Oh my goodness, I totally get where you're coming from! Seeing those images of 'cockroaches in the mac n cheese' or 'maggots crawling' in someone's kitchen on my feed just makes my skin crawl. As a fellow mama, I'm constantly battling to keep things clean, especially with little ones around. It’s so frustrating when it feels like some 'dirty, filthy a$$ mamas' get all the attention, while those of us trying our best to keep a tidy home, caring for our kids properly, often feel unseen. But beyond the frustration of social media trends, those pest issues are a real concern for our homes and health. So, what action is effective in preventing a pest infestation, especially by deterrence, when you're already juggling so much? I've picked up a few tricks over the years that really help keep those unwelcome guests out, even when the 'dishes stacked up on their counters' feeling is real. Here are my go-to deterrence strategies: Kitchen Cleanliness is Key: The kitchen is ground zero for pests. Those crumbs under the high chair? A buffet for critters! I swear by a quick sweep after every meal and wiping down all counters. Don't leave food out, even for a short time. Storing food in airtight containers is a game-changer. And that sink full of 'dishes stacked up'? Try to tackle it before bed. Even soaking them in soapy water helps prevent attracting unwanted attention, like those pesky cockroaches. Smart Trash Management: Another big one is trash. I try to take out the kitchen garbage daily, especially anything with food scraps. If you can't, tie the bag tightly and consider a bin with a secure, tight-fitting lid. This really deters flies and other scavengers from setting up shop. Control Moisture: Pests love moisture. Leaky faucets or damp spots under the sink are an open invite. I check for these regularly and fix them fast. Good ventilation, especially in bathrooms and kitchens, also helps keep things dry and less appealing to pests. Seal Entry Points: This is a huge deterrence strategy! Go around your house and look for tiny cracks or gaps. Around windows, doors, pipes, or even in the foundation. A bit of caulk or weatherstripping can make a massive difference. You wouldn't believe how small a gap a cockroach can squeeze through to get inside! Outdoor Maintenance Matters: Don't forget the outside! Keep bushes and trees trimmed away from your house. Piles of leaves or firewood close to the foundation are cozy homes for pests. I also make sure my gutters are clean to prevent water buildup, which can attract mosquitoes and other insects. Regular Decluttering (Even Small Wins!): It's hard with kids, but clutter provides hiding spots for pests. I try to do a quick declutter session weekly. Less stuff means fewer places for pests to hide and easier 'cleaning' for me. It’s all part of 'caring for her kids the proper' way by providing a healthy, pest-free environment. It’s a constant battle, and no one's home is perfect. But by focusing on these deterrence actions, we can definitely reduce the chances of ever seeing 'cockroaches in the mac n cheese' in our own homes. Keep up the amazing work, 'regular mamas'!