One of the easiest ways to keep pests out of your home is with home improvement projects. There are dozens of things you can do to prevent pests from getting into your house. Something as simple as placing screens over windows and sealing doors will keep the majority of pests out. What’s more, these improvement will increase the value of your home. They’re also fun to do! Here are ten of the easiest home improvement projects for stopping some of the worst pests in London for good.
1. Inspect your carpet and repair tiles
You should quickly repair any broken tiles. Broken tiles provide pests with a place to hide beneath. Also tile as many rooms in your home as you can. Over time carpets accumulate food waste and this provides pests with food. If you don’t want to do this make sure to clean your carpets at least once a week. Also have your carpets professionally cleaned at least once a year.
2. Cover your chimney
Squirrels and rodents use chimneys to get inside. Birds will sometimes roost in chimneys. This can be avoided with a chimney cover or cap. There are a wide variety of commercially available chimney caps, but you can also use wire mesh.
3. Place screens over windows
By placing screens over your windows you will prevent flying pests from getting inside. Screens will also prevent large crawling pests like cockroaches. If you already have screens make sure to maintain them. Replace any screens which have holes in them.
4. Place cloches over plants
Cloches are a type of dome shaped wire covering. These should be placed over growing plants which are vulnerable to pests. For example, if you have berry bushes, covering them with cloches is a good idea. Also, if you have a vegetable patch, it should be covered with wire screens.
5. Seal up holes and cracks in the exterior of your home
Pests use holes and cracks to enter your home. Repair these to stop pests immediately. You can do this with putty or caulk. Copper mesh is another good option for closing up holes. Also pay attention to areas where pipes and electrical cables enter your home.
6.Trim plants
Plants which make contact with your house provide a way for pests to get inside. Trim all bushes and plants which touch the walls of your house. There should be at least 5 inches between the plant and wall.
7. Place weatherstripping on doors and windows
Weatherstripping is when you place a strip of wood around doors and windows. This serves two purposes. It helps to insulate your home and keep in heat and also prevents pests from entering the home.
8. Plant herbs in your garden
Many herbs are excellent for deterring pests. You can plant herbs around your garden. Rosemary and sage are great for keeping mosquitoes away. You can also plant herbs like mint, basil, lavender, chives, fennel, and dill.
9. Set up a bird feeder
Bird feeders often attract pests. What this also means is that they can be used to keep pests out of your home. By setting up a bird feeder on the opposite end of your garden you will draw pests away from your home.
10. Install stainless steel rat blockers
A rat blocker is basically a cap which fits over your drains. These caps allow rats to exit by not enter. These caps should be installed over your drains and gutters. Doing this can go a long way towards preventing rats.
