by E K Stapleton

Created on: July 10, 2008

No matter how you work and strive, insects and pests in your house will arrive. It's a fact of life as we must coexist on this earth, sometimes the sneaky little critters feel we should share our homes as well. It's almost as bad as that family member who shows up uninvited, bags in tow, with no intentions of leaving. Unlike your family member who you may have to tolerate to keep peace in the family, you certainly owe these pests nothing and can take measures to rid your home of them. Keep your home your palace and not a flop house for every pest and insect who decides to take up residence.

The best preventative measure to deter these nuisances is to create unpleasant living conditions. This works in your favor as well because a clean well kept house is exactly what they don't like. Regular cleaning and dusting is a key factor. Vacuum floors, furniture, underneath cushions and draperies. Be sure to move furniture and appliances to clean under them as well. Keep your home free of clutter including closets. Immediately clean up any spills and sweep or vacuum any food crumbs from the floor.

Seal up any entry way they have into your home. This may be difficult as they can find their way in through the most microscopic opening. Seal cracks and gaps around baseboards, walls, windows, doors, pipes, sinks and the foundation. Cracks found any place I haven't mentioned, seal them up too. Make sure screens on doors and windows are free of holes and tears and fit tightly into place.

Food, warmth and moisture are needed for these pests to survive. Cut off their source. Keep food in air tight plastic, glass or metal containers. Make sure pet food is kept in a sealed container as well. When your pet is finished eating remove the dish and wash it. Don't keep bags of potatoes or onions out in your kitchen. Seal them up in bins. Take the trash in your home out to the bins on a daily basis. Try to eliminate standing water in your home. Repair leaky pipes and faucets. When done using the shower and sinks quickly use a cloth to dry them out. Take up pet's water dishes at night and replace with fresh water in the morning. Reduce humidity in your house.

Even with all of your hard work and good intentions you can bet at some point they'll outwit you and find a way in. You tell me who's the more intelligent species. I have a hard enough time squeezing myself into a dress never mind contorting my body to fit through a tiny crack. They may hitch a ride in on your clothing or pets. A brief

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