Summers in Las Vegas can be brutal, and not just because of the heat! The higher temperatures bring on another common problem that many homeowners struggle with during the hottest months of the year – pests. Taking the right precautions to keep your home pest-free is one of the best ways to ensure you won’t have to deal with frustrating infestations. Here are eight tips on how you can secure your home and keeps those pesky pests at bay this summer.
1. Avoid Using Mulch or Fertilizers
Bugs of all kinds love mulch, and underneath of it is the perfect hiding place for them to call home. When you place mulch against your house or other structures around your home, it draws more bugs to the foundation of your home which, in turn, increases the risk of these pests getting inside.
Before summer hits, consider switching to desert landscaping that is easy to maintain and does not require mulch or fertilizers to stay healthy in the heat. In the end, it will help ward off little critters that are attracted to the scent and dampness of the mulch. As an added bonus, desert landscaping can also save you money on higher water bills!
2. Trim Branches and Shrubs
If you have large tree branches and tall shrubs that hover over your house, consider trimming them back before summer. These branches offer the perfect bridge or ladder for larger pests and rodents to climb onto your roof. Rats and mice might use this method to take up residence in your home or garage!
Also, consider trimming back dead branches or completely removing dead trees and plants from your yard. Rotting wood and decaying plant matter is a breeding ground for all types of creepy crawlies that could potentially invade your home.
3. Seal Cracks and Gaps in the Walls
Cracks and gaps are common on the outside of any building, especially with older homes and structures. Unfortunately, this gives bugs and pests easy access to your house. With the cool air-conditioned air seeping through these cracks, it’s clear to see why pests would be attracted to your home during the unforgiving Las Vegas heat!
These cracks and gaps commonly happen in the foundation, around loose siding, on the roof if there are missing shingles, and around utility lines coming into the home. In order to seal them properly, consider using copper mesh, steel wool, sheet metal, or mortar, as some pests can chew through caulk.
4. Repair Ripped or Broken Screens
Screens in your windows are great until they rip. Suddenly, bugs are free to come in and out of your house whenever they please. The same goes for sliding doors. The screen must be intact to work effectively. It’s also common for screens to become bent or broken right around the frame. When this happens, bugs will be able to squeeze through the gaps, even if you think the hole is too small.
Check the screens on your windows and doors thoroughly and make sure all rips or gaps are closed if you plan to keep them open for some much-needed ventilation. Replacements are generally inexpensive and can be purchased at any home improvement store.
5. Keep Your Yard Well Maintained
Insects love yards, patios, decks, and garages that aren’t kept very clean. Overgrown weeds can cause an increase in the number of insects found in and around your home. Make sure you treat your yard for weeds and keep all foliage trimmed neatly.
Of course, it is also important to clean up any trash to keep the larger pests away, too. Try not to let clutter pile up in the yard as this can provide shaded areas or makeshift shelters which will attract bothersome critters.
6. Store Food in Sealed Containers
Open containers in your kitchen or pantries make it very easy for insects and mice to find food. You have to make sure you are closing each container completely after each use before storing away. If a container cannot be completely sealed, the contents can be stored using a ziplock bag or other type of container that will prevent insects from getting into the food.
Also, avoid leaving food on countertops or easily accessible areas like on top of the fridge. Either keep food stored inside the refrigerator or within a cupboard or closed pantry to limit access to invading pests.
7. Keep Your Kitchen Clean
Small spills on your countertop or stove may be easy to ignore until insects discover the treasure. They will feast on the smallest of messes and then return to their nest before coming back with an even larger army. The kitchen is the most common place to find insects, and that is no coincidence.
In order to combat this issue in your kitchen, regularly clean the entire area. Wipe down your countertops, sweep the floor, and take your trash out often. You also want to be mindful of dirty dishes in your sink or leaving standing water out. This is also very attractive to bugs and rodents, including roaches, ants, scorpions, and spiders.
8. Contact a Pest Control Company
Sometimes, even being as careful as you can be, an infestation will still occur in your home during the summer. When this happens, you’ll need to contact a professional to assist. Pest control experts will know exactly how to treat the issue to get the pests out quickly and safely. They will also help keep pests away from your home by addressing potential problems that might bring them back.
If you are currently dealing with this problem, or if you have dealt with summer infestations in the past, you know the frustration that comes with it. For help taking care of pests in or around your home in the Las Vegas area, the professionals at Fischer’s Pest Control have the experience and knowledge to get rid of the pests quickly and with as little disruption to your routine as possible. Contact our team to learn more about our services and special discounts this summer!