But how do you protect your home from pests without the use of harsh chemicals?

Approach pest control with patience and understand that it might take some time to get control of an issue.

Pest control is a long-term goal, not a short-term fix.

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Start by thinking about your pest issue.

All the while, time is passing, and their pest issue is getting worse.

It is surprisingly easy to bring pests home from the store, especiallycockroachesandpantry pests.

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Prasert Pranoppasin

If you’re bringing home cardboard produce boxes or pantry goods purchased in the bulk section, be careful!

Ideally, look them over twice: once in the store, and once before you bring them inside.

Have a plan for how you stay on top of trash and compost removal.

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For starters, don’t let trash or compost stay inside too long.

It should go out at least once per day.

Also, confirm your garbage cans and compost pile aren’t too close to the house.

A woman waters her potted indoor houseplant that’s sitting on the windowsill in the sun.

LOUISE BEAUMONT

Outdoor garbage bins and compost are very attractive to pests.

check that to also focus on hard-to-reach areas like under beds and sofas.

Not only do vacuums clean up messes, but they can also clean up pests!

Someone in a brown sweater and apron carries a produce box of apples through the produce section of a grocery store.

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Spotted a spider you don’t want to see anymore?

Suck it up with the vacuum!

Found some lethargic flies on your window sill?

Large glass jars with metal lids, filled with pantry goods like flour and oats and organized on wood shelves.

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Suck them up, too!

Not only are chemical treatments not particularly effective against spiders, but they are also not necessary.

Lights left on at night will attract flying insects, in turnattracting spidershoping to catch a bite to eat.

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Grace Cary

While exterior lights are the main issue, inside lights seen through the windows can also attract pests.

Rodents, spiders, and other wildlife will all use clutter around your house as a hiding spot.

From there, it’s only a matter of time before they have a go at getinside.

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Wood piles should be kept away from the home whenever possible.

This includes shrubs and plants along the foundation as well as shrubs and tree limbs touching the roofline.

Seal Your Home

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This step starts with simply keeping doors and windows closed.

A spider web hanging in the corner of a porch in the sunlight.

Photo by Joel Sharp

Open doors and windows are an openinvitation for pests to enter.

Another pest pro favorite?

A spider brush, known at the hardware store as a cobweb brush.

The side of a white suburban house with a window and plants along the foundation.

Martin Hospach

Spider brushing is an inexpensive, long-term solution for spider control around the home.

For maximum reach, use an extending painter’s pole.

Overwatering your indoor plants can lead to afungus gnat infestationinside.

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),raccoons, orbats, it might be better to call a professional.

Shop carefully and find a company that specializes in Integrated Pest Management (IPM).

Don’t let water collect in any parts of your home including plants, trays, and sinks.

Someone uses a caulk gun to weather proof a window and seal gaps so pests can’t get it.

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Some of the hardest pests to get rid of are termites, bed bugs, and cockroaches.

It’s important to act fast once you nail identified any one of these pests in your home.

Call in a professional before opting for natural DIYs.

A fluffy, blue cobweb brush is attached to a long pole and used to remove spider webs from the eaves and siding of the house.

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Entomology, Purdue Extension.Cockroaches.

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A group of pigeons gathered along the roofline of a house.

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A pest control technician builds trust with his customers by providing effective professional services with a good attitude.

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