Keeping your Bristol home free of pests is important for health, hygiene and peace of mind. While some methods can be handled as DIY projects, severe infestations may require professional Bristol pest control services. Here are the top 5 pest control methods commonly used in UK homes.
1. Hygiene and Cleaning
One of the best ways to deter pests is through good household hygiene and cleaning. Vacuum and mop floors regularly, especially in the kitchen and bathrooms. Keep worktops and sinks free of residual food and standing water. Take out the rubbish frequently and ensure food items are sealed properly and placed in wheelie bins rather than in black bags left outside. Clutter also provides hiding spots for pests, so maintain tidiness around the home.
2. Physical Barriers
Install physical barriers to prevent pests from accessing and inhabiting your home. Seal cracks and crevices around windows, doors, pipe openings – holes through the walls where drainage pipes come in are prime spots for small critters like nice to find a way in. Don’t make it easy for them! Use metal mesh screens on vents, drains and windows. Caulk along the interior of skirting boards in each room. These measures block access routes for common invaders like mice, rats and insects.
3. Traps
Traps that are species-specific can effectively capture pests for removal without chemicals. For rats and mice, bait spring traps with peanut butter or cheese and set them along skirting boards or in affected rooms and attics. Sticky glue boards also capture mice, but they are unpleasant. For crawling insects, use sticky tape wrapped around pipes, furniture legs or floor perimeters. Always check and empty traps frequently for best results.
If you suspect a major infestation, call in a pest control company like us, as professional traps are more effective than DIY measures.
4. Natural Repellents
Some natural scents and substances deter pests without toxic chemicals. Peppermint, eucalyptus and garlic oil repel spiders, ants and mosquitoes. Sprinkle diatomaceous earth in crawl spaces, attics and crack crevices to dehydrate soft-bodied pests like mites and fleas. Place mothballs in wardrobes and drawers to repel moths. Introduce predator insects like ladybugs or nematodes to control plant-damaging pests outdoors. Always read labels for proper usage when applying natural pest deterrents and make sure children and pets can’t reach them.
5. Chemical Pesticides
For severe pest infestations, chemical pesticides are effective when applied correctly. Insecticide sprays, foggers, baits and dust can control populations of ants, mites, flies and fleas when used as directed. Follow all label precautions and restrictions for mixing, applying and storing pesticides. Consider hiring a professional pest control expert if you are unfamiliar with proper application methods for potent chemical pesticides in your home.
Implementing one or a combination of these pest control techniques can help your home stay pest-free and healthy year-round. Start with the basics of cleanliness and structural barriers. Then introduce traps, repellents or pesticides as needed. Calling a professional for assessments and treatments is recommended for difficult pest control cases.
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