MAKE A RESOLUTION TO BE PEST-FREE

Making a resolution to be pest-free will mean an overall healthier lifestyle because your environment will be healthier. At Black Diamond, we believe everyone should make it their resolution to become pest free. Follow these tricks and tips in 2018 to help prevent unwanted run-ins with pests all year. This is one resolution we would love to help you keep. 

De-clutter – Clutter, whether it is on your lawn or in your attic or basement, is attractive to many kinds of pests. Not only keeping clutter stowed away, but even getting rid of it completely, is a great resolution and start to minimizing pests.

Trash cans – Any food or trash, rotting or not, is a food source for bugs as well as a nesting place. Also, the smell of decaying food matter attracts wild animals onto your property. Keep those cans covered! Making this investment can prevent a nasty surprise in the future.

Light – Many insects are drawn in by light. If you’re able, keep drapes shut at night. Replace outside white lights with insect-resistant yellow lighting or keep them turned off completely. Remember, the flying insects that gather near these lights will also attract spiders.

Fruit – Put fruit in the fridge until you are ready to eat it. When you leave the fruit out, you are providing a place for fruit flies to lay their almost invisible eggs. Also, consider investing in hard plastic containers for pantry items and pet food. The plastic containers will keep the smell from luring in pantry pests. These containers will also keep rodents from chewing their way in.

Clean Regularly – Crumbs that fall off plates can feed any sort of pest from a mite to a cockroach. All it takes is a small dollop of jelly on the counter to feed any bug. Clean periodically under your fridge and on the sides of your oven. This will keep many bugs away, especially cockroaches.

Openings and Cracks – Whether it be high or low, inspect for unwanted openings and cracks in all screens, weather strips, doors, and windows. Use a caulking gun to seal any gaps, cracks, and rotted holes.

Grass – Remember to keep it trimmed down — even in the winter when there is no snow covering it. Also, keep the bushes and branches trimmed away from your home. This will help prevent the temptation for the critters and birds to enter.

Firewood – Putting a food source for wood-eating bugs next to your house is never a good idea. This draws them in close to your exterior walls. This could ultimately gain them entry to an even larger food source — your home’s foundation.

Downspouts – Put wire mesh at the bottom of downspouts. This will prevent rodents from gaining access to your roofline.

Call the Pros – Professional perimeter treatments will keep termites, ants, and other bugs from getting even close to your home. Learn about our Exterior Service Program that blocks insects before they even enter. Year-round visits from a professional pest company will keep you informed of insects that threaten your home and family’s health.

Call 877-DEAD-BUG or visit www.bdpest.com to learn how Black Diamond can help you keep your resolutions for 2018.