Protecting your home from insects – what you should do

Insects are a fact of life and many of them, such as bees, do a good job. However, a whole tribe of insects invading your home is not such a good thing. They can take hold quickly, causing damage and spreading bacteria as they go. It’s important to try and prevent them from getting into your property, and to take immediate action if they do.

If you do not take preventative measures, and you do not get help from professional exterminators when necessary, you could end up with wooden structures that are damaged beyond repair and family members who suffer allergic reactions.

Preventing an insect invasion

The easiest way to deal with insects is to stop them getting into your property. This does not mean you can prevent a single fly from coming in through a window; it means that you can take action to make infestations less likely.

• Clear up debris from the outside of your home as it provides a moist and warm place for insects to hide out.

• Make sure that there are no gaps in the exterior walls of your home. Even tiny cracks can provide enough space for insects to get in.

• Do not leave uncovered food or food remnants on your kitchen work tops. They are an attractive food source for insect invaders.

• Make sure that kitchen bins are emptied each day and that they have a top on them.

• Deal with any leaks in your home as soon as possible as insects such as termites like moist areas.

• Have your home inspected for pests at least once every two years (every year in high risk areas).

How to tell if you have an insect problem

There is always a chance that you will experience an insect problem in your home, even if you take action to try and prevent one. There are signs that you can look out for including:

• Termite tunnels on the ground and along walls.

• An unpleasant smell that can accompany a cockroach infestation.

• Dark spots on bedding that could be bed bug excrement.

• Scurrying or clicking sounds.

If you have any suspicion at all that there may be an insect problem in your home, you should seek expert help straight away.

How professional pest control can help

There is no substitute for expert pest control, if you want to deal with the problem quickly and efficiently. The professionals know which products and processes are the most effective, to get rid of insects from your home while ensuring the safety of everyone who lives there. They carry out a full inspection of your property and identify any insects that are present, and any potential entry points. They then discuss a plan of action with you, so that you can return to having an insect free home as soon as possible.

This should always be your aim as having insects as housemates can damage your home and cause illness in the people who live there.