Homeowner's Pest Prevention Tips

There are many things you can do to help prevent pests from getting into your home.  Here are some key suggestions and recommendations for homeowners:

Indoor Pest Prevention Tips:

• Outside doors must be well sealed.  If light can be seen from around or under a door, then insects can gain access into your home.
• Keep air conditioning filters clean and thermostats properly adjusted so mold and mildew build-up does not attract tiny insects.
• Check for plumbing leaks and seal off gaps around plumbing pipes behind cabinetry.  Don’t let water accumulate anywhere in or around the home.
• Check grout around bathtubs and toilets.  A good caulk seal will assure small insects such as silverfish and ants cannot enter these locations.
• Check the attic for unnecessary clutter and to ensure all gable vents are screened.  Seal up any cardboard boxes to prevent insects from nesting inside.
• Store all open food in tightly sealed containers or in the refrigerator.
• If you have a pet, don’t leave pet food or water out overnight.
• Check for pests hiding in packages or boxes before carrying them inside your home.

Outdoor Pest Prevention Tips:

• Repair torn screens anywhere on property to prevent insect entry.
• Seal around soffits and gable vents to ensure rodents and insects can’t gain access to the roof or attic space.
• Seal around conduits and piping where it enters the structure.  Many insects and rodents follow power lines or climb conduits and pipes to gain access to the home.
• Check gutter drains to ensure water is diverted away from the home.  The downspout and drip-leg should drain water away from the foundation to discourage moisture build-up next to the home.
• Remove accumulated leaf litter from rain gutters and roofs to prevent ants and other insects from breeding under the build-up.
• Caulk all cracks and crevices (i.e. under window frames or around pipes entering the inside of the home) to prevent insect entry.
• Keep garbage cans clean and lids sealed to prevent ants, roaches and flies from feeding and breeding in the garbage.
• Keep the garage door closed and make sure that the weather-stripping along the base of the door is in good repair.
• Prune excess vegetation touching the home, especially on eaves or the roof.  The vegetation creates a highway for insect access.
• Remove debris, clutter or woodpiles away from the home’s foundation.  This discourages rodent nesting or insect colonization next to the home.
• Check irrigation system to be sure there is no puddle near the foundation or spraying onto the home.
• Divert the drip line from the air conditioner at least 2 feet away from the structure.