You’ve seen them. The posts showing off cute checklists for home maintenance. Clean the gutters. Service the HVAC. Test the smoke alarms.
But there’s one that they all leave off…
Pest prevention.
And here’s the kicker… Skipping it is one of the most expensive things you can do as a homeowner. People don’t think about pest control until there’s a problem. By then, it’s too late. The damage has been done and bills are starting to pile up.
The good news? Finding affordable pest control service doesn’t have to be a headache. And almost every time, it’s cheaper to prevent problems before they happen than it is to treat them once they’ve already taken over. That’s why smart homeowners searching for great pest control services in Ventura County are calling ahead and planning before a problem starts.
Here’s your quick guide to pest prevention and why it should be at the top of your to-do list.
Contents:
- Why Pest Prevention Gets Ignored
- The Real Cost of Doing Nothing
- The Most Common Entry Points Pests Use
- Affordable Pest Control Service vs. Reactive Treatment
- Simple Prevention Steps That Actually Work
- When To Call A Professional
Why Pest Prevention Gets Ignored
Pest prevention is only noticeable when it isn’t working.
There’s nothing to see. No damage to point out. No reason to stress. So, it quickly gets pushed down the to-do list… year after year.
And here’s the problem with that logic:
Pests aren’t waiting for you to get around to it. They’re looking for food, water, and shelter wherever they can. And if they find a way in, they breed quickly.
By the time you realize you have a problem, it’s usually too late. Prevention is the best way to ensure your home doesn’t become theirs.
The Real Cost of Doing Nothing
Let’s talk about money.
Did you know termites cause $5 billion dollars in property damage each year throughout the United States? And that rodents make cozy little nests in approximately 21 million homes each winter? Not only do they live there, but they bring over 200 transmittable diseases with them too.
These aren’t statistics for unlucky homeowners. These are preventable problems that thousands of homeowners deal with every year.
And if that doesn’t convince you. Consider this:
HALF of homeowners surveyed admitted that they’ve had some form of structural damage to their home caused by pests.
Roaches aren’t just creepy. They can lead to foundation damage, electrical wiring hazards, destroyed insulation, and ruined wood framing. The list goes on and on.
Yikes!
So how much does it cost when pests invade your home? Termite damage repairs cost homeowners roughly $3,000 per incident.
Year-round protection from pests through an affordable pest control service plan costs a fraction of that.
The Most Common Entry Points Pests Use
A pest prevention plan won’t be very effective without knowing how they’re getting in.
So here are the most common ways pests find their way indoors.
- Openings around doors and windows. Don’t let the small hole fool you. Ants, roaches, and rodents can squeeze through spaces mice can fit through.
- Utilities and pipes. Utilities such as gas, electric, plumbing, etc. often have openings that aren’t always properly sealed.
- Cracks in foundation. Due to shifting ground and/or poor construction pests can enter your home through tiny cracks in the foundation.
- Roof vents and eaves. These areas go unnoticed most of the year but are one of the biggest areas rodents and wasps climb into from outside.
- Cluttered garage. Pests love hanging out in boxes, firewood, and cluttered storage. Make sure you’re not providing them with their own free home.
Believe it or not, most houses have multiple entry points pests are using. A professional pest control service will inspect and identify every one of them in a single visit.
Affordable Pest Control Service vs. Reactive Treatment
Let’s compare apples to apples.
Reacting to pests after you see them is almost always more expensive. More treatment is needed. More visits have to be made. And the damage they’ve already caused requires repair.
Preventative pest control works by stopping these problems before they start. That means securing entry points, eliminating pest attractants, and using targeted treatments to keep them from taking up residency in the first place.
And there’s a pretty big price difference between the two.
Oh wait…
Preventative pest services are designed around frequent, scheduled visits that maintain protection all year long. That means you pay less per visit. And you won’t be faced with costly “extra” service calls like you would with a reactive approach.
Simple Prevention Steps That Actually Work
Okay, so you’ve fortified your home and invested in a good pest control service. Now what?
Well, there’s still things you can do to ensure pests stay where they belong.
Outside:
- Trim trees, bushes, and shrubs away from the home
- Remove any standing water in gutters, plant trays, or ground debris
- Store firewood away from the home (at least 20 feet out)
- Seal any visible cracks in foundation and around entry points
Inside:
- Store all food in sealed, airtight containers
- Fix leaky pipes and take care to prevent moisture buildup
- Vacuum and clean behind appliances. Don’t give pests places to hide.
- Declutter your garage, attic, and storage areas. Cardboard boxes and firewood are nice places for pests to live.
Simple enough right? Now do the opposite of that and watch the pests fly in.
When To Call A Professional
As mentioned before, there’s plenty you can do on your own to prevent pests. But if any of these apply, now is the time to call in backup.
- You see evidence of an active infestation. This includes droppings, damage, or actually seeing the pests with your own two eyes.
- You haven’t been consistent with your prevention. Or it’s been more than a few seasons since you’ve addressed any type of pest control.
- You had a pest problem in the past, and never treated the issue. Just because they’re not here now doesn’t mean they won’t come back.
- You live in an area prone to termites, rodents, or see seasonal spikes in pest issues. (Think lawn pests in the summer.)
A pest control technician will walk the entire property and look for current problems as well as potential entry points.
Bottom Line On Pest Prevention
Pest control got missed from so many home maintenance checklists because it usually goes unseen. If you do it right, that is.
But as should be obvious by now, pests are nasty and costly. Whether you’re trying to protect your newly purchased home or simply never give pests a chance to move in… Preventative pest control is one of the best choices you’ll make as a homeowner.
Remember…
- Know the common pest entry points
- Take preventative measures inside and outside
- Stay consistent with your pest control service
- Don’t wait until it’s too late to call a professional
You can reach them before they reach you.
