Protecting your home from unwanted pests is a shared responsibility, and Advance Pest Control is here to be your trusted partner in maintaining a pest-free environment.

Nobody enjoys sharing their home with uninvited guests like ants marching across the kitchen counter, roaches scurrying in the shadows, or spiders building webs in every corner. While regular pest control service from Advance Pest Control is a crucial line of defense, there are also proactive steps you can take to significantly reduce pest pressure between our visits. Think of it as a partnership – you take these everyday actions, and we provide the expert knowledge and treatments to keep your North Carolina home a pest-free sanctuary year-round.

Here’s how you can work hand-in-hand with your technician to minimize pests:

1. Create an Uninviting Environment: Cleanliness and Organization

Pests are primarily driven by the need for food, water, and shelter. By minimizing these attractants, you make your home far less appealing:

  • Kitchen Duty: Wipe down kitchen counters and sweep or vacuum floors daily to eliminate crumbs and spills. Pay close attention to areas under appliances and around food preparation spaces.
  • Secure Food Storage: Store all food items, including pantry staples and pet food, in airtight containers. Even seemingly insignificant crumbs can be a feast for tiny invaders.
  • Manage Waste Properly: Take out the trash frequently and ensure all indoor and outdoor garbage bins have tight-fitting lids.
  • Declutter Strategically: Reduce clutter, especially in areas like attics, basements, and garages. These spaces can provide ideal hiding spots for pests. Organize belongings in sealed plastic bins whenever possible.

2. Fortify Your Defenses: Sealing Entry Points

Think of your home’s exterior as a perimeter. By sealing potential entry points, you create a barrier against invading pests:

  • Inspect and Seal: Regularly inspect the exterior of your home for any gaps or cracks around doors, windows, pipes, cables, and other utility openings. Use caulk or appropriate sealant to close these pathways.
  • Window and Door Maintenance: Repair any damaged window screens promptly and ensure they fit snugly. Install or replace worn-out door sweeps to prevent pests from crawling underneath doors.
  • Foundation Check: Examine your foundation for any cracks or openings and seal them with concrete crack filler or caulk.

3. Eliminate Water Sources: Moisture Control

Many pests are attracted to moisture, and some, like mosquitoes and certain wood-destroying insects, require it to survive:

  • Fix Leaks Immediately: Repair any leaky pipes, faucets, or fixtures, both indoors and outdoors.
  • Manage Humidity: Utilize a dehumidifier in damp areas such as basements, crawl spaces, and poorly ventilated bathrooms.
  • Improve Drainage: Ensure proper drainage around your home’s foundation to prevent standing water after rain. Clear gutters and downspouts of debris regularly.

4. Be Vigilant About Incoming Items: Preventing Hitchhikers

Pests are masters of disguise and can easily hitch a ride into your home on everyday items:

  • Inspect Deliveries: Carefully inspect grocery bags, packages, and boxes before bringing them inside. Pay attention to seams and corners where pests might hide.
  • Firewood Caution: Inspect firewood thoroughly for insects before bringing it indoors. Store firewood at least 20 feet away from your home and only bring in what you plan to burn immediately.
  • Outdoor Gear Check: Shake out shoes, bags, and pet bedding that have been outside before bringing them back into the house.
  • Secondhand Items: Wash or thoroughly inspect secondhand furniture, clothing, and other items before introducing them to your home.

5. Maintain the Outer Perimeter: Exterior Pest Management

The area surrounding your home plays a significant role in attracting or deterring pests:

  • Landscaping Practices: Keep grass trimmed short and maintain a clear space between shrubs, bushes, and your home’s foundation. Overgrown vegetation can provide harborage for pests.
  • Strategic Lighting: Consider using yellow or sodium vapor light bulbs for outdoor lighting, as they are less attractive to many flying insects than traditional white lights. Turn off unnecessary outdoor lights.
  • Proper Storage: Elevate and organize items stored outdoors to reduce potential hiding spots for pests.

6. Your Partnership with Advance Pest Control: Communication and Collaboration

Even with diligent preventative measures, professional pest control is often necessary to address existing infestations and provide ongoing protection:

  • Communicate with Your Technician: Report any pest activity you observe to your Advance Pest Control technician, even between scheduled visits. This information helps us understand pest pressures around your home and adjust our treatments for optimal effectiveness.
  • Follow Expert Advice: Your pest control professional will provide valuable recommendations specific to your property, such as identifying and sealing potential entry points or addressing conducive conditions. Follow their advice to maximize the effectiveness of our services.
  • Maintain Regular Service: Consistent pest control treatments are key to preventing pest populations from establishing and thriving in your home. Stick to your agreed-upon service schedule for continuous protection.

By actively incorporating these habits into your routine and partnering with Advance Pest Control for professional service, you can create a comprehensive pest management strategy that keeps your North Carolina home bug-free and comfortable throughout the year.

Are you ready to schedule your next quarterly treatment?