Pests are commonly found in human settlements and are harmful to other living beings. Generally, small insects like ants, cockroaches, termites and flies are counted among pests. These seemingly unharmful pests can spread many diseases. Therefore, pest infestation in a house is a red flag for its residents. Luckily, pest infestation can be prevented by bringing some alterations in lifestyle and taking precautionary measures.
Let’s take a closer look at all the pest prevention tips that you can use to keep pests away from your home.
DIY Pest Control Tips
There are a number of pest prevention methods that can be used to keep your home pest infestation free. Here we have mentioned a few of them.
Clean the Kitchen Regularly
A kitchen is an attractive place for pests as it contains plenty of food and a suitable environment for pests to thrive on. The moist and damp environment is a favourable condition for pests to grow and reproduce. To avoid this situation, clean your kitchen countertops, stove and other appliances regularly. Avoid leaving dirty dishes or water in the kitchen.
The best way to prevent pest infestation in the kitchen is by using a disinfecting spray. Any disinfectant available in the market will be suitable for cleaning the kitchen. You can also prepare disinfectant at home. Simply add 2 tablespoons of bleach to 1 litre of water and shake it properly. Pour the mixture in a bottle and use it for disinfection.
Properly Dry the Bathroom
Similar to the kitchen, the washroom can also serve as a breeding ground for pests. Therefore, cleaning your bathroom on a regular basis is necessary. Regularly clean your toilet, bathtub and sink using a heavy-duty bathroom cleaner. Also, properly drain the bathtubs after the shower and avoid leaving water stranded in the washroom.
Along with regular cleaning, unclogging your drains are also necessary for keeping pests away. You can either use hot water or a mixture of baking soda and vinegar to unclog drains by yourself. You can also use DIY home cleaning hacks for effective deep cleaning of your house.
Dispose of Garbage
Rotten food particles and eatables in the garbage attract pests and can be a potential cause of pest infestation. To avoid this situation, it is necessary to dispose of the garbage regularly. Dispose of the garbage daily, if not daily, then once in two days. Moreover, if your garbage bin emits a foul smell, put a slice of lemon every time you replace the trash bag.
Cover Fruits and Vegetables
The process of fermentation starts when fruits and vegetables are over-ripped. This over-ripping and fermentation emits a sweet smell that attracts pests. One of the best household pest control tips is not to leave fruits and vegetables open in the air. Try to refrigerate them or put a cover over them when placed in the open air.
Trim your Garden
Gardens and lawns can attract pests and rodents. To avoid any infestation in the garden, you should regularly trim the flora, after every 10 days at least. Start by filling holes or pits in the garden that can accumulate water. Keep a strict check on the water source and make sure water does not drip from the faucets or hose. Also, if you have a fountain, clean it on a regular basis. For more information, read our blog for tips on landscaping and lawn maintenance.
Declutter your House
Decluttering is an important DIY tip for pest prevention. Additional items in the house serve as a hiding space for the pests and promote their growth. Start by getting rid of old wooden furniture in the house, as they are the biggest source of termite infestation in the house. Gradually narrow down your decluttering process to outdoor equipment, kitchen appliances and unused stuff.
Try Changing Lightbulbs
Mercury vapour or white fluorescent lights attract the greatest number of pests. Try to replace these vapour bulbs with a halogen bulb emitting yellow, orange or pink light. Moreover, avoid paling bulbs at the entrance of the house, position them a little further from the doors and other entrance points.
Fill in all the Gaps and Cover Entry Ways
The cracks and holes in the wall indicate the pest infestation in your house. Regularly inspect the walls, cabinets and countertops of your house to identify any hole or crack in the wall. Fix the cracks immediately with the help of any wall filler. It is also a necessary step when you are preparing your home for summer in the UAE.
Furthermore, install a protective net on all the entrance and exit points of the house. Especially the doors leading to the garden or garage.
Let the Natural Light In
A number of pests including ants and cockroaches are negatively phototactic which means they avoid exposure to high-intensity lights. Therefore, natural lights work as a repellent for these pests. Along with this, it will alter the pests’ favourable environment by reducing dampness and raising the temperature.
Avoid Using Insecticides
Insecticides are often manufactured to be used in the outdoor environment, using it inside a house can cause serious health issues. Therefore, it is suggested to never use professional graded insecticides or pesticides inside the house without any professional’s assistance.
Also, when using normal insecticides, make sure that children and pets do not come in contact with it. Furthermore, shut down the air conditioner and open the windows to avoid suffocation from the spray.
These were all the DIY pest prevention tips. All the aforementioned tips are precautionary measures and in case of serious infestation, you should consider seeking help from pest control companies in Dubai and other Emirates. You can also opt for the pest control services online for more convenience.
If you continue facing infestation issues, it is better to move into a new home that is not infested by pests. Browse through these apartments for rent in the UAE and move into a residential unit without pests.
Stay tuned to UAE’s top property blog for more pest control prevention tips.
