According to the University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF-IFAS) publication, Homeowner’s Guide to Selecting a Pest Control Service, required cleaning of residue from pest control treatments is not needed if using an integrated pest management approach (IPM) to pest control and prevention. Due to a focus on using baits and low dose pinpointed, crack and crevice treatments to eliminate infestations, treatments should not be invasive or leave residue on your home’s surfaces.
That being said, diligently cleaning your home regularly can deter pests from entering your home, in addition to sealing and caulking all cracks, crevices, and holes in your foundation and around doors, windows, and all other entryways to exclude pests from your home. Decluttering the interior and exterior of your home will also help make your home unattractive to pests.
Pests enter homes for three reasons: shelter, water, and food
For these reasons, getting in the habit of removing food and water sources for pests can help keep pests out of your home. These activities include:
- Wiping down food prep and dining surfaces after snacks and meals.
- Wiping up all spills in the pantry.
- Storing food items in the fridge or glass, metal, or hard plastic containers.
- Correcting or eliminating all water-prone areas in your home.
- Fixing leaky faucets and drains eliminates water sources crucial to most pests surviving in the home.
Cleaning the exterior of your home or business includes:
- Keeping the grass cut short.
- Trimming branches away from the building.
- Making sure the gutters and downspouts drain properly.
- Eliminating all standing water.
- Eliminating all debris from the yard.
- Storing kids’ toys and gardening equipment in storage sheds or boxes so they can’t collect water.
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