Remodeling a home can be an exciting (and stressful) time. But, something you may not have even considered before beginning your new project is pests. It is a good idea to pest-proof your home to prevent future problems, which can have devastating effects and cost lots of money. The actual process of renovating can increase the risk of pests. Save yourself the cost and hassle and prevent pests from the start.

Types of pests

Unfortunately, there is a long list of potential pests that you may come across during your remodel. Some of the most common pests are listed below.

Rats and Mice

Perhaps some most dreaded pests to come across within the home are rats and mice due to the potential for them to cause lots of damage and their tendency to transmit diseases. Rats and mice have the ability to squeeze through the tiniest of places such as around doors, vents and unsealed areas.

What can you do?

The best thing you can do is to ensure all spaces are tightly sealed within the home. Do not forget to include gaps around windows and doors, cracks in the foundations and even loose roof tiles.

Cockroaches

These pesky roaches prefer to settle in dark, moist and damp areas. Ideal breeding grounds for cockroaches within homes are in bathrooms, kitchens and basements. These beetle-like insects can be bad news for homeowners as they constantly breed, can spread disease and infection, contaminate food and in some cases cause allergies such as asthma.

What can you do?

The best thing to do is to always keep areas clean, don’t leave dirty dishes out on counters and put all food waste in a sealed bin. If you have a pet, try not to leave pet food out overnight. There are many types of roaches so if you discover an infestation, get professional Pest Control involved.

Ants

Ants can pose a problem as they have a tendency to build nests and it is common for them to infest food. Always check inside walls and behind baseboards as these are favorite places for ants to set up home. Kitchens and bathrooms tend to be the most susceptible areas as these areas are moist and obviously, the kitchen has food.

What can you do?

Ensure all areas are completely sealed as ants can enter even the smallest of cracks. Other precautions you can take are to always store food in sealed containers and keep the kitchen area clean and free from dirty dishes. Also, Organic pest control is the best option to treat ants as they are more effective in making them stay away from your place.

Termites

These critters may be tiny, but they can do an awful lot of damage to your home. Be sure to check the timber that you plan on using as although the timber may look fine on the outside, the inside can be another story. Unfortunately, once a termite infestation has been discovered, major damage has already been done.

What can you do?

Certain types of termites like to live underground within damp soils and areas with high moisture. They tend to be found in furniture or within the actual structure of the building. It is more common for termites to be found in humid areas due to their love of warm weather. Dehumidifiers are a good preventative measure in damp areas. It is vital to sort out any moisture issues that arise as soon as possible to prevent long-term damage use pests during a home remodeling.

When buying used furniture, always check for termites before bringing the item into your home by checking for holes within the woodwork. When tapped, if the wood falls away easily, you can almost guarantee that termites have caused the damage. you can find Terminix locations in Minnesota

Taking Precautions

Now that you’re familiar with the common pests that can invade homes, it’s crucial to take the right precautions during your remodeling project. Keeping a clean and organized work area is key—make sure to clean up daily and store materials in a dry, secure location. Always close doors and windows when leaving the work site and seal any small gaps or openings to prevent pests from entering. The longer the remodeling process continues, the higher the likelihood of pest infestations. Additionally, ensure that there’s no stagnant water in your construction area, as it can become a breeding ground for mosquitoes. If this has already happened, consider opting for Mosquito Control services to address the issue and prevent further infestations. Taking these preventive measures will help keep your home safe from pests while you complete your remodel.

If you would like advice or help with pest control, get in touch with Excel Pest Control. With a 100% 365-day-a-week guarantee, you can rest assured that these professionals are always on hand to sort you out!