Cockroaches, ants, woodlice, silverfish, spiders... Crawling insects always find a way into our homes. While some are simply a nuisance, others pose real risks to your family's health and comfort. The good news is that a series of simple steps can make your home much less attractive to these unwelcome visitors. Here is a complete prevention guide.
Before putting prevention measures in place, it is essential to understand what crawling insects are looking for in your home. Three fundamental things attract them: food, water and shelter. Cockroaches and ants are attracted by food residue, even microscopic amounts. Woodlice and silverfish look for damp. Spiders, for their part, are attracted by the presence of other insects that they feed on. By removing these three resources as far as possible, you considerably reduce the risk of infestation. Each species has its preferences, but the basic principles remain the same.
The first line of defence against crawling insects is physical: preventing them from getting into the home. Carefully inspect the outside of your home and identify all cracks, faulty seals and openings. The gaps around water and gas pipes that pass through walls are classic entry points: seal them with silicone sealant. Check the condition of the seals on your windows and doors, and fit door sweeps if necessary. Air vents should be fitted with fine-mesh insect screens. In apartment blocks, service ducts and wall sockets are pathways between apartments: apply sealant around socket plates to seal them.
Damp is a magnet for many species of crawling insects. Cockroaches cannot survive long without water, which explains why they are so prevalent in kitchens and bathrooms. Woodlice and silverfish thrive in damp, poorly ventilated environments. To reduce damp, repair all water leaks (even the smallest ones under the sink), use an extractor fan in the bathroom and kitchen, air each room daily for at least 10 minutes, and consider using a dehumidifier in cellars and basements. Dry surfaces after using the shower or washbasin, and do not leave standing water in plant saucers.
A clean kitchen is a kitchen that is inhospitable to insects. Adopt these daily habits: store all your food in airtight glass or hard plastic containers (cardboard boxes and bags do not stand up to insects). Clean up crumbs and spills immediately after every meal. Never leave dirty dishes in the sink overnight. Regularly vacuum under kitchen units and behind household appliances. Empty the bin every day and use a bin with an airtight lid. Clean off the grease that builds up on and around the cooker hood, the cooker and the oven. These simple steps eliminate the food sources that attract insects.
If you live in a house, looking after your garden and the immediate surroundings plays a crucial role in prevention. Trim shrubs and hedges that touch the exterior walls: they act as a bridge for insects. Keep firewood away from the walls of the house (at least 5 metres) and raise it off the ground. Clear away dead leaves and plant debris that build up against the foundations. Check that gutters are not blocked and that water drains away properly from the walls. The compost bin should be kept away from the house and properly maintained. If you have a crawl space, make sure it is properly ventilated and free of standing damp.
Some natural solutions can complement your prevention measures. Diatomaceous earth, a natural mineral powder, is effective against many crawling insects: sprinkle it along skirting boards, behind furniture and in cracks. White vinegar mixed with water disrupts ants' pheromone trails and deters them from returning. Peppermint, citronella and lavender essential oils have a moderate repellent effect on some insects. Be careful, however: these solutions are a complement to prevention, not curative treatments. If you are dealing with an established infestation, they will not be enough.
Despite all precautions, an infestation can occur, particularly in apartment buildings, where insects migrate between homes. If you regularly see insects despite your prevention efforts, it is time to consult a professional. At Mr Nuisibles, we carry out a full, free assessment to identify the species, the entry points and the level of infestation. Our professional treatments are targeted, effective and guaranteed. Request a free quote by contacting us on 01 89 70 79 30 or by email at bonjour@mrnuisibles.fr. Our certified technicians will advise you on the solutions best suited to your situation.
