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5 pest control tips every Utah homeowner should know

There is nothing more stressful than finding a fly in your soup. Yet it is even more irritating to finding 30 fruit flies nesting in the fruit bowl, ants marching across the kitchen counter, and mice breeding in the cabinets. Pests, large and small, can create sanitation problems and cause building damage if left unchecked.

Here are several items to place on the pest control checklist to minimize invasions and pest infestations.

1. Inspect places where pests may enter

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Even the smallest hole or crack can allow pests to enter and multiply. Inspect for openings, holes and cracks throughout the home, then properly seal up the structure to prevent entry. Also look for places where larger pests such as rodents, squirrels and birds can get inside. Air vents and chimneys are perfect places where animals may nest. You can cover over vents without completely blocking them by using wire mesh.

 

2. Eliminate food sources that attract pests

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The more food left out that is uncovered, the more chances you are inviting pests into your home. Some pests can detect the smell of food and garbage for quite a distance, as they will lead others to the source. Cleaning up surfaces where food is prepped, ensuring canisters are sealed, and using metal containers so pests can’t chew through the materials are essential ways to keep the pest population down to a minimum.

 

3. Perform seasonal pest inspections

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A variety of pests will be more active during different climates, locations and seasons. Normally, spring and summer will be the times of the year where pests breed and young offspring emerge. Late autumn, files and mosquitoes will begin to hibernate when the temperatures drop. Yet you still have to deal with pests that are looking to nest in warm and safe places, such as birds, rodents and other critters. Perform seasonal pest inspections instead of yearly inspections. There are form downloads available on IntouchInsight.com where you can use a checklist right on your mobile device to perform the inspections so you don’t miss any important steps.

 

4. Address pest infestations quickly

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Never ignore pests even if you just see only one of them now and again. They could be indicators of larger pest infestations in the walls or roof of your home. Eliminate the pests that are seen, and then thoroughly inspect locations in the building where previous pest infestations were found and search for new areas where pests are breeding. Completely eliminating the larger pest infestation problems immediately is better and more cost efficient than just killing a few pests that you occasionally find on your counter or pantry.

 

5. Check for damage caused by pests

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Once the pests are gone, there are still issues you need to address. Certain pests can cause a range of interior and exterior damage to a home or commercial building. They can eat insulation, make holes in the walls, and chew electrical wiring. You can have a home inspection performed to check for damage that may have been caused that can compromise the safety and comfort of your building.