How to keep your home pest-free: Follow these 10 simple tips for a clean and healthy space

While preventive measures can go a long way, sometimes a pest problem requires expert attention. (Image: Canva)

Don't you want to wake up one night and see a cockroach scurry around your kitchen? Why wait to spot a niggling pest in your home? Take preventative action now and every day to make sure your home is pest-free from ants in the kitchen, cockroaches in the bathroom, or mosquitoes buzzing around.

There are certain things you can do on an everyday basis, like storing your food in airtight containers and sealing any cracks and gaps in your walls on your corners, which will ensure your house remains pest-free, naturally, and effectively.

You don’t need strong chemicals to do the job either; natural essential oils like peppermint, eucalyptus, and tea tree oil are well-known to repel insects like ants, spiders, and mosquitoes.

Of course, if you’re dealing with a serious infestation or recurring pest issues, it may be time to call in professional pest control services to assess and treat the situation.

Here are 10 things you can do every day, or habitually over time, to keep those pests away.

Keep your home clean and tidy.

Pests are drawn to dirt, leftover food, and clutter. One of the easiest ways to prevent an infestation is to maintain a clean and organised home. Regularly sweeping, mopping, and wiping down surfaces can remove food crumbs and other debris that attract pests.

Tip: Don’t forget hidden areas like under furniture, behind appliances, and in cupboards where pests love to hide. Clean up spills immediately and make sure there’s no standing water in sinks or bathrooms.

Store food properly

Pests like ants, cockroaches, and rodents are on the lookout for easy food sources. Leaving food out in the open or improperly sealed in your kitchen can be an open invitation for them to feast.

Tip: Store dry foods like grains, cereals, and snacks in airtight containers. Keep fruits in the refrigerator, especially during warmer months, and always cover leftovers.

Seal cracks and gaps

Tiny cracks and gaps around windows, doors, and in walls are like open doors for pests. Ants, spiders, cockroaches, and even rodents can easily enter your home through these small openings. Sealing these gaps is a simple way to block their entry.

Tip: Inspect areas around doors, windows, plumbing, and vents for cracks.

Keep your trash sealed

Trash bins are a favourite haunt for pests, especially if they’re not tightly sealed. The smell of leftover food or garbage can attract flies, cockroaches, and even rats. Keeping your trash properly sealed is key to keeping pests away.

Tip: Use trash cans with tight-fitting lids both indoors and outdoors. Make sure to empty them regularly, and clean the bins to avoid odours and residue buildup.

Fix leaks and reduce moisture

Many pests, like cockroaches and mosquitoes, thrive in damp environments. Leaky pipes clogged drains, and areas with standing water provide them with the moisture they need to survive. Eliminating these water sources can significantly reduce pest activity in your home.

Tip: Check for leaks in sinks, faucets, and toilets, and fix them promptly. Ensure good ventilation in moisture-prone areas like bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. Use a dehumidifier in particularly humid areas if needed.

Also see | Diwali cleaning tips: Here's how to deep clean hard-to-reach areas before the festivals

Clear outdoor clutter

Your balcony or garden can be the first line of defence against pests. Piles of leaves, tall grass, and accumulated debris around your home can attract pests like mosquitoes, rodents, and termites, which could eventually make their way indoors.

Tip: Keep your balcony and garden tidy by trimming plants and shrubs, mowing the lawn regularly, and removing piles of leaves.

Use natural pest repellents

If you prefer to avoid chemical pesticides, there are plenty of natural alternatives that can help keep pests away. Certain herbs and essential oils act as natural repellents, making your home less attractive to bugs and insects.

Tip: Use essential oils like peppermint, eucalyptus, and tea tree oil to repel insects like ants, spiders, and mosquitoes. You can dilute these oils with water and spray them in problem areas. Planting herbs like basil, lavender, and mint around your home can also deter pests.

Install window screens

Insects like flies and mosquitoes can easily get into your home through open windows and doors. Installing window and door screens is a simple and effective way to keep bugs out while still letting fresh air in.

Tip: Ensure that all your window and door screens are in good condition and have no tears or gaps. If you notice any damage, repair or replace the screens immediately.

Properly dispose of garden waste

If you have a garden or lawn, you’re likely dealing with some form of garden waste, such as grass clippings, leaves, and branches. Improper disposal of this waste can attract pests, which can eventually move indoors.

Tip: Always bag garden waste and dispose of it properly. If you’re composting, keep the compost bin far from the house, as it can attract pests like rodents and insects.

Call professional pest control when needed

While preventive measures can go a long way, sometimes a pest problem requires expert attention. If you’re dealing with a serious infestation or recurring pest issues, it may be time to call in professional pest control services to assess and treat the situation.

Tip: Schedule regular pest control inspections, especially in areas prone to termites, rodents, or other pests. Preventative treatments can help keep pests away before they become a problem.