Critters can be cute, but nobody wants them in their home. Did you know that critters can also carry diseases?

For example, rats can transmit the bubonic plague and hantavirus. Mice can carry salmonella and lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV).

And, let’s not forget about mosquitoes. They can transmit West Nile virus, Zika virus, and other diseases.

So, how do you keep critters out of your home? Here are 10 tips:

1. Inspect Your Home for Cracks and Holes

First of all, you need to find out how the critters are getting into your home. Look for cracks and holes on the outside of your house, especially near the foundation.

Do a thorough inspection, because even tiny cracks and holes can be an invitation for critters to come inside. Once you find the openings, seal them up with caulk or another type of filler.

2. Keep Your Home Clean and Clutter-Free

A clean home is less inviting to critters than a cluttered one. So, take some time to declutter your home, especially if you have things like cardboard boxes lying around.

Cardboard boxes are often infested with mice and other types of critters. If you must keep them, make sure to store them in sealed plastic bins.

3. Don’t Leave Food Out

If you leave food out, you’re practically inviting critters into your home. So, be sure to put away all food, including pet food, after every meal.

And, don’t forget about crumbs. Even tiny crumbs can attract critters like ants and cockroaches. vacuum regularly and sweep your floors often to get rid of them.

4. Keep Your Trash Cans Sealed Tightly

Trash cans that are left open are also an invitation for critters to come inside. Be sure to keep the lids on tightly and empty the trash cans regularly.

5. Get Rid of Standing Water

Mosquitoes breed in standing water, so it’s important to get rid of any stagnant water that’s around your home. This includes water in bird baths, gutters, and even flower pots.

6. Use Mesh Screens

Mesh screens can help to keep critters out of your home, especially if you have cracks and holes that you can’t seal up. Just be sure to repair any tears or holes in the screens.

7. Keep Your Yard Free of Debris

Your yard is also a potential breeding ground for critters like mosquitoes. So, keep it free of debris and standing water. Cut the grass regularly and remove any fallen leaves.

8. Use Repellents

There are many different types of repellents that you can use to keep critters away from your home. For example, you can use ultrasonic devices to deter mice and rats.

You can also use mosquito traps and insecticide sprays to keep mosquitoes and other insects at bay. Just be sure to follow the instructions carefully when using these products.

9. Call an Exterminator

If you have a serious problem with critters, you may need to call an exterminator. They can help to get rid of the problem and prevent it from happening again in the future.

10. Be Proactive

The best way to keep critters out of your home is to be proactive. Inspect your home regularly for cracks and holes. Keep it clean and clutter-free.

And, don’t forget to take steps to prevent mosquito breeding grounds in your yard. By following these tips, you can help to keep your home critter-free.

Tools and Products You Will Need

Let’s now cover some of the tools and products you will need to help prevent critters from entering your home.

  1. Caulk: Caulk is a great way to seal up cracks and holes that critters can use to enter your home. Just apply it to the cracks and holes and smooth it out with your finger.
  1. Plastic Bins: If you have cardboard boxes in your home, be sure to store them in sealed plastic bins. This will help to keep critters from getting inside of them.
  1. Vacuum Cleaner: A vacuum cleaner can help to get rid of crumbs and other food debris that can attract critters like ants and cockroaches. Be sure to vacuum regularly and sweep your floors often.
  1. Trash Cans: Trash cans are another potential breeding ground for critters. Be sure to keep the lids on tightly and empty them regularly.
  1. Mosquito Traps: Mosquito traps can help to reduce the mosquito population in your yard. Just be sure to follow the instructions carefully when using them.
  2. Insecticide Sprays: Insecticide sprays can also help to keep mosquitoes and other insects at bay. Just be sure to follow the instructions carefully when using them.
  3. Exterminator: If you have a serious problem with critters, you may need to call an exterminator. They can help to get rid of the problem and prevent it from happening again in the future.
  4. Home Inspection: Inspecting your home regularly for cracks and holes is a great way to prevent critters from getting inside. Just be sure to check both the inside and outside of your home.
  5. Yard Maintenance: Keeping your yard free of debris and standing water can also help to prevent mosquito breeding grounds. Be sure to cut the grass regularly and remove any fallen leaves.
  6. Proactive Prevention: The best way to keep critters out of your home is to be proactive. Inspect your home regularly for cracks and holes. Keep it clean and clutter-free. And, don’t forget to take steps to prevent mosquito breeding grounds in your yard.

By following these tips, you can help to keep your home critter-free. Stay safe and have a good one, everyone!