Many American households -- upwards of 1 in 4 – have seen an increase of pests in their homes during the coronavirus pandemic. Why? The reasons are plentiful, but fortunately so are the measures you can take to fight back and rid your home of freeloaders. Check out the following tips and tricks from the Waynes Pest Professionals.

More Time at Home = More Pests

Many of us have had to spend more time – a lot more time – at home during the pandemic. As a result, instead of eating out, we’re dining in, bringing more food into our homes. The flip side to that is that those pests who’d also been finding meals at restaurants and other public spaces are now branching out – and often into our homes – in search of sustenance. 

Now, keep in mind that pests like roaches and mice don’t really care if their next meal is served in a to-go box or a garbage can. So, to limit the spread of these moochers, be sure to tidy up after you eat, then keep your garbage in tightly sealed containers.  

It’s worth the extra effort, especially when you consider how quickly pests can proliferate. Take, for instance, roaches. In just three to four months, these creepie crawlies can multiply by as much as 600 times. 

When There’s Increased Waste Outside Our Homes, We Attract More Wildlife and Rodents

Just like pre-pandemic times, you’ll need to properly dispose of garbage. The difference being there’s now more of it and, again, more pests in search of a meal. 

Most of us gather that trash from the inside and dispose of it in a big garbage bin that sits outside … and acts like a supermarket for pests, including not only bugs and rodents, but other wildlife like possums and raccoons. 

Look at it like this, once they find what they want, they’ll probably keep coming back, and maybe even venturing a step further inside your home. Might as well check out the entire neighborhood, right? So, take away the incentive and stop the migration before it begins. Make sure your outside garbage is in a bag that is tied tight; also, check that the garbage can itself has a tight-fitting lid. 

And here’s a bonus tip: For those of you with dogs or cats, dump a little of that used kitty litter or include one of Fido’s used poop bags in the actual garbage bag. The scent from such waste tends to scare away many pests. 

If We Slack on Cleanliness, We’ll Rack Up Pests

With increased activity going on in our homes, it may be harder to keep it clean. After all, many of us are not only sleeping and eating there, but we may also be working at the house, which could require bringing things home from the usual place of business. 

And with those items comes a good chance that we’ll bring home pests, too, as well as future generations of them, via eggs. Take, for instance, items like papers and cardboard boxes. Many bugs consider those items food AND shelter. 

What to do? With more activity comes more mess, so keep up your regimen of vacuuming, mopping, and the like, and maybe even increase the number of cleanings. As for those important papers, store them in containers like plastic bins or even plastic bags, that can be sealed shut when not in use. 

Waynes Cares About Your Health and Safety

No one should have to live – or work – alongside pests. After all, your home is supposed to be YOUR happy place. Pests not only crimp our comfort and style, but they also jeopardize our health. 

Waynes takes that kind of threat seriously, and you can count on us to be there for you to treat your home – following CDC and local protocols during this pandemic, all the while using pest prevention techniques that are comprehensive and environmentally sound! If you have questions contact us or sign up now and Pulverize Pests today!