Four Simple Yet Effective Pest Prevention Tips For Jacksonville Property Owners

Jacksonville is a beautiful city, and everyone who visits says that we have a little bit of everything. One thing we don’t have any of, though, is cold weather. We may love the temperatures remaining warm year-round, but so do the pests. Most regions get a break from the pests in the winter as those who don’t find somewhere to hide before the first frost will typically die off. However, with pests trying to get into our homes relentlessly, month after month, how can we possibly keep up…and keep them out?

Who To Lookout For

In this constant struggle against home-invading pests, you’re likely to deal with the same handful of bugs or rodents over and over again. Getting to know them may help you identify problems that can help you protect your home more effectively:

• Ants: Typically black, brown, or red, the ants in most Jacksonville homes will scour for any food that is left out. They’ll overrun your food supplies and spread bacteria to your food preparation surfaces.
• Cockroaches: One of the most common home invading-pests, they are also one of the most dangerous. Known carriers of bacteria, their presence puts you at risk for incurring diseases like salmonella, E. coli, and many others.
• Mosquitoes: Florida is notorious for mosquito problems, and our city didn’t miss the boat. Mosquitoes can be very dangerous as well, often transmitting diseases like malaria, the Zeka virus, and yellow fever.
• Mice And Rats: These rodents are not only invasive and covered in bacteria, but they’re also incredibly destructive. They’ll chew holes in your walls, insulation, linens, and electrical wiring, and they’ll reproduce rapidly within your walls.

Four Pest Prevention Tips

If you want to avoid dangerous diseases and costly damage in your house, prevention must be at the forefront of your mind. Once these pests are in, it can be hard to get them out. With these four pest prevention guidelines, however, you might be able to avoid infestation:

1. Cleaning Thoroughly And Regularly: A clean house is usually a bug-free house, but it takes a lot of effort. You’ll need to clean the whole house inside and out, even those often-forgotten areas like under furniture and even kitchen appliances. Any food must be disposed of or stored properly in either a trash can with a secure lid or plastic containers that don’t allow for easy access. Leaving dishes in the sink overnight or allowing yard debris to build up can also attract pests quickly.
2. Identifying And Sealing Entry Points: Using silicone-based caulking to seal up holes by windowsills and around the foundation can limit access, as well as proper weather-stripping on all exterior doors. You’ll also need to keep an eye on any screens you have to ensure there are no large tears, rips, or separations from the frame.
3. Addressing Moisture Issues: Pests love a damp environment, which starts in your yard. Keeping the grass mowed evenly can prevent too much moisture buildup that will attract pests onto the property. Inside the house, you’ll want to check for any leaking pipes and use a dehumidifier in spaces in your home that don’t have good ventilation.
4. Declutter And Organize: Pests love cluttered spaces in your home as they provide multiple hiding spots and security. Any open, organized spaces will be too intimidating for prolonged pest infestations.

While these four tips are the best things you can do on your own, many people are often disappointed in their own efforts to prevent pest activity on their properties. With health hazards and home damage on the line, why would you settle for anything less than a guarantee? The best form of pest protection is with on-going assistance from the professionals at Lindsey Pest Services.