10 Best Tips and Tricks to Prevent Pest Infestation

Pest infestation is a common problem in many households. To avoid this, it is important to take preventive measures and be aware of the signs of pest infestation. Sealing cracks and holes in the outside of the house, keeping tree branches and shrubs away from the house, keeping basements, attics, and mezzanines well ventilated and dry, storing trash in sealed containers and disposing of it regularly, using securely sealed containers for food that block odors, keeping kitchen counters, shelves, stove, and drawers clean with a disinfectant cleaner, cleaning up after pest control, identifying pests present, implementing an integrated pest management program, and contacting a pest control operator (PCO) are some of the best tips and tricks to prevent pest infestation. Sealing cracks and holes in the outside of the house is one of the most important steps in preventing pests from entering your home.

This includes points of entry to public services and pipes. Keeping tree branches and shrubs well trimmed and away from the house also helps to reduce the chances of pests entering your home. Basements, attics, and mezzanines should be kept well ventilated and dry to avoid creating a conducive environment for pests. Storing trash in sealed containers and disposing of it regularly also helps to reduce the chances of pests entering your home.

Using securely sealed containers for food that block odors is another important step in preventing pests from entering your home. Ants, for example, have approximately five times more odor receptors than other insects which helps them smell food sources from a long distance. Keeping kitchen counters, shelves, stove, and drawers clean with a disinfectant cleaner also helps to reduce the chances of pests entering your home. Cleaning up after pest control is also very important to ensure that your home doesn't get infested soon. Identifying pests present is another important step in the insect pest control process.

OSU County Extension directors and State Extension specialists in entomology and pesticide sellers can help identify the pest for the owner or send the pest to the OSU Department of Entomology for identification. Implementing an integrated pest management program consists of several precautionary measures that are established to keep pests out of facilities and eliminate pests that enter. If you see a pest or find signs that you might have a pest infestation, contact a pest control operator (PCO). The information in this fact sheet will help homeowners and buildings to control insect infestations that are pests and some other common arthropods that invade homes. If you're wondering how to control pests at home on your own, you can follow some simple home remedies to get rid of these pests.

Pests can cause a lot of damage to your home, even from the outside, so you'll want to keep an eye on any changes to the foundation, siding, or roof that could be the fault of a pest. If you learn how to prevent pests from entering your facility, observe and monitor indicators of pest infestation, and know what to do if you suspect a problem, you and your employees will maintain a healthy and safe work environment. But before you go ahead and book pest control services, try these 10 best pest control tips and tricks to protect yourself from pests and keep your home clean and disease-free.