A vacation is supposed to de-stress you; however, nothing can spoil the mood quicker than coming back to a house infested with ants, cockroaches, flies, or other kinds of pests. Bugs are smart; they track down food odours, water, and even temperature changes. When your house is empty for several days, those little spaces beneath doors, open windows, and the crumbs that are left become the calling cards of bugs. But, with a little bit of preparation before you go, you can make your house at least one that pests will not be eager to enter. These easy steps are free from the need for having some fancy gadgets or costly sprays. A few good habits and minor changes can go a long way in keeping your home clean and free from bugs until the time when you open your door again.
How little habits and house factors can cause bug infestations
Bugs in general are attracted to food, water, and living space, so a tiny spill, a damp cloth, or a crack that you have not noticed can be a way for ants, cockroaches, and other pests to enter your home. Preparing your home before going on a vacation is mainly about getting rid of these things that attract them and closing the places from where they can enter so that insects will have no reason to come to an empty house. In support of this, a study named Berberine Promotes Beige Adipogenic Signatures of 3T3-L1 Cells published in the National Library of Medicine states that moisture, food residues, and gaps in the structure are the main factors that lead to the presence of insects in houses. The study shows that keeping the house clean and fixing small household problems will greatly lower the chances of pests coming, thus making small daily habits unexpectedly strong in safeguarding your home when you are away.
Easy everyday tricks to keep your home bug-free during vacation
1. Clean up all food crumbs.Before you leave, wipe down counters, sweep floors, and put away all food in sealed containers. Even tiny spills attract ants and flies.2. Take out the trashEmpty all bins and make sure no food scraps are left inside. A full trash can is one of the biggest bug magnets.3. Store pet food safelyIf pets are staying home, measure food so none is left out overnight. Leave dry food in sealed containers with tight lids.4. Fix leaks and dry wet areasBugs love moisture. Wipe up sink drips and dry wet spots behind appliances. Fix leaky taps before you go.5. Seal entry pointsCheck under doors and around windows for gaps. Use weather stripping or simple draft stoppers to block tiny openings.6. Use vinegar or lemon sprayCombine equal parts of water and either vinegar or lemon juice in a spray bottle and spray areas around doors, windows, and countertops. The smell is something that bugs don’t tolerate.7. Close screens and windowsEnsure that the screens are properly fitted and the windows are shut tightly before you go. A tiny hole can be an invitation.8. Turn on a light indoorsIt is better to leave a light on than to have complete darkness if you want to attract fewer bugs, as darkness is what insects use as a guide to outdoor lights near doors.9. Clean drains and sink areasThe presence of organic matter in drains can be a source of fruit flies and gnats. Heating water should be used to clean sinks and drains to remove the buildup.10. Store Fruits in the FridgeLeave ripe fruit in the refrigerator rather than on the counter, where it can draw fruit flies.11. Check outdoor areasTrim plants and grass near doorways and patios. Overgrown vegetation acts as a shelter and pathway for bugs into the home.12. Place sticky traps in cornersSticky glue traps in hidden corners catch bugs that still manage to enter. They act as an early warning system and reduce numbers.A little preparation before you leave can save you a lot of frustration when you get back. Clearing food, sealing gaps, and reducing moisture are the basics, but they work. Most bugs come in because they find something they want, food or water, so removing those makes your home less appealing. Follow these easy steps, and you can enjoy your trip without worrying about what’s waiting for you back home.Disclaimer: The strategies here are for general guidance. If you have a serious pest problem, consult a professional exterminator.Also read | What attracts snakes to emerge from toilet bowls?
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