Pest Control

What can you do to prevent pests?

The key to indoor pest control is preventing bugs from entering your home in the first place. With a little preparation, you can block pathways, turning tiny (and not so tiny) invaders away before they can create an infestation.

Seal the door: Look for any unsealed gaps in each doorway. Add a sturdy threshold of steel or aluminum and a door sweep to cover the gap between the threshold and door bottom. Use weather stripping to seal the door frame's perimeter and clear caulk at the joint where the door touches the ground. If there are other spaces that bugs are crawling through - anywhere that wires or pipes exit your house - plug them up with expanding foam or a piece of steel wool. Repairing and upgrading these items will provide a barrier to keep bugs out and can even help reduce your energy bill. That’s what we call a win-win!

Add screens: Fresh air is great for ventilation, especially in the warm summer months. But an open door or window is an open invitation to mosquitoes, fleas and other pests lurking nearby. Open your windows without worry after installing screens with a 20-mesh or finer, which will keep out most pests. They are easy to install and only require a few simple tools. Also, repair any holes in existing screens with clear nail polish. 

Repair cracks and openings: Cracks in the foundation or anywhere else around your house make a clear path for ants, spiders, roaches and other pests to gain entry. Take time to inspect both the exterior and interior of your home for small cracks and openings that pests can slip through. Pay special attention to window sills, screens, baseboards, siding, etc. Another hidden entry point for pests is your damper in your dryer vent. Take a quick look to see if it has been broken or is stuck open. If it is, this piece is really easy to replace, taking around 30 minutes total. While you're checking your vent, make sure the seal between the vent and wall is still intact. Use a caulking gun to seal up any cracks you find or make any other necessary repairs to reduce open spaces in or around your home. 

Remove food sources: Pests invade your home because they are looking for food and water. Remove potential sources and pests will move on to another location. For example, cover food in sealed containers after eating. If you spill food, clean up the area right away with vinegar and water. Pet food is just as attractive to bugs as people food. Put away your pet's food and water bowls after they finish eating or ants and cockroaches may show up for a snack.

Let the experts handle it: Pests are sneaky, and sometimes even with all the right preventative efforts, they still seem to find their way into your home. Some pest infestations require skills and resources that homeowners like you might not have - but that’s okay! If you’ve done all you can to keep pests at bay but you’re still finding them throughout your home, it might be time to hand it over to the professionals.