Spring has arrived and, for many of us, this is a time to freshen up our homes, both inside and out. We want to open the windows and bring in fresh air. Of course, along with that is ridding the house of winter dust and dirt, which can include some pesky bugs who decided to winter with us. We have some tips for you to help you get rid of some of these winter “guests.”
•Make sure your vacuum has either a long hose (canisters will have these) or your upright has a hose attachment. This is helpful in reaching those out-of-the-way corners and crevices that bugs like to hide in.
•A vacuum with a bag will capture those critters for easy disposal. Additional tools such a crevice tool, upholstery brush, and other extension heads are also helpful.
•Setting your vacuum to maximum suction when vacuuming up the pests is also recommended.
Some common household pests include:
•Ladybugs are a “pretty pest” we find in our homes. The Asian Lady beetle is the one we commonly see in our homes. Although they will not bite or sting, these can emit a bad odor if disturbed, which is annoying but may cause an allergic reaction in susceptible individuals. Vacuuming is the best way to dispose of them; after removing, place cloves along windowsills or areas where you think the ladybugs have entered the house. Clove scent will help deter the ladybugs from entering.
•Stink bugs are another unwelcome pest. Vacuuming is a great way to rid the home of these without getting the odor on yourself. Again, having a vacuum with a disposable bag will help in getting rid of them without also making your vacuum smell.
•Spiders are perhaps the most obvious of the pests in the home and are easily dealt with using the vacuum. Remove every web that you see, as this is what the spider needs to survive.
•Cockroaches are another pest that none of us like to see in our homes. These can enter the home through open windows and doors but are mostly brought into the home in any number of items such as paper bags, boxes, furniture items, etc. Regular vacuuming can help control the population. Make sure you clean drawers, shelves, cabinets, sinks, etc. where the roaches can live. If you suspect or know that roaches have been dwelling in those areas, also wash with strong soap. Again, the disposable bag on the vacuum will make clean-up easier as you know the critters are captured!
•For pet owners, fleas are another pest to deal with. Make sure you are vacuuming under the furniture as well as the furniture itself. Adding flea powder to the vacuum (if recommended) or to the carpet can help. Vacuuming will not control a major infestation – you will need flea bombs or a pest control service to help with that.
Once you have cleared your home of unwelcome winter “guests,” there are some things you can do to minimize another pest invasion:
•Vacuum regularly and thoroughly. If the bugs cannot find a meal source, there is no reason to come in and stay! Keep food in sealed containers and make sure crumbs are not hiding in corners, drawers, under the counters, etc.
•Clean under the stove and refrigerator and make sure the kitchen cabinet shelves are clean of any food particles.
•Keep pet food in sealed containers and keep the pet feeding area clean. Vacuum regularly to keep pet hair from collecting, as carpet beetles use this for nesting.
•Vacuum mattresses and pillows to remove and control dust mites.
•Pay attention to ceiling corners where spiderwebs are likely to develop. Also, vacuum carefully any other corners and crevices where pests can hide.
•Dispose of vacuum bag containing pests immediately.
Vacuuming will not take care of a major pest infestation; you may need professional assistance for that, but regular and thorough vacuuming can help prevent an infestation in the first place.
If you are needing a new vacuum to help with your spring cleaning, we have Orek and Meile models to choose from. We can help you select the best vacuum for your budget and cleaning needs.
-submitted by The Sewing & Vacuum Center
