Americans love their yards. More than one-fourth of recent home buyers said outdoor space was their No.1 priority when looking for a house. But once homeowners settle into their dream home, it’s incredibly common to see that telltale trail of ants coming in from the kitchen window or mosquitoes flying in through the back door.
Many homeowners may wonder how to keep pests out of their yard and out of their home. It’s not actually that tough. It just takes a bit of prevention, some planning, and a little luck.
Conduct a thorough inspection
Before you can keep the bugs and pests out, you have to figure out how they’re getting in. Closely examine your windows, doors, and floors for cracks that pests might use to access your home. Look at vents and ducts to see if there are cracks or holes, and check the plumbing. Standing water is a major magnet for insects and pests.
If your windows and doors have a lot of cracks and gaps, you might have foundation problems. Consider having your home inspected. The average cost of a home inspection is around $340, which isn’t a lot to pay for peace of mind.
Repair and seal
If you do find openings, close them off with tape, caulk, plaster, weather stripping, or other means. If you find leaks in your pipes, have those fixed by a plumber or handyman.
If you have gaps under your doors, install a pest prevention door sweep. Look at your window screens. Patch any tears and holes you find, and if bugs seem to be making it through the screen itself, consider installing smaller gauge screens.
Keeping pests out of your home takes time, money, and effort, but that’s pretty standard for a homeowner. A recent study found that the average homeowner spends about $4,400 a year on home maintenance. It’ll only take a small fraction of that to thoroughly pest-proof your home.
Consider a deep clean
Dirt and grime can definitely attract pests, so if you live in a pest-heavy climate, it might be wise to deep clean your home right before summer arrives. Wipe away dust, scrub away spills, and sweep up any crumbs. Clear out clutter, such as old boxes, which can provide nesting materials for pests. Don’t forget the dark, out-of-the-way nooks and crannies, which are often the most popular areas for insects to live.
Focus on the kitchen
Standing water, crumbs, grime, and other things that attract pests are usually found in the kitchen.
Examine your kitchen carefully to make sure all gaps are filled, leaks are plugged, and surfaces are wiped clean and sanitized. Don’t forget to clean underneath and behind appliances and to carefully inspect under the sink for damage.
Consider storing pet food in airtight containers and using a securely latching trash can. Finally, try not to leave food out or dirty dishes in the sink for more than a few hours.
Survey the yard
Your yard can also be a breeding ground and sanctuary for pests. If you have overgrown areas, have them mowed and trimmed. Clear out dead trees, leaf piles, and junk. Try to eliminate standing water, just as you did indoors.
If you have bushes or trees near your home, have them trimmed back so they don’t actually come into close contact with the house itself. Insects and pests can use overgrown landscaping as an easy path into or onto your home.
Use your garden as a line of defense
Insects and pests are attracted to some plants and repelled by others. Place these plants strategically to keep pests, such as ants and aphids, at bay.
Ants are attracted to roses and peonies. If you plan on growing these, keep them a good distance from your home. If you insist on having rose beds near your house, ring them with ant-repellent plants to keep the little pests away. Aromatic plants, such as garlic, lavender, mint, thyme, and rosemary, are all known to drive away ants.
If you have mosquitoes, planting catnip, basil, and lavender is a great way to naturally keep them away. The common, and aesthetically pleasing, chrysanthemum contains a natural substance that repels everything from ants and ticks to roaches and fleas. Do your research and plant a garden that’ll protect your home.
Try green remedies
If you still have pests despite all your efforts, try natural remedies first. A mixture of soap and water can drive off beetles and other insects. Essential oils, such as peppermint and eucalyptus, can be strong pest deterrents, while non-toxic borax or diatomaceous earth can eliminate ants without endangering pets or children.
That said, if your pest problem proves to be persistent, don’t hesitate to call a professional for help.
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