5 New Year's Resolutions to Help Prevent Pests

(BPT) - From healthy lifestyle changes to productive habits, there are plenty of New Year's resolutions that can start your 2019 off on the right foot. Homeowners can extend those resolutions to include keeping the house in tiptop shape - and keeping out unwanted visitors. The pest management experts at Terminix have a few New Year's resolution recommendations that can help make your 2019 pest-free.

ld be an inviting home for termites and can provide an easy bridge to your home's foundation if you don't properly guard against these pests.

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• Call in the professionals

If you're dealing with a pest problem too big to handle alone, know when it's time to call in the professionals. Terminix's trained technicians can help you protect your home from winter pests, leaving you free to focus your sights on other goals.

• Inspect your home

As you start the new year, it's a good time to check if your home is fully sealed from more than just the elements. Even an opening as small as a dime is big enough for a mouse to squeeze through. Take a walk around your entire house exterior, looking for any cracks or holes, and be sure to seal any gaps you find.

• Eliminate standing water

While a water feature makes for a perfect landscaping piece, be sure to be diligent about changing out water and reducing other sources of standing water. Refresh the water in bird baths, fountains and other water features at least once a week, and dump out any other unnecessary water on your property.

• Be mindful when away from home

Unfortunately, places like hotel rooms can be bed bug hot spots, and these pests can be tough to guard against and easy to bring home. Be sure to do a thorough sweep of hotel rooms - along mattresses, furniture and headboards - checking for signs of an infestation such as blood spots or shed skins.

• Keep firewood at a safe distance

Before you light those cozy winter fires, be sure you're storing firewood piles away from your home. The wood cou