A pest infestation can be a household nuisance. They can disrupt our day-to-day life and are an undeniable sanitary concern.

Sure, some may think that one rodent is harmless. But one mouse is enough to cause health issues in the family. The worst part is that they infiltrate your home no matter how clean you might think it is.

But that does not mean you should not do something about it.

With the proper knowledge, you can prevent and even identify these pests right away to stop them from growing or taking over your home.

In this post, we will walk you through some quick home improvements that will prevent pest infestations:

1. Fix gaps around exteriors

Don't give pests an entry to walk straight to your home. The thing is, if you aren't doing periodic checks, you might miss out on gaps and cracks around windows or doors.

Although gaps and cracks may be natural, these can create perfect opportunities for pests to enter your home. And then they'll hide in areas that are not easily visible to the naked eye.

The best way to deal with the problem is to seal any opening to prevent pests from coming in.

Here are some quick tips on how you can go with this home improvement project:

• If under 1/2 inch, you can use a sealant or an exterior-grade caulk for gaps and cracks.
• For bigger openings under doors, use weather stripping or door sweeps.

The timing is also crucial here. Please wait until it's warm for a couple of weeks. That way, overwintering pests have enough time to escape, and you don't seal them accidentally inside. Similarly, you should also contact professionals in pest control.

2. Seal screens properly

Having windows and doors open makes it a lot faster for pests and insects to get inside your home. When you have screens that do have tears or don't fit well, you're giving pests a chance to come right in.

So, make sure that you do a regular inspection of your screens. If there are any holes or tears, make sure that you patch them up or replace them if they become badly damaged or don't fit well.

Also, make sure that when choosing screens, pick one with a ¼-inch mesh or smaller screen openings. Anything bigger than that makes it easy for pests and insects to enter.

3. Organize your garage

Whether you like it or not, your garage can also be one of the main entry points of pests in your home.

So, if you're using this as a space for storage for boxes, papers, old items, etc., then you might unknowingly create a space for pests to thrive and multiply.

So, apart from doing a deep clean of your garage, see to it that you use a DIY shelving system wherein you try to keep boxes and your other stuff off the ground.

Doing so will keep them away from pests that might use them as a secret hiding spot.

To protect your belongings, also ensure that they're sealed in durable containers. That way, they're a lot harder for pests to get into.

4. Check for leaks

Dark, dry, and moist areas such as under-the-sink plumbing can also be a perfect breeding ground for pests.

So, check for any leaks, and if there are, you might be facing a huge pest problem. Having this moist area can be a potential breeding ground for bugs.

So, maybe it's high time that you grab your wrench and familiarize yourself with some essential plumbing tips. You can also seek out a professional and get it done as soon as you can.

Luckily, these things don't take up a lot of time.

5. Create a small garden

If you're the kind of person that has a green thumb, then you might enjoy this next home improvement tip!

The thing is, you can grow certain plants that bugs don't like. Some great examples are citronella, catnip, and marigolds. You have the option to plant them at least a perimeter of your house or keep them inside your home.

Now, if you're already growing your indoor herb garden, then you can add basil and rosemary as bugs aren't fans of these either.

Similarly, you can also make use of plant extracts, like lavender or mint. Spray these from time to time in your home. You can either store these in a spray bottle or regularly apply them, keeping these creatures at bay.

6. Remove weeds and trim trees

If you have a garden, see to it that you avoid weeds from growing by trimming them when needed.

Usually, weeds or any unwanted bushes in your garden can attract pests, rodents, or other dangerous creatures like snakes.

In the same way, you should also have your trees trimmed as they serve a dual purpose. Doing so lets them prosper and grow properly while keeping rats and squirrels out.

You see, squirrels can jump on trees to your roofline easily. Once they're on the roof, they can easily find their way to the attic.

Similarly, vines can also provide easy access for rats, squirrels, and other pests. So, consider getting rid of ivy and other climbing plants from your property to avoid an infestation.

7. Keep the foundation clean

Finally, you need to keep your home's clean and pristine condition. Because the foundation is closest to the ground, it provides easy access for all types of bothersome critters.

By ensuring that this place remains clean and tight, it's a lot harder for insects and pests to penetrate your home.

Over to You

Listed above are just some of the most effective simple ways that you can do to prevent pest infestations in your home.

As much as possible, make sure that your home stays clean and hygienic. That way, you can avoid any types of diseases that these pests might bring inside your home.

Now that you have an idea, take these preventive measures to heart to prevent these unwanted guests from taking over your home!