Pests love food and trash. Elgin’s seasons shift from humid summers to chilly winters, leaving homes offering the perfect year-round shelter for bugs and rodents. Pests look for easy access to warmth and nourishment as outdoor temperatures drop or rise. Sadly, home can offer both, especially when food and waste are not stored correctly. That is why residents should not ignore the importance of Elgin pest control near me.
A minor storage habit can quickly turn your kitchen or garage into a buffet for pests. Even the cleanest homes can fall victim to pests if a few common storage mistakes go unnoticed. These include the following:
Leaving Food Unsealed
Many people leave food in its original packaging. Boxes of cereal, bags of rice, and plastic-wrapped snacks may seem secure, but they are accessible meals for mice and cockroaches. These pests have strong jaws and a great sense of smell. They will chew through flimsy packaging to get a meal.
Thus, homeowners should transfer pantry staples into airtight containers. They can use glass jars, hard plastic bins, and metal tins. This keeps food fresher longer and makes it harder for pests to get in.
Storing Pet Food the Wrong Way
Pet food can attract pests. Many people keep it in the original bag, rolled up but not sealed. Also, pet food may be stored in the garage or basement, which are darker and more accessible to rodents and ants. The best practice is to use a sealed and heavy-duty container to store pet food. Also, avoid leaving bowls of food out overnight. Clean up leftovers right away if you feed your pet outdoors.
Not Cleaning Up Crumbs and Spills
You might miss a few crumbs on the kitchen floor or overlook a sticky spot on the counter. But pests don’t need much to thrive. A few crumbs under the toaster or a drop of juice near the fridge can be enough to attract ants or cockroaches.
Make it a habit to wipe counters daily, sweep under appliances, and vacuum regularly. Pay attention to pantry shelves and behind trash bins. These hidden areas are favorites for pests looking for a snack.
Letting Trash Sit Too Long
Garbage that sits too long is a beacon for pests. The smell alone can attract everything from flies and ants to rats and raccoons. So, use a trash can with a tight-fitting lid in the kitchen. Take the garbage out often, even if the can is not full. Also, make sure the lids of outdoor bins are secure. Store away bins from doors and windows.
Keeping Outdoor Trash Bins Too Close to the House
Rats, raccoons, and insects will hang around the bins you place near your home and look for a way indoors. So, keep outdoor bins a few feet away from the home if possible. Also, place them on a concrete surface or pad rather than directly on the ground. This helps discourage burrowing pests and makes clean-up easier if there is a spill.
Forgetting About Compost
Composting can reduce waste, but it has to be done carefully. An open compost pile can attract flies, rodents, and raccoons. Ensure your bin is properly sealed and only contains approved compostable items if you compost in your yard. Don’t toss in meat, dairy, or oily foods as they break down slowly and smell strong. They will be a major attraction for pests. Stick to fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, and eggshells.
Local help is available if have noticed signs of pest activity, or want professional advice on how to prevent infestations. Pointe Pest Control serves Ergin and helps homeowners avoid mistakes that can draw pests to their property. CEO Jacob Borg knows that pest problems can start with how food or trash is stored. So, they educate homeowners during inspections and treatments.
