Page 34 THE VILLADOM TIMES I & III • October 8, 2014 Tips to help keep pests from becoming a nuisance Pests can be a nuisance. Whether they are in the yard or invading a home’s interior when the cold weather arrives, pests are unwelcome. While some pest problems require the use of pesticides, homeowners can begin by taking a few basic steps to keep pests from becoming a serious issue. Cut off food sources. One of the primary reasons pests infiltrate a home is to get food. Homeowners who do not create opportunities for pests to eat might be able to pre- vent infestations without the need for pesticides. When storing items in a pantry, make sure all boxes and bags are tightly sealed. Many pests can easily access food sources stored in cardboard boxes, so homeowners with roach or ant infestations might want to consider storing cereal, sugar, and flour in sealable plastic containers that such pests cannot penetrate. Keep a tidy house. Pests do not only access food sources stored in the pantry. A dirty house is also very inviting to pests, who can feast on crumbs left behind on floors and tables. Do not leave crumbs on tables or coun- tertops. Such scraps might not seem like much of a meal, but will serve as a great source of food for hungry pests. Sweep and mop kitchen floors to remove any traces of food that might have fallen on the ground, and be sure to vacuum around the table. Don’t be sunk by the sink. A dirty sink is another attraction pests cannot resist. If your sink does not have a garbage disposal, install a food trap on the drain so food is not washing down the drain, where it can stick to the side of the pipe and attract pests. Dirty dishes should be cleaned immediately. If allowed to sit in the sink for hours or overnight, dirty dishes will attract hungry pests, so clean the dishes. Give the sink a quick cleaning once the dishes have been washed. Stay dry. Water is very attractive to pests, and roaches in particular. A very small amount of water is all some roaches need to feel satisfied, so all surfaces and sinks should be kept dry. Drain water from the sink, as a sink full of water is attractive to roaches because they know how to swim and can use water as a food source. Leaky plumbing should also be addressed, as leaky faucets, hoses, and pipes may create a pest-friendly environment that is difficult to eradicate once it has been established. Address leaks around the house. A pest infestation also may be a byproduct of leaks around the house. Cracks or openings along the baseboards or behind the sink can create a point of entry for hungry pests, so seal any such cracks or openings as soon as possible. Pests also may enter a home through holes in window screens or march right in through the front door if there is any space between the bottom of the door and the floor. These repairs are both simple and effective at preventing pests from entering a home. Clear out clutter. Cluttered areas make great hiding places for pests. Stacks of old newspapers or magazines can obscure pests, and homeowners might have a full infestation without even knowing it. Removing such clut- ter eliminates potential hiding places for pests.