Discovering a pest infestation of any kind can cost you hundreds or even thousands of dollars in pest control services and home repairs, not to mention the toll it can take on your mental health.
As a Maryland homeowner, dealing with a pest infestation is something you’re probably aware could happen, but hope it never does.
Bug-proofing your home in order to prevent an infestation is a good idea any time of year, but especially going into the cold winter months, when many pests tend to seek shelter from the elements indoors. Here is our complete homeowner’s guide to bug-proofing your property in Maryland.
Why Bug-Proofing is Important
Bug-proofing your home is incredibly important to protect your family and its structural integrity.
Not only do pests carry a number of diseases and bacteria that can be harmful to humans and pets, but certain bugs like termites can damage the structure of your home and can end up costing you thousands of dollars in repairs. Preventing pests from entering your home in the first place will save both your wallet and your sanity.
Common Types of Household Pests
When it comes to protecting your home from pests in Maryland, knowing which types are most likely to invade can help you stay prepared. Household pests are more than just an annoyance—they can cause damage to your property, pose health risks, and disrupt your peace of mind.
Maryland’s varied climate makes it an ideal environment for a range of pests, from tiny insects to larger rodents. Here are some of the most common types of pests Maryland homeowners encounter and how they can impact your living space:
- Cockroaches
- Rodents
- Ants
- Termites
- Bedbugs
- Spiders
How Bugs Enter Homes
Understanding how bugs enter your Maryland home will prepare you to fight back against them.
Bugs can enter homes in various ways, most commonly by squeezing through tiny cracks and crevices. Open windows and doors or windows with broken screens can also facilitate bug entry.
Pests can also make their way into a home on luggage or packages being brought into the home, which is a common way bedbugs and cockroaches infest homes.
Steps to Bug-Proof Your Home Exterior
The first step to bug-proofing your home is to tackle the exterior. Here are some of our best tips:
Sealing Entry Points
Bugs often find their way into homes through the tiniest cracks and crevices. To prevent pests from entering, you can seal any cracks or crevices in your home using store-bought caulk or sealant.
Weatherstripping can also be used to seal doors and windows to keep pests out, and spray foam can be used for larger gaps that can’t be sealed with caulk.
Managing Landscaping and Outdoor Spaces
Keeping your yard and foliage neat and trimmed is imperative for preventing pests. When your grass is high and your trees and bushes aren’t trimmed, bugs have more places to hide, increasing the likelihood that they will eventually find their way into your home.
Ensuring Proper Drainage
Regularly cleaning your gutters and making sure that they are draining properly is essential for preventing pests. Many bugs, such as cockroaches, thrive in damp environments, so making sure the outside of your home is dry and free from any standing water can help reduce your chances of a pest infestation.
Bug-Proofing Inside the Home
Bug-proofing inside your home is just as important as bug-proofing the outside. Follow these tips to avoid a pest infestation:
Kitchen and Pantry Maintenance
The kitchen is one of the main rooms pests tend to infest since they are typically able to find food and water sources here. Properly sealing and storing all food and beverages is essential to preventing pests, as well as washing your dishes right after using them and not letting dirty dishes sit in the sink.
Bathroom and Basement Precautions
As mentioned earlier, many pests thrive in damp or moist environments. Keeping your bathroom and basement as dry as possible can seriously lower your chances of dealing with a pest infestation. Try running a dehumidifier for excess humidity and fixing any leaks present.
Bedroom and Living Room Tips
Keeping your bedroom and living room as neat and clutter-free as possible is also important when it comes to preventing pests. Giving pests fewer places to hide and go unnoticed will make your home less appealing to them, so be sure to stay on top of your regular cleaning schedule.
It may also be helpful to go through your belongings to see what you don’t want or need anymore and get rid of them to declutter your space.
Seasonal Bug-Proofing Tips
Use these tips for any season to help bugproof your Maryland home:
- Clean your gutters
- Apply weatherstripping to doors and windows
- Seal cracks and crevices in your home using caulk
- Eliminate moisture
- Remove fallen leaves from your property
- Store firewood away from the home
DIY Remedies for Common Pests
Some homeowners may prefer to take a DIY approach to pest control. The use of diatomaceous earth, neem oil, essential oils, and vinegar may be effective in deterring certain pests.
However, it is important to note that these methods may not be strong enough to eliminate an entire population of pests in your home, and professional pest control may still be required.
When to Call a Professional Exterminator
Whenever you’re dealing with a pest infestation of any kind, it is always in your best interest to contact a professional exterminator immediately. A trusted exterminator will be able to determine what kind of infestation you’re dealing with and recommend a plan of action to get rid of the pests in your home effectively.
Pest Czar offers monthly pest control plans that help prevent over a dozen species of pests from entering your home. For more information, contact us today for a free quote!
FAQs
What are the most common household pests to watch out for?
Some of the most common household pests include cockroaches, rodents, ants, and termites. Due to how common these pests are, it is imperative that homeowners familiarize themselves with the infestation signs to look out for.
How do bugs typically get into homes?
Bugs can enter homes in a few different ways, usually by squeezing through cracks and crevices in walls and doors. Bugs can also enter a home by hitching a ride on luggage or packages being brought into the home, which is how bedbug infestations happen.
How often should pest control services be performed?
It is recommended that pest control services be performed quarterly, except in cases where a larger infestation may require more frequent visits. Your exterminator will be able to assess the severity of your pest infestation and let you know how often they recommend pest control services.