Owning a vacation home is a luxury and a blessing, especially when surrounded by nature's splendor. Unfortunately, many vacation homes are also in close proximity to bodies of water which may attract unwelcome pests. Below please find some suggested methods of keeping pests away from your property, while also helping you preserve the natural beauty of your home.

1) Tidy Room, is A Tidy Soul:

A good cleaning regimen is critical to reducing the risk of pest infestation in your home. Unique routines must always be maintained to clean frequently used areas, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and dining rooms. 

Store food items in airtight containers made of glass and tin to avoid attracting insects and rodents. Maintaining a clean river lodge makes the environment less appealing to unwanted visitors. As the saying goes, “Cleanliness is next to godliness.”

2) Secure Gaps and Cracks:

Many insects and pests can crawl into your property through tiny holes and soft points. The value of sealing up every tight crack or ledge can be significant. Look around your home for areas that may serve as points of entry for pests, such as gaps under doors, cracks in the foundation, and openings where pipes and vents penetrate the siding. 

Many screens are available on the market that can help keep flying insects out while still allowing natural air to flow. Sealing up these entry points makes a more formidable barrier against pests invading your living areas now more than ever.

3) Moisture Control:

Pests usually accompany water wherever there is water, as higher humidity areas and an overabundance of water attract pests. Managing the moisture content in and around your house is another fundamental practice for controlling pests. Fix leaks in plumbing, roofing, and walls to keep water from pooling. 

Provide good ventilation to minimize mold growth and limit areas hospitable to pests. Getting rid of mosquitos, for example, needs standing water to breed in, so you should inspect your birdbaths, clogged gutters, or flower pots that aren't draining well and empty any water. You can make a huge difference in controlling pest outbreaks by managing moisture.

4) Natural and Chemical Barriers:

For some pests, employing natural and chemical deterrents together will help keep your home free of those invaders. Some natural deterrents include essential oils (peppermint, eucalyptus, tea tree, etc.) used in sprays or diffusers in amounts safe for everyone in the family while repelling insects. 

However, chemical deterrents like insecticides or rodenticides may be needed to eliminate severe infestations for good. Always follow label directions and pay attention to personal protective equipment and ventilation required for professional-grade pesticide products as the label directs. Partnering with natural and chemical deterrents can offer a more powerful way to control various pests.

5) Regular Inspection and Maintenance:

Regular inspection and maintenance are the keys to avoiding a situation you can't handle. Get in the habit of regularly inspecting yourself—mainly in attics, basements, and crawl spaces—for any signs of pests. Realize that if pests have taken up residence, they will likely be there for a while. Examine signs of pest activity like droppings on the counters, chewed wires, and damaged wood. 

By focusing on more cleanliness, mitigating the pests, sealing entryways that might attract more pests, such as the kitchen counter and pantry, providing moisture control, doing regular inspections, and utilizing control methods, you can keep your home free from pests and provide a healthier living environment for your friends and family.