No one wants to see something crawl across the floor of their home or commercial property, except maybe a newborn or a toddler. Something with more than four legs? Definitely not. Nature is wonderful, but certain things in nature just belong outside. And creepy, crawly bugs are one of them. Whether it’s ants, spiders, millipedes, crickets, or cockroaches, the insects of South Dakota are best kept outside. And let’s face it, the warmth and smell of food coming from your humble abode sure makes a bug’s life better. Fortunately, there are plenty of things you can do to help prevent these tiny critters from invading your space. Here is a list of ways you can help prevent bugs from getting inside and make your house less insect appealing. 
Seal Doors, Windows, and Gaps Around Home
Start with looking around the inside of your home for tiny gaps and holes, inspecting any areas that pests might get in. Seal any cracks around areas where electrical lines and pipes enter your house. Inspect and repair any broken doors or windows. Promptly repair any rips or tears in window screens. Use square mesh sizes for your screens with at least 200 holes per square inch, sold at local home goods and hardware stores.
Trim Trees and Shrubbery Around the Outside of Your Home
Trim back any tree branches or shrubbery that touch your home. Because trees and shrubs make great shelter for wildlife, birds, and insects, the last thing you want is to provide them with a bridge into your home. Overhanging branches offer a way for carpenter ants and other pests to get into your home. Pests do not even realize it is your home they are traveling into, but once they find their way inside, they smell food and make a home.
Keep Food Containers Sealed
Some pests, such as rodents, have an excellent sense of smell. And if there’s an open food container somewhere in your home, chances are they will find out. Be sure to store all pantry foods, especially grains, cereals, flour, and sugar, in plastic, air-tight containers so pests cannot smell them. And aim to clean out your pantry on a regular basis to get rid of spoiled food or other items you don’t plan to eat. This will help to minimize the attraction for any “pantry pests.”
Clean Under the Fridge, Stove, & Other Appliances That Have Food
Keep hidden areas where food may fall clean and free of food crumbs as much as possible. This includes but is not limited to under your stove, fridge, microwave, and any other appliances used to cook or store food. Insects such as ants will find the tiniest crumbs and form a trail using their pheromones to inform other ants a food source is available.
Properly Dispose of Trash and Keep Trash Cans Sealed
Garbage attracts pests, including insects and rodents. Ensure that all of your trash cans have tight-fitting lids, and clean the cans and area where they regularly sit to remove debris and spills on which pests can feed.
Clean Drains Frequently
Drains often get overlooked when it comes to house cleaning. This is because you can’t see the gunk and debris build-up, but trust us, it’s there. And this gross mess is attractive to insects looking for food sources and places to lay their eggs. So make sure to regularly inspect and clean all the drains in your home, including those in the laundry room and basement. You can pick up drain cleaner at your local home goods store or use our favorite homemade DYI version, baking soda, and vinegar. Mixed together, the two flushes out drained clogs. 
Get Rid of Moisture
Moisture and damp areas attract pests, especially cockroaches. Wet areas serve as breeding grounds and drinking fountains for bugs. If pipes or any plumbing begins leaking, call a plumber and have it fixed right away. Try to avoid leaving wet clothes in a pile and place humidifiers in attics or basements that are damp.
Protect Your Home From Unwanted Guests With Eagle Lawn & Landscape Inc.
Protect your home, family, and pets from the intrusion of unwanted guests with Eagle Lawn & Landscape Inc.’s perimeter pest control. Our program consists of four annual treatments. Each application includes a broad spectrum insecticide sprayed in a six to eight-foot radius around the exterior of your home and garage. Learn more about our highly effective perimeter pest control by visiting our website or calling us today. You can reach us at 605-366-1111 or by filling out our form online here.
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