Great design in your home is not just about how it looks, it’s also about how it runs and functions, and nothing disrupts a beautiful home like having uninvited guests like pests, we’re talking about ants in the kitchen, spiders in the corners, or even worse.
The good news is that when you make good design choices, it can help to stop pest problems from happening. From the layout to choosing the right materials to looking at the landscaping of your Gardens, here’s how you can build or renovate with style, keeping pests at bay in mind.
Choosing Materials and Layouts That Discourage Pests
Love cracks gaps and clutter, so one of the best ways that you can keep them out of your home is by reducing their hiding spots.
First, look at your walls and your floors. Smooth any cracks off and Seal materials like tiles, polished concrete, and finished hardwood. These are less inviting than textured or porous surfaces. These types of materials don’t give insects the dark crevices that they are looking for, and they are much easier for you to clean.
In the kitchen and bathroom, use core for sealant to close up any gaps where countertops meet and walls, or where sinks meet any cabinets; that small seam is exactly where Cockroaches or ants love to hide.
Open concept layouts also help with this. When you can see more of your space at a glance, it is much easier for you to spot any trouble early on. Just past tends to avoid wide open spaces in favor of a cozier corner and cluttered spaces.
When you can, try to avoid heavy window treatments, bulky baseball boards, or complex moulding, as this can create even more hiding spaces for them to hide. Minimalistic design doesn’t just look great; it is also more difficult for Pests to create a home.
Landscaping Tips to Keep the Outdoors in Check
Pest issues often start on the outside of your home, so your landscaping choices make a huge impact on what gets into your home.
The first step is to keep plants and trees trimmed back from the walls of the Windows. If you have any branches that touch your siding or roofline, they act as brilliant bridges for rodents and spiders, and a little distance can make a big difference. It won’t stop it completely, but it will help.
Drainage is another important factor for you to think about. Standing water, even small puddles, invites mosquitoes and other pests. Make sure that you’re gutters are cleaned regularly and that your yard naturally slopes away from your house.
If you’re building outdoor features like a deck, patio, or raised beds, make sure you always leave room for airflow and use pest-resistant materials where you are able to. If you want more tips, talk to a pest control expert who can help you if things have gotten out of control.
How Small Details Add Up to a Healthier Home
Sometimes it’s the little choices that have the biggest impact on your home.
Adding in-door sweeps on exterior Doors, for example, blocks one of the most common pest entry points. Adding fine mesh screens on Windows also means that you are helping to keep bugs out without stopping the airflow from coming through your home. Even a well-placed motion sensor light can discourage nighttime visitors like raccoons from your bins.
Proper storage matters, too. You should try it and keep your Pantry items in sealed containers, and avoid any clutter in your garage or basements. If you have a clean and organized space, there is less chance that pests will choose to settle there.
Designing with prevention in mind does not mean that you have to compromise on style, it just means that you are building a home that is beautiful but not to stay that way.
