25 recommendations for preventing pests
It is recommended that you adopt preventative measures to ensure that your business and home remain pest-free.
There are simple measures and habits that can easily be implemented to help discourage pest activity.
Our 25 recommendations for better preventative action against pests are:
1) Seal and isolate all cracks and holes in building exteriors, including entry points for pipes and drains, by sealing them or filling gaps around doors and windows;
2) Always keep drains and covers tightly fitted, in kitchens and bathrooms;
3) Avoid leaving food, water and possible shelters available to mice;
4) Keep all foodstuffs in airtight containers;
5) Keep fruit and vegetables in the fridge, especially when ripe;
6) Keep bags of cereals, flour and seeds in tightly closed containers;
7) Keep kitchen worktops and floors free of crumbs and spillages and sanitise frequently to eliminate paths marked or identified by insects;
8) Pay particular attention to all goods from supermarkets and grocery stores, as they often hide urban pest eggs in their boxes, so special storage care is recommended, eliminating cardboard boxes and other suspicious packaging;
9) Every day, especially in the evening, make sure that food preparation areas are properly cleaned;
10) Remove rubbish frequently – put it in closed bags – Keep rubbish bins closed and properly insulated, don’t leave rubbish outside the appropriate bins;
11) Inspect your pets, for their health and to prevent them from bringing pests into your home;
12) Don’t forget to remove leftover food and wash your pets’ food bowls regularly;
13) Collect and properly dispose of dog faeces, which can also serve as food;
14) Get rid of supermarket boxes and check all the goods you buy, as it is often through the packaging that certain pests gain access to your home;
15) Store sweets such as sugar, syrup and honey in plastic containers that close with pressure and clean them to remove any sticky residue;
16) Any empty juice or soft drink containers should be rinsed out before being recycled or put in the bin;
17) Don’t leave dirty dishes in your kitchen sink and keep the sink dry and sanitised;
18) Outside, remove places that can accumulate water, such as bottle tops, cans, packaging, plastic cups or any other object that can accumulate a minimum of water;
19) Always leave the toilet seat closed – rarely used toilets should be flushed at least once a week;
20) Always remove accumulated water from floors;
21) Check drains for blockages and keep them closed if not in use;
22) Check rainwater gutters, remove leaves or other materials that could prevent the water from draining away;
23) Avoid accumulating rubble – Don’t accumulate objects that are of no use;
24) Treat swimming pool water with disinfectants, sanitising at least once a week;
25) Don’t let building materials, rubbish, branches, logs or stones accumulate outside buildings.
Pest control and prevention is important for health reasons.
If you suspect an infestation, don’t hesitate to contact us to arrange a free check.
Extermínio – Higiene Controle, Lda. is your regional Pest Control and Hygiene partner, with 34 years of presence on the Madeiran market in favour of Public Health.
