Rob: I've seen the ads. So far I haven't seen any mice and so far I haven't seen any cockroaches. Thank goodness. Greg Marcyniuk from Heritage insurance, our insurance expert on "Ask the Expert" with some advice on, well, some simple household pest control methods today.
Greg: That's correct, Rob. And these are just tips to help keep your pests at bay over the year. And when spring comes all of these pests, they're hungry. So, the biggest thing is just sealing off the access points. The best way to prevent pest infestation is to stop the pest from getting inside your house in the first place. And to do this you'll need to ensure that there's no way for them to get in. So, check all your weather stripping around the doors and windows, ensure that all your vents are covered with screens. And this includes in the eaves and around your roof and the attic as well, which these are often common places that pests come in. I know raccoons are notorious for that, big time.
The other big thing is making sure that your storage of food is stored properly. Usually, pests typically, come into the house looking for some source of food. And typically, it's in the pantry. So, anytime you have any packaged food, it's best to put them in an airtight, sealed container. If you have pet food, is the other thing, make sure you have a re-sealable pet food. And as well, don't keep that pet food out in the garage. A lot of people do. That's just a common attraction for pests such as mice, raccoons, and anything else like that. So, a good idea there.
As well, use natural deterrence. Try planning some natural pest deterrents such as mint, basil, and lavender. And you can talk to your local nursery about what's the best plants to deter your pests is, so talk to them and get ideas from them.
And the other big thing is knowing when to call in to professionals. So, if you feel that you're not on top of it, or you need someone come in, best to call the professionals, have them come in, take a look at it, and get that taken care of sooner than later.
Rob: How about the squirrels? People feed squirrels, and we really shouldn't do that.
Greg: Oh, that's, like, I know...we see claims coming in on a regular basis. A lot of people think they're cute, but I feel they're just rats with tails.
Rob: Exactly. Thank you.
Greg: Yes. So, again, I would deter from feeding them. They get in there and they have made messes, and I know some of the companies do cover it, some of them don't. So I would be very cautious.
Rob: Thank you, Greg Marcyniuk, Heritage Insurance. If you'd like to get these household pest control methods, you got them online?
Greg: That's correct at heritageinsurance.ca or come on down and see any of us here at the corner of Fairford and first Northwest.
Rob: Greg Marcyniuk, our insurance expert at Heritage Insurance.
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