There are certain steps homeowners can take to keep pests out of their homes. Keeping your house and yard in good condition, well-maintained and promptly repaired when needed, can go a long way towards promoting pest control. Cleaning thoroughly, putting food away, closing pet food, keeping a lid on trash cans and recycling, and removing any standing water from your yard are all important steps in preventing infestations of various pests. However, a truly effective strategy for eliminating pests combines these steps with professional pest control.