New Year, New Home: How to Prevent Household Pests by Decluttering
As the new year begins, many Long Island homeowners embrace the opportunity for a fresh start. Decluttering often tops New Year’s resolutions, but it’s more than just a way to organize your home—it’s also a powerful tool for keeping pests at bay. Household pests like cockroaches, mice, and ants thrive in cluttered spaces where they can hide, nest, and find easy access to food and water. A clean, organized home not only feels great to live in, but also makes it less attractive to these unwelcome guests!
Why Clutter Attracts Common Household Pests
Pests are experts at exploiting overlooked spaces, and clutter provides them with everything they need to settle in. Piles of boxes, stacks of old newspapers, and forgotten corners in your home create ideal hiding spots. Moisture trapped between cluttered items can encourage infestations of cockroaches and other insects, while crumbs and hidden food sources lure rodents and ants.
Decluttering is the first step toward protecting your home from pests, especially when combined with an annual pest control plan. Here are some simple tips to get you on your way to knocking winter pests out:
Focus on Storage Areas
Start your decluttering efforts in storage spaces like basements, attics, and garages. These areas often harbor pests such as mice and spiders, especially if items have been sitting undisturbed for a long time. Go through stored belongings and discard what you no longer need. Replace cardboard boxes with sealed plastic bins, as pests can easily chew through cardboard. Elevate stored items off the ground to make them less accessible to pests. As you organize, stay alert for droppings, nests, or other signs of pest activity so you can address any issues promptly.
Keep the Kitchen Free of Pests
The kitchen is one of the most attractive spaces for pests, thanks to the abundance of food and water sources. Bugs and rodents are drawn to crumbs, spills, and improperly stored food. Clean out your pantry by discarding expired items and wiping down shelves. Store dry goods like flour, sugar, and cereal in airtight containers to keep them safe from pests like cockroaches and ants. Don’t forget to clean under and behind appliances, where crumbs and debris often accumulate unnoticed.
Declutter Your Closets
Closets can harbor pests such as clothes moths and silverfish if they’re not kept tidy. Declutter by donating or discarding old clothing you no longer wear. Use cedar blocks or mothballs to deter pests, and vacuum closets regularly to remove dust and debris. A clean, organized closet eliminates hiding spots and helps protect your belongings from damage.
Inspect and Store Holiday Decorations Properly
After the holidays, take the time to inspect your seasonal decorations before packing them away. Decorations stored in basements, attics, or garages can attract pests like mice and spiders. Look for signs of infestations, such as droppings or chewed materials, and store decorations in plastic bins with tight-fitting lids instead of cardboard boxes. Avoid placing these bins in damp or dark areas, which are prime environments for pests.
Clear Out Paper Clutter
Old newspapers, magazines, and stacks of mail can attract pests by providing excellent nesting materials. Sort through your paper clutter and recycle what you no longer need. Consider switching to digital subscriptions and online billing to reduce the buildup of paper in your home. Keeping surfaces clear of paper clutter helps eliminate potential hiding spots for rodents and insects.
Why Decluttering Isn’t Enough to Get Rid of Bugs
While decluttering is an essential step in pest prevention, it’s not a complete solution. Pests are resourceful and can exploit even the cleanest homes if given the opportunity. That’s why it’s crucial to pair your efforts with an annual pest control plan. Knockout Pest Control offers professional services tailored to Long Island homes, addressing specific pest threats and keeping your space protected year-round.
Start the Year with Pest-Free Confidence
Decluttering your home is a great way to start the new year fresh, but it’s also an opportunity to protect your home against pests. Don’t wait until pests invade your home—contact Knockout Pest Control today to protect your home with an annual pest control plan for peace of mind all year long.