Keep Your Home Clean and Clutter-Free

Why It is Important: Pests are attracted to food, water, and shelter. A cluttered or dirty home provides all three, making it a prime target.

Tips to Follow:

• Clean up after meals:Wipe down counters, clean up crumbs, and wash dishes right after you eat.
• Store food in sealed containers:Invest in airtight containers for all food items, especially in the pantry.
• Take out the trash regularly:Don’t let garbage sit for too long, as it can attract pests, especially rodents and roaches.
• Declutter regularly:Piles of paper, cardboard, or clothes provide hiding spots for pests, so keep your space organized.

Professional Tip: Regular cleaning helps, but for serious infestations, a pest control expert can identify hidden areas where pests might be nesting.

Seal Up Cracks and Gaps

Why It is Important: Tiny cracks or holes in walls, floors, and windows are like open invitations for pests. Even small openings are enough for insects or rodents to slip through.

Tips to Follow:

• Check windows and doors:Use weather stripping on doors and seal any gaps around windows.
• Inspect walls and baseboards:Look for any cracks, especially near pipes, cables, or heating systems, and seal them with caulk.
• Fix screens:Ensure window screens are intact without holes, which can allow pests to enter.
• Fill larger gaps:For bigger holes, use materials like steel wool, which rodents find difficult to chew through.

Professional Tip: Pest control experts have the tools and knowledge to find even the smallest entry points that you may overlook.

Keep Your Yard Well-Maintained

Why It is Important: Overgrown plants, piles of leaves, and standing water attract pests, especially mosquitoes, ants, and rodents.

Tips to Follow:

• Trim plants and shrubs:Keep branches and bushes away from your home’s exterior to reduce hiding spots for pests.
• Clear leaves and debris:Regularly rake leaves, especially during fall, and dispose of them properly.
• Remove standing water:Empty any buckets, plant trays, or toys that might collect water, as they can become breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
• Secure trash bins:Keep outdoor garbage cans tightly sealed, as they can attract rats and raccoons.

Professional Tip: A pest control service can provide advice on landscaping strategies that deter pests from setting up camp near your home.

Store Firewood Away from Your Home

Why It is Important: Firewood can be a haven for pests like termites and ants, which can easily migrate from the woodpile into your home.

Tips to Follow:

• Store firewood at least 20 feet away from your house:This distance minimizes the risk of pests moving from the pile to your home.
• Elevate the wood:Stack wood off the ground on a raised platform to reduce pest access.
• Cover the pile:Keep firewood dry with a tarp or covering, as damp wood is more attractive to pests.

Professional Tip: Professional pest control can inspect woodpiles for early signs of infestations, helping to prevent the spread of pests to your home.

Keep an Eye on Moisture Levels

Why It is Important: Many pests are drawn to moisture, especially cockroaches, termites, and mosquitoes. Controlling humidity and fixing leaks can help reduce the chances of a pest problem.

Tips to Follow:

• Fix leaks quickly:Repair any leaks in plumbing, roofs, or basements as soon as they are discovered.
• Ventilate humid areas:Use dehumidifiers in damp areas like basements or bathrooms.
• Inspect pipes and drains:Check for any dripping pipes or clogs that might create moisture, as these attract pests.

Professional Tip: Pest control professionals can help identify hidden sources of moisture and suggest additional preventive measures.

Be Cautious When Bringing Items Inside

Why It is Important: Bed bugs, ants, and other pests can hitch a ride into your home through secondhand items, groceries, or even luggage.

Tips to Follow:

• Inspect used furniture and clothing:Check for signs of pests before bringing secondhand items into your home.
• Be careful with groceries:Look for any pests in fresh produce, especially if you shop at outdoor markets.
• Inspect luggage after travel:Bed bugs are notorious for hiding in suitcases and traveling home with you.

Professional Tip: In cases where pests have already invaded, pest control specialists use targeted treatments to eliminate them safely and effectively.

Educate Yourself on Common NYC Pests

Why It is Important: The more you know about the pests in NYC, the better prepared you will be to prevent them.

Common NYC Pests to Watch Out For:

• Cockroaches:Often found in warm, moist areas like kitchens and bathrooms.
• Rodents (rats and mice):Common in basements and around food sources.
• Bed bugs:Typically found in beds, couches, and luggage.
• Ants:Often in kitchens and near food.
• Spiders:They tend to hide in dark, undisturbed areas.

Professional Tip: A professional pest control service can help you identify the specific pests affecting your home and recommend tailored solutions to prevent infestations.

Consider Professional Pest Control Services

Why It is Important: While there are plenty of DIY steps you can take, professional pest control provides a thorough, effective solution and ongoing prevention.

Benefits of Professional Pest Control:

• Expert knowledge:Professionals know the behaviors and hiding spots of common pests, so they can find and eliminate pests more effectively.
• Safe treatments:Pest control experts use products that are effective yet safe for families and pets.
• Long-term prevention:Ongoing pest control services can monitor your home for early signs of infestation, protecting your property year-round.
• Tailored solutions: Whether you’re dealing with rodents, bed bugs, or roaches, professional services provide targeted treatments for different pests.