Housekeeping
Transcript: Good Housekeeping = Pest Prevention! How do you know if you have Bedbugs? Itchy welts on the skin or other reactions to the bites You see live bugs in the bed mattress folds, box spring coils, sheets, pillows, blankets or bed frame Blood spots on mattress and/or bed sheets Brown or black excrement spots on mattress and/or bed sheets There is a distinctive sweet odor if there are enough bedbugs present Some people show no reaction to the bites Housekeeping to Keep Pests Away Vaccuum Often! Every day or every other day Wipe down counters and other surfaces often! Kitchen counters should be cleaned after every meal preparation Tables should be cleaned after every meal Remember: Cockroaches like food, they won't come around if there isn't any! Bed bugs like to hide! They can be found in places like: cracks and electical outlets in walls behind wallpaper, base boards and picture frames between beds and around the creases of mattresses in bedding materials. They have a rather pungent odor which is caused by an oil-like liquid they emit. Bed bugs are often carried into houses by clothes, luggage, furniture, and bedding. Or sometimes even by humans. Clutter Control: Use plastic bins for storage, roaches and bedbugs like cardboard boxes Do laundry often, at least once weekly Use a garbage can with a tight-fitting lid OR put food garbage in a separate bag and remove every day Wash or Rinse dishes after they are used, food debris will attract cockroaches Standing water will also attract cockroaches, so don't soak dishes for too long Other surfaces to consider: Your fridge is COVERED in food debris, wipe down the outside and inside at least one time per month Stovetops and ovens capture grease and food debris, clean the oven once a month, and the stove top every time you cook. Also wipe down the wall by the stove, it captures grease as well Floors should be swept after every meal, and cleaned weekly You will need: An all-purpose cleaner for counters, sinks and other surfaces An abrasive cleaner for the tub and other hard-to-clean surfaces Toilet cleaner and a brush Glass cleaner for windows and mirrors Oven cleaner, or set your oven to self-clean one time per month Rags and sponges can be purchased at Dollar Tree You can also save money and make your own out of old clothes or towels You will need: Baking soda White Vinegar Rubbing Alcohol Clear, non-sudsing ammonia Clear laundry detergent All-Purpose Cleaner: 1 Tablespoon clear, non-sudsing ammonia 1 Tablespoon clear laundry detergent 2 Cups water Make your own earth-friendly Cleaners Rags or sponges All of these items can be purchased at Dollar Tree $1+tax each Cleaning the Bathroom Clean the inside and outside of the toilet once a week Clean the shower/tub once a week Clean the floor often, sweep daily and clean when needed Clean the sink and counters every few days If you do not have a vaccuum, sweep your carpet daily