Everyone needs residential pest control in Toronto occasionally, but you can reduce damage to your home with preventative care. Wildlife instinctually gravitates toward sheltered areas with plenty of food, so human habitats are prime real estate. However, homeowners can discourage animals from nesting by limiting access to these benefits. Continue reading to learn some simple and effective home maintenance tips to prevent pest infestations.

Pest Prevention Tips From Residential Pest Control in Toronto

Even though they don’t mean to cause problems, wildlife can do serious harm:

• Create fire hazards by chewing wires
• Spread dangerous illnesses
• Ruin furniture and inner structures

While pest control services can remove these critters, you still must pay for repairs. Instead, implement these tips to keep pests out.

Look Out for a Pest Infestation

The earlier you call residential pest control in Toronto, the less damage you have to worry about. As a result, you should keep an eye out for signs of unwanted guests:

• New holes with gnaw marks
• Pellet-like droppings
• Bad odours
• Scurrying and scratching noises, especially at night
• Grease marks on baseboards

If you suspect you have rodents, you can sprinkle flour or cornstarch around baseboard holes. When the mice, rats or squirrels emerge, they’ll leave footprints for you to find.

Keep Up With Housekeeping

Wildlife are scavengers; even crumbs you find inconsequential can be a feast for smaller rodents. As a result, regular sweeping and vacuuming are essential to keeping your house pest-free.

Water is another basic need that humans inadvertently provide. Standing water, such as ponds and bird baths, is a big draw for pests, but the outdoors isn’t the only area you need to worry about. A leak in the bathroom can attract termites and other bugs, leading to a full infestation.

Finally, rodents like small, dark spaces for nesting, and clutter creates plenty. Decluttering your home, especially in areas such as the garage or storage shed, reduces the risk of mice moving in.

Seal Cracks on Exterior

Residential pest control in Toronto includes examining home exteriors for tiny gaps and cracks that can admit bugs and other pests. Even if a fissure looks too small to worry about, it’s best to seal it with steel wool or caulk; while critters may not be able to crawl through at the time, the crack may grow if left alone. Nipping this issue in the bud ensures you don’t have more expensive repairs later.

Store Food Properly

Rodents and bugs are notorious for getting into pantries and kitchen cabinets; they can chew through walls, ceilings and doors to eat tasty snacks. If you store food in the original packaging, you’ll likely find your stores pilfered, as pests can easily get past cardboard and thin plastic.

The better alternative is to store food in metal, glass or hard plastic containers. Make sure the lids are airtight, as this will prevent wildlife from catching the scent. Locking lids are even better, as they’re impossible for critters to open.

Install Vent Screens

Roof vents are essential for keeping moisture from building in your attic. Unfortunately, rodents, birds and bugs can use them to enter your home.

Residential pest control in Toronto recommends installing screens on vents to keep these pests out. The best screens are metal, ensuring squirrels and rats can’t chew through them. If you have a chimney, you should consider installing a cap and screen to keep critters out of your flue.

Finally, don’t forget to install screens on your exterior air conditioning vents. When wildlife gets into the air ducts, they can spread pathogens to every area of your home.

Appointment Scheduling for Residential Pest Control in Toronto

Before you search “pest control near me,” consider contacting Truly Nolen Canada. These experts can safely remove wild animals and their nests, ensuring a healthy and comfortable environment for your family. To schedule residential pest control in Toronto, give us a call or request an inspection online.