2020 and 2021 were good years for pests. With so many people working and spending more time in their homes, the amount of food that was consumed and wasted became an opportunity for rodents and bugs to eat and multiply. The bad news, all of this is happening inside of your home. The good news, it's a great opportunity to create new year resolutions for a pest-free home.

Listed below are 5 New Year's resolutions to help keep your home free from pests.

1. Declutter your home, so pests will leave you alone Reducing the clutter around your home is one of the most effective ways to prevent pest infestations. This provides areas for pests and rodents to hide and build their nests. The new year is a perfect time to clean out any unnecessary or unused items from your closets, pantry, basement, and other storage areas. Tip: replace any cardboard boxes with plastic bins with airtight covers - this will prevent pests from getting inside of your belongings.
2. Clean your kitchen often, to keep hungry rodents & pests away The kitchen is typically the first place you'll find pests once they invade your home. Bugs and rodents are attracted to food and water that is left out around the kitchen. Try to get into the habit of cleaning up food crumbs and wiping the counters and floor as soon as possible. Avoid leaving out fruits and veggies on tables and store any snacks and cereals in airtight containers.
3. Keep lids on garbage cans tight, dispose of kitchen trash daily A lot of pests have a stronger sense of smell than we do. The odor that comes from your kitchen trash smells like dinner to rodents and bugs. If left in the bag for too long, the pungent smell has the ability to attract pests from outside or apartments nearby. Try taking your kitchen trash out as often as possible and keep a tight lid on it to prevent strong odors from leaking.
4. Store firewood outside and away from the home If you plan on enjoying a warm fireplace this winter it is recommended to store your firewood outdoors. Believe it or not, pests may be using it as a hiding place. Make sure to store firewood on a rack away from soil or grass, keeping it elevated and dry, and at least 20 feet away from your property.
5. Seal up any cracks and holes around the house. Prevent rodents and bugs from invading your home by sealing up cracks, crevices, and holes that provide possible entry points. Our technicians will inspect and create a list of problem areas around your home's windows and doors, along the foundation, roof, attic, and vents. We then install door sweeps, seal small cracks and crevices along walls, and fill larger gaps with steel wool and fine wire mesh to stop and prevent any future concerns.

Learn more about our home seal and exclusion services.

Gear up for 2022 with a free pest inspection