No matter if you live in your home for 60 years, or move around a lot, you’re bound to have to deal with dirty neighbors at least once in your lifetime. It’s common that unkempt homes will attract insects and other pests. And it’s well known that those pests can travel to neighboring homes. Dirty neighbors that don’t care about their home certainly won’t care about your’s. So what do you do to keep pests from their property from invading your property?
Treat Your Home with Regular Spraying
Monthly treatments may be required to keep your home safe from the surrounding environment. Roaches are the most common insects that will travel from other dirty homes. Roaches move the fastest between homes, especially if you’re living with shared walls (apartments, condos, etc). Paying for monthly treatments might not be ideal, however you can find diluted versions of the bug sprays the pros use at home improvement stores. A little touch up in between when we’re able to treat will help keep pests at bay longer.
Don’t Give Pests a Reason to Move to Your Home
If your neighbors are so dirty that they routinely attract pests, make sure you keep your home and yard kept up so that you won’t have to worry about any invasions. Just because insects can travel to your home doesn’t mean they necessarily will, and you can do your part to making your home as unattractive for pests as possible. Mow your lawn frequently to ensure insects can’t “hop” from tall grass in one yard to another. Move lawn ornaments around every week or so to avoid bugs from using them as shelters (even a few inches will do). Sweep and vacuum your home weekly to get rid of any food particles lying around.
Cover all Trash
Don’t leave trash lying around if you have messy neighbors. Trash will give your home the perfect “vacation home” appeal to insects. They will be attracted to any garbage that’s not properly stored. If you find your garbage can overflows between pickups, purchase an extra one so that you can keep everything secure. If you recycle, wash out all plastic/glass cans and bottles and let them dry before you put them in the recycling container.
Don’t Shoulder all the Burden Yourself
Try to be friendly with your messy neighbor and talk to them about any problems you have. If you’re unable to form a healthy relationship, don’t force it. If the situation becomes unbearable try to reach out to anyone who might help. If you have an HOA, they may be able to step in. They may also be able to recommend the right exterminator to help with your problem.
If you’re having pest problems, we can help! Contact us today for a free estimate and on-site inspection!