We're having an unusually long summer here in Michigan, but at last, the temperatures are starting to cool down. With those cooling temperatures, insects and other pests will often try to seek shelter in warmer spaces like our homes. Luckily, there are things you can do to make your apartment a less appealing space for them.
Sweep and vacuum regularly
Pests are drawn to crumbs, spills, and similar sources of food. Regular cleaning can cut them off from this supply and make it more difficult for pests or insects to survive in your home.
Store food properly
Any open food should always be stored, preferably in air-tight containers. This will not only keep your food from going stale, but also keep it out of reach of pests that might be attracted to the smell.
Throw away produce once it has gone bad
Overripe produce is incredibly attractive to pests like fruit flies. Especially this time of year, it's important to use up produce before it goes bad. And once it does start to go bad, you should throw it away as soon as possible.
Empty trash regularly
On the subject of trash, just throwing away potential pest magnets may not be enough. You also need to be emptying your trash regularly — keeping the bags in your home will still attract flies and other annoying critters. Having a trash can with a lid can also help minimize the risk of an infestation and reduce unpleasant odors at the same time.
Don't leave dirty dishes out
Finally, it's important not to let dirty dishes sit in your sink too long. Food residue left on plates and bowls can still attract pests, so it's important to clean these dishes sooner rather than later.
By following these steps, you'll go a long way to keeping pests out of your home. As we've seen, this will also help minimize any unwanted smells or food waste!
