Did You Take Up Woodworking? 3 Pest Prevention Strategies For Your Workshop
Your workshop is your sanctuary, and you look forward to the relaxation that comes from watching your creations take shape. Whether you make simple designs such as bowls or are crafting a complicated piece of furniture, there is just something amazing about watching the wood transform into useable objects. However, you also know that wood is a powerful attractant for pests, and the last thing you want is to discover insects taking up residence in your favorite oasis. As you set up your workshop, keep these pest prevention strategies in mind so that you can focus completely on your projects:
Eliminate Entry Points
From garage conversions to stand alone buildings, workshops can vary in their construction and design. Yet, you can do a lot to keep pests out of any building by starting with sealing off all potential entry points. If your workshop is in a garage, then make sure that the garage door has an appropriate seal to keep out the pests as well as the weather. For stand-alone shops, make sure that any doors and windows have weatherstripping on them. Then, check for small cracks on the exterior walls that could allow insects or rodents to get inside. If any are found, then repair them right away.
Keep a Clean Shop
Wood attracts insects such as termites and carpenter ants. Always check any wood that you bring into your shop carefully for signs of insect activity such as small holes bored into the surface. This is especially important if you use natural wood that you salvage from wilderness environments. As you work, make sure to sweep up any sawdust that gets left on the floor to further reduce attractants. Then, throw away any beverages or snacks that you enjoy in a covered garbage container, and remember to take the trash out regularly.
Arrange for Regular Treatments
Workshops are prone to pest infestations just like a residential house. In fact, it is possible for a pest problem to spread from your house to the workshop if they are attached or close together. For this reason, it helps to arrange for pest control services that keep insect and rodent populations down around your residence.
A pest problem can ruin your ability to focus on working in on your favorite projects, and certain pests can even eat through your woodworking materials. Always store your wood properly, and give your workshop an inspection each season to ensure that pests are never a problem in your favorite workspace.