Ottawa Citizen

Keep critters at bay

- KELLY KENT

Just as we become more active as the weather warms up, so too do animals and creepy crawlies emerging from their winter hiding places in search of food. Keep them from becoming a nuisance in and around your home with these tips from Angie’s List, a website dedicated to reviewing service providers ( angieslist.com).

❚ Trim trees and bushes: Cut back tree limbs and branches that hang over your roof, since ants, squirrels or other rodents may see these overhangin­g branches as convenient ways to enter your home.

❚ Clean up wood or debris piles: Piles of wood, leaves or other debris near your home look very inviting to pests. “You might as well put up a vacancy sign for bugs, mice and other small animals seeking shelter,” says an Angie’s List release.

❚ Seal windows and doors: Bugs can fit through the tiniest of holes, so repairing or using caulk to fill cracks or other openings in windows, doors, screens and siding can go a long way toward preventing a pest problem.

❚ Outdoor lights: Moths and other bugs are attracted to light and will gather around almost any source. Keep bugs from swarming your doorways by turning off outdoor lights when they aren’t needed or switch to a coloured bulb, which is less attractive to insects than white bulbs.

❚ Secure containers: To keep rodents and other animals from turning your garbage can or green bin into an all-hours buffet, make sure its lid is sealed tightly or keep it in a closed garage or shed. Keep inside garbage areas clean as well.

❚ Clean up after your pet: Pet food is a good find for animals and bugs. Store pet food in air-tight containers and clean up spills right away. ❚ Keep the kitchen clean: Food left lying around is irresistib­le to critters. Make sure to put away any leftovers, wipe the counters clean and sweep up any fallen crumbs on a daily basis. To combat drain flies, which are common kitchen pests, keep your drains as clean as possible by flushing them regularly with vinegar. Keeping the sink clear of dishes is also good practice when pest-proofing your home.

❚ Get it inspected: Angie’s List suggests having your home inspected by a profession­al every now and then even if you don’t suspect a problem, just in case. Have them check for carpenter ants and bed bugs as well.

 ?? GLEN MCGREGOR/OTTAWA CITIZEN ?? To prevent raccoons and other creatures from getting into trash, secure the lid on your garbage container or green bin.
GLEN MCGREGOR/OTTAWA CITIZEN To prevent raccoons and other creatures from getting into trash, secure the lid on your garbage container or green bin.

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