets and appliances for any cracks or holes in walls, floors or ceilings and seal them to eliminate access points into the home. Use caulk, weatherstripping, door sweeps or repair damaged screens to plug up entryways.
Essential oils like eucalyptus, peppermint, citronella and tea tree oil naturally repel some pests. A few drops of these oils on cotton balls placed in corners, behind toilets and under sinks can help deter pests in a natural and fragrant way. However, these oils should be used carefully and according to directions to avoid irritation.
Tidy Clutter to Eliminate Pest Hiding Spots
To eliminate hiding spots and entry points for pests, keeping a tidy and clutter-free home is essential. A clean space makes it more difficult for pests to go unnoticed and thrive.
According to Super D Pest Control, vacuuming carpets, bare floors, upholstered furniture, drapes, and baseboards should be done regularly to remove pest droppings, shed skins, and food crumbs. Paying special attention to corners and cracks where pests may hide. Dusting shelves, cabinets, and furniture helps remove webs and eggs of pests like spiders, cockroaches and bed bugs.
Keeping food storage areas clean and sealed is important to avoid attracting pests looking for a meal. Wipe up spills immediately and store food in airtight containers. Store pet food in sealed bags or containers and pick up pet bowls between feedings. Remove grease buildup and food residue from stovetops, ovens, and exhaust hoods which can attract roaches and rodents.
Bathrooms provide moisture that many pests need to survive. Clean bathtubs, showers, sinks, and countertops to remove standing water, soap scum, and grime where pests may breed. Store toiletries in sealed containers and wipe down cabinets inside and out. Place used towels in hampers with tight-fitting lids.
Using essential oils with pest repelling properties around the home helps create an unpleasant environment for pests in a natural way. Oils like eucalyptus, lavender, peppermint and citrus can be applied to entry points or used in DIY pest control sprays. The strong smell deters pests and masks the scent of available food sources.
Use Essential Oils to Repel Pests Without Harsh Chemicals
Essential oils derived from plants contain natural aromatic compounds that can help repel common household pests in a safe, chemical-free way. Certain essential oils have pesticidal properties that insects and rodents find unpleasant and will avoid. Using essential oils is an ideal solution for homeowners looking to control pests in a natural, eco-friendly manner without relying on harsh chemicals.
Some of the most effective essential oils for pest control include:
Peppermint oil - Peppermint oil contains menthol, which is irritating to most pests like mice, rats, spiders and cockroaches. A few drops applied around baseboards, windows and entry points will deter these unwelcome visitors.
Eucalyptus oil - The strong aroma of eucalyptus oil helps repel mosquitoes, flies and other flying insects. A eucalyptus oil spray can be used on outdoor plants and around the patio or deck.
Lavender oil - Lavender oil has a pleasant floral scent to humans but repels moths, fleas, mosquitoes and flies. Apply lavender oil to linens, upholstery and areas where these pests congregate.
Lemongrass oil - Lemongrass oil naturally repels ants, spiders and other crawling insects. Use lemongrass oil in a spray bottle with water to spray around baseboards, windowsills and doorways where these pests may enter.
Cedar oil - The distinctive woody aroma of cedar oil deters moths, silverfish, fleas and other fabric-loving pests. Cedar chips, blocks or oil can be placed in closets, attics, basements and garages to create an unpleasant environment for these pests.
Using essential oils to control household pests is an all-natural, non-toxic method to keep homes free of unwanted visitors. The aromatic compounds in essential oils create an inhospitable environment for pests that they will actively avoid. Homeowners seeking safe, organic pest control solutions will benefit from the use of essential oils. In combination with proper home hygiene like cleaning, waste removal and sealing up entry points, essential oils provide an extremely effective tool for DIY pest management.
Call Super D Pest Control To Eliminate Pest Problems And Keep Them Away All Year Long
Spring is getting close and the key to an effective pest control regimen is maintaining a clean home environment. By vacuuming and dusting regularly, sealing up any cracks or crevices leading into the home, properly storing food in airtight containers, cleaning bathrooms and kitchens thoroughly, and using natural essential oils as repellents, homeowners can curb pest infestations and enjoy a more hygienic living space. While regular deep cleaning, sealing up entry points, and properly storing food can go a long way toward prevention, it is important to keep in mind that professional pest control services may still be needed from time to time. If you do spot roaches, ants, or other common Florida pests in your home, don't delay in calling Super D Pest Control at (727) 433-5310 today to schedule a free consultation or click "Let's Chat" below.