RADIO TRANSCRIPT
October 18, 2022
Brandi Silver

This is Brandi Silver, FCS agent with the N.C. Cooperative Extension, Burke County Center.  Our program today is about keeping your home pest free.

Everyone wants to keep their home pest free but you may not realize the harm bugs, rodents and other pests can cause to your family’s health and well-being.  Exposure to mice and cockroaches has been linked to asthma in children. The best way to protect your family and home environment is to make your house less inviting for these little critters.

Do a home inspection. Seal cracks and crevices with copper mesh, expanding foam or caulk.  You want to eliminate sources of food and water by storing food in sealed containers and cleaning up dirty dishes as soon as possible.  Dishes left for extended periods of time tend to attract pests. Repair dripping faucets and leaks around your home. Most pests can survive a long time without food, but need to drink water within a few days or they will die. Don’t let their water source be your house!

Disposing of garbage properly is also important to reduce pest populations. Use garbage cans with tight-fitting lids and empty trash often. Daily disposal of garbage would reduce the food availability to many pests. Be sure to clean garbage containers to remove any remaining food materials.

There is a complete guide to managing pests around the home located on the Burke County Extension website.

This has been Brandi Silver with the N.C. Cooperative Extension, Burke County Center.  For more information, contact us 828-764-9480.