Homeowner Pest Prevention Tips

Did you know that there are many things that YOU, the homeowner, can do to help prevent pests from getting into your home?

Indoor Tips:

• Keep air conditioning filters clean. Dirty filters can lead to moisture build-up, which is a magnet for pests.
• Check for plumbing leaks and seal gaps around pipes. Do this everywhere, but especially behind cabinetry. Water shouldn’t be allowed to accumulate anywhere in or around your home.
• Check grout around bathtubs and toilets. A good caulk seal assures that even the smallest insects can’t enter.
• Clear your attic of clutter. Clearing out clutter and sealing cardboard boxes prevents insects from nesting inside.
• Store food in tightly sealed containers or in the refrigerator. This cuts off potential food sources for pests.
• Don’t leave pet food or water out overnight. This eliminates a possible food source during a time period when pest activity increases.

Outdoor Tips:

• Outside doors must be well sealed. If light can be seen from around or under a door, then insects can gain access inside your home.
• Repair torn screens. Screens are a prime entry point for pests.
• Seal around soffits and gable vents. This keeps rodents and insects from getting inside 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 get inside your home.
• Check gutter drains to ensure water is kept away from your home. This helps discourage moisture build-up adjacent to your home.
• Remove excess leaves from the roof and rain gutters. This keeps ants and other insects from breeding under the build-up.
• Caulk all cracks and crevices. Check and seal under window frames and around pipes entering the side of the home to keep insects from entering.
• Keep trash cans clean and lids sealed. This keeps ants, roaches, and flies from feeding and breeding in the trash.
• Keep the garage door closed and make sure the weather stripping is in good condition.
• Prune excess vegetation touching the home. Pay special attention to eaves and the roof.
• Remove wood debris and keep woodpiles away from your home’s foundation. This helps prevent rodent nesting or insect colonization next to your home.
• Ensure your irrigation system is functioning properly. Make sure water doesn’t accumulate near the foundation or sprays onto your home.
• Guide air conditioner drip line away from the foundation. Extend the piping at least 2 feet.