Top 4 Pest Control Tips for Phoenix Homeowners

Living in the vibrant city of Phoenix comes with its unique set of challenges, especially when it comes to pest control. While many areas of the country attract pests that thrive in humid climates, Arizona deals with many pests distinct to our region. The arid desert climate is a haven for various pests that can invade your home and disrupt your peace of mind. To help you safeguard your living space, the following four pest control tips are tailored specifically for Phoenix homeowners.

1. Maintain a clean environment

One of the most effective ways to prevent pest infestations is by keeping your home clean and tidy. Pests such as ants, cockroaches, and rodents are attracted to food crumbs, spills, and clutter, so making sure these things are not available in your home will make it less likely that these disease-spreading pests will move in with you. Implement the following pest control tips to maintain your home’s clean environment:

• Regularly vacuum your floors.
• Wipe down surfaces and promptly clean up food spills.
• Store food in airtight containers.
• Dispose of garbage regularly.
• Clean dishes immediately after use.
• Organize storage areas, like attics and closets.
• Remove unwanted and unused items from your house to reduce clutter.
• Store items you don’t use but have to keep in hard-sided storage containers with tightly fitting lids.

By keeping your home clean and free of clutter, you’ll make it not only more peaceful for your family but also less attractive to pests. That’s a win-win!

2. Seal entry points

Pests often enter homes through small cracks, crevices, and gaps in walls, windows, doors, and foundations. Most don’t need a large opening in order to get into your house, so it’s important that even the smallest entry points are addressed.
Start by conducting a thorough inspection of your home’s exterior to identify potential entry points. Look for:

• Gaps around windows and doors
• Cracks in the foundation
• Holes or tears in window and door screens
• Uncovered vents
• Openings around electrical, plumbing, and HVAC entry points

Once you have a list of the possible entry points into your house, you can start working to close them. Most cracks, small openings, and areas around pipes and utility lines can be sealed with caulk. Torn or damaged screens should be replaced. You can install weatherstripping on doors and windows that have gaps around them. Wire mesh or other screening materials can be placed over open vents.

3. Manage moisture

Even in a dry climate like the one Phoenix has, moisture can accumulate in certain areas of your home, creating an ideal environment for pests that seek out moisture, such as termites and cockroaches. Addressing moisture issues promptly can help deter these pests from taking up residence in your home. Try these moisture-reducing pest control tips:

• Repair leaking faucets and pipes and fix water leaks.
• Ensure proper drainage outside your house that sends moisture away from the foundation.
• Use dehumidifiers in damp areas, like bathrooms and laundry rooms.
• Ensure proper ventilation in bathrooms and kitchens.
• Eliminate water sources that attract pests.

Keeping moisture low may seem like something you don’t have to think about, but being aware of areas where it could become a problem will help you stop issues before they start.

4. Landscape management

Your yard plays a crucial role in pest control. This is where pests first arrive and where they take shelter before moving into your house. If pests find your yard uninviting, they won’t get close enough to get inside your house.
One way to avoid pests is to embrace the “anti-lawn movement”. By xeriscaping, you can help prevent pests that might hang out in your grass, shrubs, and other landscaping elements that attract pests. Other ways to reduce your risk of a pest infestation through landscape management include:

• Keeping trees and shrubs, whether native or non-native, trimmed so they don’t touch the sides or roof of your house.
• Removing dead plants and debris regularly.
• Mowing the lawn frequently if you have grass.
• Avoiding overwatering.
• Not leaving pet food, bird seed, or other food sources outside.
• Eliminating clutter around your yard.
• Removing rocks that may harbor scorpions underneath them.

Using these quick tips to keep your lawn in good condition will help you prevent a pest infestation in your Phoenix home.

Our final pest control tip - let us handle your Phoenix pest problems!

These pest control tips are a great first step, but if you want further assurance that your Phoenix home will remain pest-free, implementing a routine pest control plan will provide 24/7 pest protection. Northwest Exterminating has been protecting Phoenix homes from pests for over 30 years. You can count on our pest control experts to keep pests out of your home!

Our three service plans, offering award-winning home pest control at an affordable price, are specifically designed around Phoenix pests. Choose from our Defense, Smartdefense, or Smartdefense Complete plans to get the service you want and need. These quarterly treatments protect your home year-round and include free re-treatments in case any issues occur between scheduled services. Learn more about our home pest control by contacting us today.