5 quick and effective tips for basic home pest control:

1. **Seal Up Cracks and Holes**
      Inspect your home's exterior for gaps around windows, doors, pipes, and foundation. Use caulk or weatherstripping to block entry points.

2. **Store Food Properly**
   Keep all food—including pet food—in sealed, airtight containers. Clean up crumbs and spills immediately to avoid attracting pests.

3. **Eliminate Standing Water**
   Fix leaky faucets and pipes, and empty water trays under plants. Moist environments are breeding grounds for pests like mosquitoes and roaches.

4. **Maintain a Tidy Home**
   Regularly vacuum, take out the trash, and declutter storage spaces. Outside, trim vegetation and remove debris where pests could hide.

5. **Use Natural Deterrents**
   Try peppermint oil, citrus peels, or diatomaceous earth as chemical-free repellents for ants, spiders, and other common invaders.