10 Tips for Keeping Pests Away

10 TIPS for Keeping Pests Away OUTSIDE THE HOUSE LOOK FOR CRACKS 1 AND HOLES Pests can easily fit through tiny cracks and enter your home Seal any cracks and put screens on vents to minimize intruders MINIMIZE MOISTURE Look for leaky faucets and hose bibs that allow moisture to gather Face sprinklers away from your house so they only spray the yard CHECK GUTTERS Pests love to nest in the leaves, branches, and debris that get lodged here Clean out your gutters on a regular basis 4 TRIM YOUR TREES Don't give pests an easy way of getting to your home /, Cut back limbs on trees and shrubs, especially limbs that touch your house KEEP FIREWOOD AWAY Termites, spiders, and other pests will nest in firewood piles Store firewood and kindling at least 20 feet away from your house INSIDE THE HOUSE CLEAN THE KITCHEN Clear out clutter and clean up any potential food sources, like crumbs Keep pet food, flour, and other foods in re-sealable containers PICK UP GARBAGE Take garbage out frequently, especially if there is a lot of food in it Use garbage cans that have lids CHECK AROUND PIPES There are often gaps and cracks where pipes enter your home Patch and seal any gaps that could be invitations to pests 4 DRY OUT DAMP AREAS Pests love moist areas, so Basements and attics should be dry and ventilated, not musty look for mold and mildew as signs DISCOURAGE HITCHHIKING Check plants, bags, and boxes you bring into the house for hitchhiking pests Inspect your luggage when you return from a trip to look for bedbugs PAYNEPEST Infographic provided by: MANAGEMENT Payne Pest Management Termite & Pest Control Professionals www.paynepestcontroloc.com Sources: http://www.paynepestmgmt.com/faq.html http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/article/0,,1116731-2,00.html