Consistent Habits That Keep Your Home Pest-Free

No one wants to deal with uninvited house guests, especially the kind that scuttle, crawl, or leave unwanted surprises behind.

Despite what many people assume, you don’t need to turn your home into a chemical battleground to keep pests at bay. By incorporating a few simple, consistent habits into your routine, you can maintain a clean, pest-free sanctuary that feels as calming as it looks.

This guide will walk you through practical, approachable tips to proactively protect your space, all while keeping things natural and manageable.

Keep Food Properly Stored and Surfaces Clean

If pests were real-estate agents, they’d market your kitchen as the hottest spot in town. All the more reason to take away their incentive to move in!

Here are some tips:

• • Store dry goods in airtight containers: Open cereal boxes, flour bags, and bags of chips are basically a flashing neon sign reading, “All-you-can-eat buffet!” Transfer dry goods into sturdy containers with tight seals. Not only does this keep pests like pantry moths out, but it also keeps your food fresher for longer.
  • Clean up spills and crumbs immediately: A single forgotten crumb on the counter might not seem like a big deal, but to ants, it’s a family feast. Whether it’s spilled sugar or last night’s spaghetti sauce spatter, wipe it up before it becomes a calling card for pests.
  • Wipe down surfaces and floors regularly: Daily wipe-downs of counters, dining tables, and floors with nontoxic cleaning solutions make a world of difference. Focus on those hard-to-see spots, like under appliances or along baseboards, where debris likes to hide.

Want to get some bonus points? If your cleaning spray includes ingredients like vinegar or essential oils, this can help deter pests a bit better.

Declutter to Eliminate Pest Hiding Spots

Nothing says “perfect hideout” like a neglected pile of clutter. Pests love small, dark spaces where they can settle in unnoticed.

Organize Closets, Utility Areas, and Under Sinks

Cramped, crowded spaces with cleaning supplies, old towels, and random knickknacks provide pests with all the shelter they need. Give these areas a regular once-over and keep them tidy. Stackable bins or drawer organizers can be a lifesaver here.

Avoid Stacks of Cardboard or Piles of Paper

Cardboard boxes are practically luxury condos for pests. Sort through old newspapers, magazines, and storage boxes, recycling what you don’t need. For items you want to keep, opt for plastic storage bins instead.

Clear Away Unused Items

It’s tempting to hold onto “just in case” items, but ask yourself, does that broken fan or mystery cord really spark joy? If not, donate or toss it. A clutter-free home is good for your mental health and for pest prevention, too.

Seal Up Common Entry Points

Pests are sneaky. If there’s a crack, gap, or hole, they’ll find it. Luckily, a little DIY maintenance can make your home significantly harder to infiltrate.

• • Check windows, doors, and baseboards for gaps: Tiny cracks can act like highways for pests. Inspect your home’s entry points regularly, paying attention to baseboards, window frames, and doorways. A little caulk or spackle goes a long way in sealing these tiny entrances.
  • Install or repair screens: Torn window and door screens are like rolling out the red carpet for bugs. Patch holes or replace old screens entirely to keep unwelcome critters from slipping inside while your windows are open.
  • Use weather stripping and door sweeps: Prevent pests from sneaking in under exterior doors by installing door sweeps. Weather stripping can also help close gaps around windows and doors while improving energy efficiency. Talk about a win-win!

Manage Moisture and Ventilation

If pests had a favorite weather forecast, it would include high humidity and lots of standing water. Keeping your home dry and well-ventilated is essential for keeping them away.

Fix Leaks Under Sinks or Around Appliances

A slow drip under the sink might not seem like a big deal, but it can quickly become a water source for pests, not to mention a mold magnet. Check for and repair any plumbing leaks right away.

Use a Dehumidifier in Damp Areas

Basements, laundry rooms, and bathrooms can get damp in a hurry. A dehumidifier can help keep the air dry, giving pests like silverfish and cockroaches one less reason to stick around.

Empty Pet Water Bowls and Wipe Counters Immediately

Don’t give pests a free drink. Empty pet bowls before bed and dry off counters and sinks after use. If you’re feeling extra ambitious, keep the sink empty by loading the dishwasher right after meals.

Practice Smart Outdoor Maintenance

The best way to keep pests out of your home is to make the outdoors an unfriendly environment for them to settle.

• • Store firewood off the ground and away from the house: Stacking wood directly on the ground and against the siding is an open invitation for termites and other pests. Keep it elevated and stored at least 20 feet away from your home perimeter.
  • Trim bushes and trees: Overgrown greenery can act like a bridge, making it easier for pests to travel from outside to inside. Trim branches that touch your roof or walls and keep bushes neatly pruned.
  • Manage trash bins: Keep lids on tightly and store bins away from entryways. If possible, rinse out garbage bins every so often to prevent a buildup of residue and odors that attract pests.

Be Proactive with Natural Deterrents

Chemicals aren’t the only defense against pests. A little creativity and some natural ingredients can go a long way.

Essential oils can be helpful in problem areas. Peppermint, lavender, and citrus oils are all natural repellents. Mix a few drops with water in a spray bottle and spritz along window sills, door frames, and baseboards.

Another option? Cleaning with vinegar not only gets rid of grime but also deters ants and other pests with its sharp scent. Baking soda, on the other hand, is great for drying up potential habitats like ant trails.

Last but not least, homemade solutions like sugar-and-boric-acid ant bait or beer traps for fruit flies can be surprisingly effective. Just make sure any DIY solutions are pet- and child-safe, depending on your household.

Work with a Professional When Needed

Sometimes, even the most diligent habits aren’t enough. If pests persist despite your best efforts, it’s time to call in reinforcements.

Eco-friendly pest control professionals can assess your unique situation and offer sustainable solutions that align with your commitment to clean, serene living. Whether it’s sealing additional entry points, implementing safe treatments, or offering expert advice, they’ve got you covered.

At the end of the day, the secret to a pest-free home isn’t magic. It’s consistency. Incorporate a few of these habits into your routine this week, and gradually build from there. Before you know it, prevention will become second nature, and your home will stay the serene, pest-free haven you deserve.

---

Caring for Your Home Helps You Love Your Life

Snag a free workbook and get inspiration on all the ways to love your life even more.

>>Click Here to Learn Tips & Tricks to Love Your Life <<