Homeowner's Pest Prevention Tips
Indoor Prevention
~ Seal around doors and windows - If light can be seen
around doors or windows then insects can gain access into your
home.
~ Check for plumbing leaks - Seal around supply water
pipes where they come through walls behind cabinetry, showers,
bathtubs, etc. and don't let water accumulate anywhere around
your home.
~ Check for loose or missing grout and caulk seals - Make
sure that grout lines are sealing all voids in the floors, tub
and shower surrounds and check the caulking along the vinyl
floor covering edges, around the toilets, sinks and
back-splashes to see that it is sealing properly to assure that
small insects like silverfish or ants cannot enter these
locations.
~ Check the attic for unnecessary clutter and damaged gable
vent screens - Seal up any cardboard boxes that may be
stored to help prevent insects from nesting inside. Repair
damaged vent screens to help prevent birds/rodents from nesting
in the attic.
~ Store all open food in sealed containers or in the
refrigerator - If you have pets do not leave pet food or
water out overnight. Pet dishes should be removed directly after
pets are fed.
~ Check all boxes before you bring them into your home -
Many times insects and even rodents enter a home by hitchhiking
in grocery bags or luggage.
~ Check air filters and keep thermostats properly adjusted - Mold and mildew attract small insects. Maintaining proper air
temperature
will help control the moisture required to allow mold and mildew
to
grow.
Outdoor Prevention
~ Repair damaged vent screens - Air ventilation screens
such as foundation, gable or roof soffit vents that are in
disrepair allow entry points for pests to gain entry into the
structure.
~ Repair damaged screen doors and window screens - To
help pervent access of the insects into the structure.
~ Seal around conduit, pipes and cables where it enters the
structure - Insects and rodents meny times will gain entry
into a structure by following a pipe to discover entry points.
~ Check the gutter system for defects - Keep gutters
clear of debris to prevent gutter overflow. Repair any leaks and
make sure water is being directed away from the structure to
help prevent water from entering the sub-area.
~ Keep the roof clear of debris, moss and mildew - Clear
leaves and debris from the roof to help prevent it from clogging
the gutter system and to help prevent ants and other insects
from nesting under it.
~ Caulk and seal cracks and crevices in the exterior -
Seal all openings in the siding, along window and door trim and
in the foundation to help prevent pests from entry.
~ Keep exterior closed and well sealed - Keep the garage
door closed and make sure all exterior doors including the
garage door has weather- stripping to help insulate in the
winter and to help prevent access of pests.
~ Trim back vegetation, shrubbery and tree limbs away from
the structure - Vegetation promotes moisture which attracts
pests. Overhanging tree limbs allow pests access onto the roof.
~ Keep garbage cans clean and lids sealed - This helps
keep flies, roach, ants and rodents from feeding and breeding in
the garbage. |
