Pests like cockroaches, rats, and mice are an unfortunate reality in many homes. But that doesn’t mean you have to accept them as a permanent resident. By keeping your home well-maintained and following some simple tips, it’s possible to prevent pests from moving in. You can even take steps to make your home less appealing to pests so they won’t be interested in living there. The time and investment you put into preventing pests is worth it because the first step to eradicating them is not having them around in the first place. If you currently have a pest problem or are concerned about being prone to them in the future, these seven tips will help keep your home pest-free:

Install Quality Doors and Windows

Whether there’s a house behind it or a high-rise, the exterior of your home is the first line of defense against pests. Doors and windows are the primary entry points for pests like roaches, rats and mice. Keeping them in good condition and installing quality doors and windows will help prevent them from getting into your home. If you notice the seal around doors and windows is broken, replace it immediately. Paying a bit more now will save you a lot of headache down the road. When you’re shopping for doors and windows, consider the pest-proofing features when choosing which ones to buy. There are many options, such as screens that have a tighter weave, or insect-repellent coatings that can be applied to doors and windows. Be sure to keep all exterior doors and windows closed when possible. If you have the option to keep them shut year-round, that’s best. However, try to open them as often as possible, too. This will allow fresh air in your home.

Maintain a Healthy Environment

Healthy plants and a clean environment can go a long way in keeping pests out of your home. Healthy plants absorb carbon dioxide, removing harmful chemicals from the air such as formaldehyde, benzene, and toluene. Keeping plants indoors during the winter will help with this. Cleaning your home regularly will remove bacteria, dust and debris that can attract pests. Vacuum often, wash floors with a mop or a wet rag and clean cobwebs and dust regularly. Using products that are non-toxic and eco-friendly will help keep your home healthy while also preventing pests. An exception to this rule is roaches. While maintaining a clean environment is important in preventing roaches, it’s not enough. Roaches are attracted to and thrive in environments with high levels of carbon dioxide and low levels of oxygen. That’s why, no matter how clean your home is, if you have roaches, the problem won’t go away until the source of their attraction is eliminated.

Put in Good Housekeeping Practices

Another important part of preventing pests is keeping your home clean and organized. This includes making sure food is stored safely, as well as disposing of any garbage regularly. Frequent garbage disposal is one of the best ways to keep pests out of your home. Unfortunately, some pests, such as cockroaches, are immune to the effects of poison. So, it’s important to seal your garbage can to prevent them from getting inside in the first place. Food is the primary source of sustenance for most pests. Keep food in closed containers or in the refrigerator to keep pests out. Washing dishes promptly and keeping counters and floors clean will also help.

Be Careful with Food Storage

If you do decide to store food outside, make sure it’s in a tightly sealed container. If possible, store food inside the house in a cool, dry place. Excessive heat, cold and dampness can make your home an undesirable place for pests. Food items that should be stored in a cooler or indoors include: – Dairy products, like eggs, cheese and milk – Grains, like rice and wheat – Nuts and seeds – Herbs and oils – Bread or baked goods – Hot sauce or other condiments – Vinegar, baking soda and baking powder – Peanuts – Any food that has a high oil content, like avocados, olives or butter