Protect Your Home from Common Pests

How you can safeguard your home against pest infestations.

With temperatures warming up, more insects and rodents are coming out of hiding.  Unfortunately for homeowners, this means that your risk for pest infestations increase during the spring.  If you don’t want to get overrun by creepy-crawlies, then here’s how you can safeguard your home against pest infestations.

  • Gnats

While gnats are more annoying than harmful, no one wants to a swarm of these tiny bugs inside their home.  The best way to keep gnats out is by keeping your doors and any windows without screens closed.  You should also make sure that you don’t leave food or dirty plates lying around, as this can attract the winged invaders.  If gnats do manage to get inside, then you can trap them using apple cider vinegar.  Simply fill a jar a quarter of the way with the vinegar and place a funnel over the top of the jar.  The gnats will be attracted to the vinegar and fly into the funnel, but will not be able to get back out.

  • Ants

Ants are some of the worst pests to deal with.  When the weather turns warm, ants try to find ways inside homes so they can access food and water.  This is why one of the best ways to prevent an infestation is by never leaving food out.  The foods stored in your fridge and cupboards should be sealed in airtight containers, so ants are not attracted by the smell.  You should also inspect the areas around your home’s windows and doors and seal up any gaps or cracks where ants can enter from.  You can also attempt to ward off ants using some home remedies.  Many homeowners claim that sprinkling cinnamon, coffee grounds, or chili powder around their homes’ points of entry is an effective way of keeping ants away.

  • Mice and Rats

While most homeowners think about rodents infiltrating homes to escape the cold of winter, mice and rats are equal opportunity pests.  Regardless of the time of year, rodents are always looking for food, water, and shelter.  The best way to keep mice and rats out of your home is by sealing up any possible entry points.  Additionally, you should keep all food sealed up, so the smell doesn’t attract these vermin.

These are some of the things that you can do to safeguard your home against pest infestations.  Want another way to protect your home?  Then make sure you have the right homeowners insurance in place.  For assistance with all your home coverage needs, contact the experts at Mike Leonard Insurance Agency.  Our dedicated team is eager to find you the right coverage from one of our many carriers, including: Kemper, MetLife, Nationwide, Travelers, Safeco Insurance, Progressive, and American Strategic Insurance.