6 Habits to Avoid Pest Infestations During the Pandemic

What are some of the habits to avoid pest infestations during the pandemic?

1. Keep entry points closed
2. Don’t leave food exposed
3. Wash the dishes immediately
4. Throw out the trash
5. Clear up moisture buildup
6. Make general cleaning a routine

 

The COVID-19 has led to a series of unfortunate global events. In an attempt to stop the spread of infection, the government has mandated for everyone to stay inside their homes. During this period of time, it is important to know about the habits to avoid pest infestations during the pandemic.

An unfortunate consequence of the pandemic is that it increases the risk of pest infestations. From rats, cockroaches, mosquitoes, all the way down to flies, your household can easily become a perfect habitat for a wide variety of pesky pests.

Thankfully, we’ve rounded up the habits to keep your household pest-free. Read on to know more about this!

 

Keep Entry Points Closed

Just like any other species, pests are on the constant lookout for warm shelter and dependable food sources. This is what makes your household an attractive target for them.

Remember that pests are miniscule in size. They are very persistent as well. For example, rats may enter your household by digging under foundations. On the other hand, ants can crawl through the smallest openings and gaps in walls.

Pests will take the chance to sneak into your household if they can. If you want to avoid pest infestations, block their entryways. To do this, keep your doors and windows closed or seal utility openings such as pipes. Caulk cracks around the entry points as well!

 

Don’t Leave Food Exposed

No one can deny that the pandemic impacted people’s eating habits immensely. There are people who are ordering more and more food items online. In the same way, there are others who are eating comfort food nonstop to counter overwhelming situations at hand.

Sadly, pests don’t take breaks even during the pandemic. In fact, they are becoming more active. As a result of the establishment closures during the past months, pests are entering households for food sources.

Do not be tempted to just leave that last pizza slice or bag of chips after you watch a movie. Exposed food items are like feast invitations for pests such as ants and cockroaches. Ensure that everyone in your household cleans up after they eat as well!

 

Wash The Dishes Immediately

No matter how busy you might be because of juggling household chores and work at the same time, don’t leave out the dirty dishes overnight.

Fat, oil, and sugar stick to dishes when you don’t wash them. Pests such as flies, ants, and cockroaches are attracted to those leftovers. Let’s not forget about the foul smell it brings due to the decomposing food items.

Immediately wash the dishes after using! Afterward, place them in a closed cabinet for drying. This will limit the access of crawling cockroaches as well.

 

Throw Out the Trash

Now that you are spending most of your time at home, the garbage bin will surely be filled quicker than before.

Leaving trash bins full is one of the main causes of unpleasant odors in the household. It invites a number of household pests immediately too!

Houseflies love to feed and lay eggs in garbage. Its presence will not only be annoying; it can carry a number of diseases as well.

Besides the house fly infestation, cockroaches will be another issue. They aren’t picky eaters so they’ll eat whatever they can sink their teeth into, even rotten food. Throw out your trash regularly. Do not let it overflow and always close the trash bin tightly!

 

Clear Up Moisture Buildup

It has been seven months since the government announced the quarantine measures. As the Philippines enters the “Ber” months, we can expect heavy and regular rainfalls. It is a crucial time to clear up moisture buildup from your household.

If you didn’t already know any moist area can easily become a breeding ground for mosquitoes. It would take only two days’ time for a female mosquito to hatch about 100 to 300 eggs into larvae.

As mosquitoes create both a health threat and a nuisance, ensure that every corner of your household is free from moisture. Some of the places that hold stagnant water include your pet’s water bowl, leaking pipes, discarded tires, clogged rain gutters, and pools.

 

Make General Cleaning a Routine

During these stressful times, it’s understandable for people to feel like they don’t want to do anything. But, remember that a messy household is an ideal nesting site for pests.

Make it a routine to clean. Sweep, mop, and vacuum the floors. Wipe down countertops and surfaces. Cleaning will be worth it as it doesn’t only avoid pest infestations, it helps improve your productivity as well.

 

Key Takeaway

It’s essential to know about the habits to avoid pest infestations during the pandemic. At Topbest, we offer an effective and integrated solution to protect your household from pest infestations. If you want to learn about our services, click here!