As moms, we understand the need for a clean, safe, and hygienic home that brings peace and happiness to everyone. Part of this includes ensuring that our homes are free of unwanted pests. If you’ve been plagued by pesky pests and find it a bit of a task to keep them at bay, this comprehensive DIY guide is for you!
Declutter and Deep Clean
Before any other step, a crucial element is to declutter and clean your house thoroughly. Pests like cockroaches, silverfish, and mice often find it easy to create habitats in messy, cluttered environments. Invest some time in organizing your antidotes, which can double as pest control. Neat stacks of papers, properly sealed food containers, and well-organized storage units may just save you from a pest-infested home.
Seal the Spaces and Cracks
Once you’ve accomplished the task of decluttering and deep cleaning, it’s time to pay attention to the sealing. Mice and bugs require just a tiny opening to get through and multiply. Inspect the doors, windows, baseboards, plumbing inlets, and other vents thoroughly. Seal off any openings with a mix of caulk and steel wool or use a pest-blocking foam.
Kitchen and Dining Area Hygiene
A golden rule in any pest-free home guide is to maintain the hygiene of the kitchen and dining area. This is where all your food is stored and prepared, making it a favorite spot for pests. Quickly wipe off any crumbs and spills, cover your trash bins and never leave dirty dishes overnight. By strictly following these practices, your chances of dealing with a pest control issue will dramatically decrease. (See my post: Quick 5 Minute Kitchen Clean + Free Printable.)
Proper Food and Waste Storage
A hygiene practice not to be ignored is the proper storage of food and waste. Pests often sneak in, attracted by the smell of food or rotting garbage. Make sure to store your food in airtight containers and dispose of your trash properly. Maintain a strict routine of taking out the garbage every day to avoid attracting pests.
Natural Repellents and Traps
In your journey to pest-proof your home, certain DIY natural repellents and traps can be incredibly helpful. Essential oils like peppermint, eucalyptus, and tea tree oil act as effective deterrents for most pests. Mix these essential oils with water and spray them regularly at potential entry points. For larger pests, like mice, DIY traps can prove to be effective.
Regular Inspection of Furniture and Appliances
The furniture and appliances in your house unknowingly provide the perfect breeding ground for pests. Bacteria find a humid environment under the fridges and washing machines comforting, whereas bed bugs make a haven out of your upholstered furniture. Regularly inspect and clean these areas to prevent infestation.
Outdoor Care and Landscaping
Last but not least, the outdoor area of your house is equally responsible for harboring pests. Maintain a clean yard by regularly mowing the lawn, trimming the shrubs, and clearing fallen fruit from trees. Webbing, decaying leaves, and extra firewood can attract pests and should be cleared routinely.
Conclusion
Organizing your home doesn’t have to be a huge task. By adopting these small changes in your routine, you can maintain a clean, organized, and pest-free house. As an added benefit, these habits will also encourage your children to be more organized and conscious of cleanliness. So, here’s to happy organizing and bidding adieu to the uninvited guests!
