It can seem like dealing with bugs is nonstop in Florida as our humid, moist weather conditions are the perfect environment for many pests! Mosquitoes, termites, rats, roaches, and ants will easily take over our households and become an annoyance, spread disease, and even cause structural damage to our homes. Luckily, there are several ways to combat these bugs! Let’s review our list of DIY pest control tips you can utilize.
DIY Pest Control for Florida Homes
Don’t Attract Pests in the First Place
Pests need food, water, and shelter – so the best way to avoid them is removing these factors. Consider the following DIY tips:
- Keep your home as clean as possible by vacuuming, dusting, and sweeping regularly.
- Bring your pet food and water bowls inside at night instead of leaving them outdoors.
- Declutter your home by removing old newspapers, magazines, and cardboard boxes.
Seal Pests Out
Mice, ants, and roaches can squeeze through the smallest hole or gap to get inside homes. Seal pests out by:
- Inspecting the outside of your home for potential entry points, sealing them with either caulk or steel wool.
- Checking your foundations, windows, utility pipes, cables and wires, and roof for any potential openings.
- Repairing broken windows and screens and filling openings in pipes and vents.
Maintain Your Yard
Your yard is the first line of defense against pests, so it’s important to keep it less attractive to them. Keep pests out of your yard by:
- Removing leaves, debris, and fallen branches from your lawn.
- Keeping your grass short and eliminating any weeds.
- Eliminating any clutter in your yard that you don’t need, including old automobiles, trashcans, tires, and dumpsters.
Eliminate Excess Moisture
Pests, like subterranean termites and rats, need water to survive and only need a small amount of it. Reduce standing water around your home by:
- Repairing any water leaks, loose fixtures, and dripping faucets.
- Enclosing your crawlspace to eliminate excess moisture.
- Removing debris and leaves from your gutters, especially after a thunderstorm.
Call a Professional
If you’ve been dealing with an influx of pests, sometimes it needs more attention than DIY pest control methods can provide. Call a Wildwood pest control company near you to get some help. These professionals will provide you with a thorough inspection, identification of the invaded pest, and recommendations on a pest control and prevention plan based on your pest situation.
