The dawning of a new year is a time when many of us reflect on what has been and what will be. Resolutions are a great way to focus the mind on what we would like to do better, and that can include pest control.
Many of New Year’s resolutions revolve around diet and exercise – fitness. Equally, pest control should be seen as a central part of fitness for your property and, in this light, setting resolutions begins to make sense.
Your five resolutions for 2022
1. Declutter
Pests such as mice and cockroaches love clutter because it gives them a place to hide and nest. Clutter often also means food, especially in kitchens.
Your resolution for the new year should be to declutter your kitchen, cellar, attic, storage areas, etc. Remove and recycle unused and unnecessary items and make sure the things you do need, especially food, are stored in airtight plastic boxes.
2. Clean
This applies to the whole property but especially any kitchen areas. Pests love kitchens because there is food – on the floor, on worktops, in cupboards, under the toaster, etc. There are also plenty of places to hide – behind kickboards, under fridges, etc. Kitchens also have easy access points – around pipes etc. (see our recent rodent control video.)
Your resolution for the new year to prevent rats, mice, cockroaches, flies, etc. should be to regularly clean and vacuum your kitchen. If there are crumbs on the floor or fat on your work surface, clean it up. The same goes for sitting rooms and office desks.
3. Deal with your rubbish
The smell of rotting food is like nectar to a pest – think of it as a dinner invitation.
Make sure your bin lids fit tightly to ensure the smell stays inside the bin. Also, don’t let rubbish and recycling build up. Instead, make the effort to remove it every day to sealed outside bins.
4. Tidy garden areas
It’s winter and so you are not spending much time in your garden, but pests are!
Make sure you tidy compost heaps, piles of leave, wood piles, etc. and ensure they are kept well away from your property. Try to see it from the perspective of the – e.g., a rat. Think about what they want – food, water, harbourage – and, if you remove this, they will move elsewhere.
5. Stop access
Our buildings are full of holes – doorways, under eaves, around pipes, badly fitting windows, etc. If a pest is attracted to your property, they will find a way in unless you make a conscious effort to keep them out.
Look for access points and then seal them. This might mean door sweeps for gaps under doors, cement or wire wool around window frames and pipes, and interceptors in drainpipes. There is a wide variety of different techniques that can be used to stop pests from accessing your home and what method you need will depend upon the circumstances.
A sensible solution is to get a professional to survey your home and suggest practical solutions. They will know where to look and what is the best method to keep the pests out.
2021 has been a difficult year for all of us. Who knows what 2022 will bring but I think we can be certain there will be uncertainty. There may be periods of homeworking and home-schooling, but undoubtedly there will be periods when life seems to be returning to normal. While it may not seem like it at this very moment, things are getting better and, with a positive attitude we can face 2022 with hope and joy.
Have a happy, pest free new year!