Your daily habits may be attracting pests to your home, and you might not even realize it. The first step to pest control is changing your behavior to keep pests away. Whether you live in an urban area where rats or roaches might be a problem or you have a country home susceptible to mice and other pests, correcting these habits can help you to keep a peaceful home.

You Leave Yard Waste In The Yard

Grass clippings, leaves and piles of sticks can attract rodents and other small animals. They can provide a warm place to create a nest, particularly in the fall when the weather starts to get cold. Be sure to keep your property clear of yard waste. While you're at it, remove any clutter that might also be used as cover for small animals.

You Don't Close Your Garbage Cans

Garbage cans represent a buffet for everything from rats to raccoons. If left open, the cans are easy for pests to climb into for a quick meal. The more often you leave them open, the more likely you are to attract the animals. They may even make the transition from your trash to your home in an attempt to nest closer to this new food source.

Your Pets Eat On The Floor

Pets need to eat, but where you place the food is important. If you are placing their food dishes on the floor, you could be attracting ants and other insects. You can purchase raised food dishes that make it more difficult for ants and other insects to get to the food. For cats who like to climb, consider placing their dishes on a small tray table they can jump to.

You Haven't Inspected Your Screens

Having your windows and doors open can lead to insects in your home, even if you have screens. Screens can have tiny holes in them, and there can even be gaps between the screens and the frames. Inspect your screens the first time you plan on opening the windows and doors in the spring, and check them periodically throughout the summer. You don't want to leave a clear path for insects to get in via your screens.

If you are concerned about having an infestation in your home, consider hiring a residential pest control expert to perform an inspection of your property. He or she can give you more advice about how to keep pests from taking over your home.