Millions of American homes experience infestations each year. If you’ve noticed bugs around your home, there is a good chance that an infestation is already taking place. Many homeowners choose to call an exterminator as soon as they suspect an infestation, but there are some steps that you can take to prevent and remove pests on your own. Consider the following six steps to help keep your home free of pests:

1. Clean Your Kitchen

There are all sorts of factors that attract pests in the kitchen. One of the fastest ways to get pests in your home is by neglecting to clean your kitchen. Leaving dishes sitting in the sink overnight attracts pests quickly due to food remnants and standing water. Even tiny pieces of food that are stuck in your garbage disposal can attract fruit flies and other pests. By being adamant about the cleanliness of your home, you can greatly reduce the chance of a pest problem.

2. Take Trash Out Daily

A half-empty trash can sitting in your home overnight offers enough food to encourage a large pest infestation. Cockroaches and other pests feed on many of the items that are commonly found in the trash. These pests will eat just about anything, so it’s very important that you remove as many food sources as possible. Even small trash cans throughout the home should be emptied daily.

3. Remove All Leaks and Signs of Water Damage

Leaks and water damage both increase the likelihood of a pest problem in your home. Many types of pests thrive in moist conditions, and a leaking pipe can act as a welcome sign to these household intruders. There are certain bugs, like carpenter ants and some types of termites, that target wood that has been damaged by water. Carpenter ants build homes within this weak wood, and termites feed on cellulose materials that are found within. Repair any leaks and remove damaged wood from your home as soon as you notice it to lessen the chance of pests.

4. Apply Bait Throughout Your Home

Baits are commonly used by pest control experts to get rid of infestations. When applied properly, these baits can prove extremely effective. Most baits are sold in a gel form, a very small amount of this gel is applied to the baseboards of your home. If an infestation is present in your home, worker members will carry this bait back to the nest where the queen will then feed on it.

5. Seal Cracks and Repair Ripped Screens

Cracks in the foundation of your home and torn or ripped screens on windows and doors are the fastest way for pests to find their way into your home. By simply sealing these cracks using caulk and replacing ripped screens, you can greatly reduce your chances of an infestation taking place in your home.

6. Contact A Pest Control Provider

If you have a pest problem that’s more than you can handle it may be time to contact a licenced pest control provider. Once an infestation has reached a certain level it can be extremely hard for a homeowner to remedy the situation on their own. An exterminator understands how to remove pests, even once the infestation has reached advanced levels.

These are just a few ways to get rid of pests in your home. There are other steps that you can take in addition to these if you continue to see signs of pests within your home. Thankfully, by calling a trusted pest control provider, you can ensure that pests get out of your home and don’t come back.