Are you looking for better and more effective ways to stop the annoying pest problem in your home? Tired of those roaches, bed bugs and other pesky insects invading your space?

Keeping unwanted pests out doesn’t have to be expensive or difficult — and below you will find 5 simple and useful tips that you can apply right away to pest proof your home and make it “less inviting” for bugs…

#1: Seal/Repair Any Openings

Start with your basement and check for any gaps/cracks, especially in areas where you find pipes exiting through the wall. Then go outside looking for openings around utility meters, laundry vents and exterior outlets, since these areas happen to have big, welcoming cracks for bugs. Also, check the weather stripping on windows/doors and repair any holes you find in screens. Fill these holes with spray in insulation, silicone or other appropriate materials to keep bugs from sneaking in.

#2: Keep the Kitchen Clean

If you want to keep the bugs out, then make sure you have a clean kitchen because leftover bits of any type of food attract unwanted pests. Keep those leftovers stored in tightly closed containers and make sure you wipe down any containers that have sugary stuff (such as peanut butter or jelly) on them. Don’t forget to keep the fruits away from direct sunlight to keep them from spoiling, and if you cut up any fruit, put it away in the fridge or in a sealed container so fruit flies don’t swarm. And yes, sweep and vacuum on a regular basis, especially in the nooks and crannies.

#3: Keep Your Home Dry

Get rid of wet spots since pests thrive in damp/moist environments. Leaks around sinks and tubs should be fixed with a caulk line. When inspecting the basement, look for dripping pipes, loose fittings and cracks. If you find any obvious spots in the ceiling then it could mean there is a hole in it which could prove to be an entry point for insects.

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#4: Do a Yard Clean up

Insects often find home under compost heaps, glass clippings and yes, decaying leaves – so clean them up, keep them covered or contained, or just keep them further away from your home. If you find any branches touching your home then trim them (along with any shrubbery) so that pests don’t use them as pathways into your home.

#5: Invite More Birds

Birds are better than bugs any day – and they also like munching on the pests that bother you. If you can, get a bird feeder, since it costs less than a birdbath and it won’t lead to any water stagnation problems. You can even create one on your own for free and get it done as a family project on a weekend.

All in all, pest proofing your home isn’t rocket science. By taking simple measures you can avoid the pest problem from growing out of control. However, if you want to have long term relief from pesky pests then you should consider hiring a professional pest control service. You’ll find that a little bit of investment goes a long way when it comes to getting rid of bugs the right way. It will not only save you time, but will also give you peace of mind knowing that your home is in safe hands.