| By :
Mark Etinger
For centuries we humans have worked expeditiously to separate ourselves from insects and pests. Consequently, pesticides were developed. But the more we learn about these harsh chemicals and what they do to the environment and our bodies, we grow more concerned with trying to find less harmful ways to curb pest populations. In addition to being potentially harmful, pesticides only treat the immediate problem and don't work as a means of prevention or treatment of the underlying problem. If you'd like to implement a chemical-free pest control regimen in your home, follow these tips to become the Catchmaster of your home! Tip 1: Make Sure Your Home Is Clean and Moisture-free -Many bugs and rodents are attracted to food and water. So nip the problem in the bud and make your home less appealing to these pests. -Wipe up sills immediately and sanitize with soap and water. -Take out your garbage every day and keep your garbage cans clean. -Keep up with the dirty dishes. IF you can't wash them daily, submerge them in soapy water until you're able to wash them. -Make sure all food and beverage containers in the pantry and on countertops are properly sealed. -Sweep you floors regularly. It not only makes your home look better, it keeps those tasty crumbs away, and keeps bugs from coming out and munching. -Fix all leaky pipes and make sure there's no damp areas under sinks. Tip 2: Fortify Your Entryways If it's hard for bugs to get in, you'll see less in your home. It's that simple. -Caulk any cracks or crevices in baseboards, moldings, cupboards, pipes, sinks, ducts, toilets, and electrical outlets. -Place screen in the front of heating and AC vents and repair holes in any window screens. The average mouse can squeeze through a hole the size of a dime, so leave no hole uncovered. Tip 3: Stock up on Catchmaster traps Now that you've cut off the pests' food supply by keeping up with your home's cleanliness, and have denied them access to your home by sealing all possible entryways, you're ready to stock up on the best chemical-free pest solutions: Catchmaster traps. -Disposable fly traps, humane mouse traps, and baited glue boards for spiders and roaches are all perfect insect solutions. Lay them in areas you have experienced bug problems in the past. -In addition to Catchmaster traps, you can also vacuum for individual bugs or nests. Corners of rooms, whether it be ceiling corners, or corners of the floor, are the perfect place for cobwebs to start accumulating, so be vigilant. If you find that your bug problem requires the use of pesticides in addition to Catchmaster traps, keep the exposure minimal. Avoid applying them frequently, as a preventative measure. Make sure that any traps, bait, chemicals, etc., are out of reach of children and pets. Never dump leftover pesticides in the garbage, out into the lawn, or down the drain. Doing this can contaminate the soil and taint drinking water. If you are unsure of how to properly dispose of these pesticides, check with your local public works department.
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