Are you attracting pests to your home without realising?

Are you attracting pests to your home without realising?

There are a number of things you might be doing that are attracting pests to your property and as a result, can create a serious infestation in your Belfast home.

Many infestations can be treated however some are a lot harder to eradicate than others. Because of this, the safest and easiest way to stop pest infestations is to prevent them from happening in the first place.

1. Rubbish bins
Waste is extremely attractive to most, if not all, pests, whether it’s found inside or outside of your home. Rubbish acts as a food source but also a nesting spot for some pests too.

Bins inside the house can attract insects, while bins outside can attract birds. Waste in and outside of the home can attract rodents which is a cause for concern. Make sure all bins in and around your property are tightly sealed and not overflowing.

2. Food
Food is an obvious factor for encouraging pests to your property, particularly, your kitchen. Spillages, crumbs, and food not cleared up properly are food for infestations and can attract numerous pests, big or small.

We advise you to clean up any unwanted food, store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge or secure cupboards, and clean the surfaces in your kitchen straight after cooking to prevent pests from accumulating.

Additionally, fruit bowls can also be inviting to many pests. Exposed, overripe fruit can attract flies which once established can multiply quickly.

3. Cleanliness
Similarly to keeping the kitchen clean, it’s equally as important to keep a tight ship throughout the rest of your home.

Skipping out on hoovering or forgetting to regularly change and wash bedding at high temperatures can make your home a breeding ground for many  insects. These include bed bugs which are considered one of the toughest pests to get rid of.

Don’t forget to wash your pets’ bedding regularly on a hot wash too to prevent fleas from settling into your home.

5. Clutter
Likewise, clutter accumulating in garages, loft spaces, or spare rooms can become a problem regarding pests. Piling clutter in rarely used areas of the house can provide shelter and nesting spaces for pests, especially rodents. Try to keep storage organised and cleaned regularly.

6. The garden
It’s not just the inside of your home that needs to be tidied but your garden too! Unkempt and overgrowing gardens are hotspots for pests to nest. These pests may live in the garden but may venture inside your house in search of food.

7. Pet food
It’s not just human food that attracts pests, pet food can too. Storing pet food in airtight containers kept off of the ground can help to prevent rodents. Additionally, avoid leaving cat or dog food on the ground for your furry friend to return to later as this can appear as a free meal to rats and mice.

8. Feeding birds
Whether it’s from a bird feeder or by hand, feeding birds in your garden can attract rodents, especially rats, to your property. We advise against feeding birds or placing a tray underneath bird feeders to prevent any seeds from spilling onto the ground.

12. Gaps, cracks, and crevices
Rodents are always on the lookout for a way into your home and mice especially can squeeze through tiny holes. Thin cracks in window and door frames can also provide a way inside for insects. We search for and seal up any potential entry points to pests, no matter how small.