If your trash can is a magnet for animals, bugs and other pests, it’s time to take action. Besides spreading dirt and sometimes causing a mess, garbage invaders pose hidden health threats. Many insects and wild animals carry bacteria that can be potentially dangerous to humans, so being proactive about prevention is important, especially if you have young children or pets. Fortunately, keeping all sorts of pests out of your garbage is an easy fix. Here’s how you can keep your trash can off limits all year long:
1. Invest in a quality garbage can with a locking mechanism. Raccoons and other outdoor animals are experts at breaking into trash cans. Having a strong lock not only keeps them out of the garbage, but it also puts the lid on smells that can attract wildlife to your home in the first place.
2. Store organic matter in tightly sealed bags. Even if it’s just for a day, keeping leftovers in the trash is a bad idea. Remember that roaches and ants seek homes with easily accessible food sources, and once an infestation sets in, simply throwing the garbage out isn’t going to solve the problem. Since you can’t always get rid of food waste right away, keep sealable freezer bags on hand for quick, pest-free disposal.
3. Clean your trash can once a week. While cleaning a container that stores waste sounds unnecessary, it’s just as important as using durable bags and taking the garbage out on a regular basis. For pests, food and liquids that stick to the side of the can are even easier to get to than the trash in the bag.
4. Know when to call in the professionals. If the tips above don’t work or you spot an increase in the number of pests around your garbage, schedule an inspection appointment with a pest management company to rule out an infestation and secure your trash can.
