Building a new property certainly requires great attention to detail. But have you considered how your choices can impact potential pest control issues? Pest infestations can wreak havoc on your property, severely damaging it and causing financial loss, so you need to be prepared!
From choosing specific construction materials to planning out building designs, there are many strategies. This guide provides tips about constructing a property with pest control in mind.
10 Ways to Build a Property With Pest Control in Mind
Prevention is the best way to avoid property damage caused by pests, so it’s important to keep pest control in mind when building. Here’s how to build a pest-repellant structure.
1. Keep a Pest Control Professional on Stand-By
When building a property, there’s a high possibility that pests will work their way into your site. A pest control business’s profit margin is naturally determined by how many services they sell to you, but you should still listen carefully to what they offer, as it could save you a lot of money.
With a pest control company on site, they can explain how you should store your materials, whether you should pre-treat for termites, and how to keep water flowing away from the area.
2. Build a Slanted Roof (No Flat Roofs)
The design of your roof can impact the biomes you can find on your property. It may be tempting to go with stylish flat rooftops, but they’re notorious for bug invasions and other pests. Rainwater and snow can linger on flat roofs longer, creating a perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes.
In contrast, slanted roofs ensure quick runoff of water, reducing the chances of these problems. So, while considering aesthetics, keep in mind the functional benefits of using slanted roofs, too.
3. Make Sure You Have Positive Airflow
When planning a property, special attention must be given to the airflow direction. The concept is called having a positive pressure. Ideally, clean air should flow from less contaminated areas to more contaminated ones. Having positive pressure means pests won’t be sucked indoors.
In addition, positive airflow deters them by reducing the accumulation of smells. If positive airflow isn’t possible, air curtains can be installed on exterior-facing doors and windows.
4. Install Suitable Window Screens
When building your property, paying attention to small details can impact the overall feel of your home. One such detail that shouldn’t be overlooked is the type of window screens you install. Good-quality screens can control pests like flies, mosquitoes, and bees from your home.
Look for window screens with smaller holes as they provide better protection. High-quality mesh makes it difficult for insects to break through, ensuring your home stays free from these guests.
5. Create a Barrier Around the Exterior With Gravel or Stone
Utilizing gravel or stone rather than mulch and wood chips can do wonders. Ideally, you’ll set up a barrier that’s at least 60cm wide, as that’s too wide for most pests to see across. Unlike wood or grass, stone and gravel are not attractive to pests as they provide no sustenance or shelter.
They also drain water quickly, preventing the dampness that certain pests look for in a home. Therefore, incorporating a protective layer can significantly aid in deterring pests.
6. Avoid Textured Materials on Walls or Piping
It’s not just the outside materials that matter, as your choice of interior materials can also make a difference. Textures might add character to walls or piping, but they can also create hiding spots for pests. Uneven surfaces make it easy for insects to sneak behind or around them.
Smooth materials, in contrast, offer fewer opportunities for pests to find nooks and crannies. By eliminating textured materials, you can greatly decrease the likelihood of an infestation.
7. Choose Metal, Concrete, Stone, or Bug-Resistant Wood
The materials that you choose for your construction greatly influence whether pests will find your property attractive. Some types, like metal, concrete, and stone, are almost completely immune to pest infestations. These materials don’t provide the food or housing that bugs want.
However, if you prefer wood in your construction plans, opt for bug-resistant options like cedar or redwood. Termites and other destructive insects don’t like these types of wood as much.
8. Ensure Garbage Can be Stored Away From the Structure
An effective way to control pests at bay involves well-planned garbage storage. Pests like rats and cockroaches are naturally attracted to the smell of garbage, using it as a consistent food source. If your bins are stored too close to your property, these creatures may end up in your kitchen.
To avoid this, ensure that the design of your property includes a location for waste storage at a sufficient distance. This will help maintain a clean, pest-free environment.
9. Secure Shipping and Receiving Areas
When designing your property, especially if it’s a commercial space, consider the need for securing shipping and receiving areas. These are common entry points for pests who can hitch a ride on deliveries or hide among packaging materials pretty easily, especially if they’re small.
Provide these areas with correct lighting, as insects are generally attracted to light sources. It’s also wise to clean these spaces and inspect incoming shipments for pests.
10. Ensure the Building is Easy to Clean and Maintain
Building a property that’s easy to clean and maintain should always be on your checklist, regardless of its use. By designing spaces that are straightforward to maintain, you’ll make it harder for pests to find cluttered areas and hidden crevices where they often thrive.
Try choosing materials that are easy to wipe down, make spaces easily accessible, and have structures that don’t hide dirt. Don’t forget to clean the construction area as you go!
In Conclusion…
With knowledge of these strategic tips on pest management, you now have the power to design a property that’s attractive and resistant to unwanted critters. Prevention is easier and more than dealing with pest control later. Take these measures into account right from the blueprint stage.
