Pest Proofing Your Home’s Exterior

Keeping unwanted pests out of your home typically starts outside. It makes sense, since pests don’t usually (aside from multi generations of termites) start their lives inside a home. Insects can sneak into the home through the tiniest crack in the home, making sealing the home off completely feel like a daunting task. However, with the right approach, you can safely do your part to keep these insects from invading your home.

Make it Your Routine to Inspect Your Home’s Exterior Often for Cracks

Sealing doors and windows is the first step you can take to keeping pests out of your home. Installing fine mesh screens on windows will help deter insects. A door sweep underneath the door’s exterior will also act as a solid barrier, especially when coupled with an aluminum threshold underneath.

Doors and windows aren’t the only exterior things to pay attention to when sealing cracks. Inspect your exterior outlets for cracks or separation. Seal areas around laundry vents and utility meters. If your garage door is attached, keep it shut, especially in the spring and early part of the summer.

Check your home’s foundation and roof for cracks. Make it a part of your routine to walk around your house and inspect it for any cracks in the foundation that might be a welcomed opening to your home for pests. If you find water in the home, check your roof to make sure it isn’t leaking. We know how problematic moisture in the home can be, but it’s a bigger problem if the moisture is coming from outside the home.

Pest Control’s for the Birds!

If you’re looking for a way to keep pests out, while improving your outdoor space, think about ways to attract birds. Birds and bats are natural predators for many of the insects that come into a home in our area. Install a bird bath to make your yard a welcoming place for birds. I have bushes planted around my home’s exterior that birds will flock to in the summer for shade, while dining on all the insects that might be trying to get inside. Plant trees to encourage birds to nest around your yard. Plant flowers too. Flowers attract the “right kind of bugs.” That means flowers will attract some predatory bugs that will keep the pesky ones from reaching your home.

If larger pests, like rodents are a problem around your home, trap them, don’t kill them. A dead body will attract even more unwanted pests around your home. Instead trap them and release them elsewhere.

A Clean Yard is Unattractive to Pests

Make sure to keep your yard clean. Spring, when pests begin to come alive, is also a popular time for yard work. Clean up grass clippings and any other debris that might attract insects. Keep mulch away from the foundation of your home. Clean out all gutters and/or window wells.

If you’ve taken the necessary steps, but still find pests in your home, it might be time to contact the pest control experts. We’ll give your home a thorough inspection, inside and out, and get rid of problem pests in your home once and for all!