Top Strategies to Prevent Pests from Entering Your Home

1. Seal Entry Points

• Doors & Windows: Install door sweeps and weather stripping. Even tiny gaps can invite ants or spiders.
• Cracks & Crevices: Use caulk or expanding foam to seal gaps around baseboards, siding, and utility lines.
• Vents & Exhausts: Check dryer vents and attic fans—make sure dampers close properly.

2. Maintain Your Yard

• Trim Vegetation: Keep bushes and tree branches away from the house to reduce bridges for pests.
• Mulch & Moisture: Avoid piling mulch against the foundation. It traps moisture and attracts insects.
• Standing Water: Eliminate puddles, clogged gutters, and birdbaths that can breed mosquitoes.

3. Keep It Clean

• Food Storage: Use airtight containers for pantry items. Don’t leave pet food out overnight.
• Trash Control: Empty bins regularly and use sealed garbage cans.
• Declutter: Piles of paper, cardboard, or laundry can become nesting sites.

4. Home Hardware Upgrades

• Screens: Install fine-mesh screens on windows and vents. Repair any tears promptly.
• Thresholds: Add metal thresholds under exterior doors to block crawling insects.
• Pipe Penetrations: Seal around plumbing with silicone or mesh to prevent rodent access.

5. Bonus Tips

• Natural Predators: Encourage some birds or beneficial insects like ladybugs in your garden. Note: Pigeons are not beneficial to have around.
• Lighting: Use yellow bug lights outdoors to reduce attraction at night.
• Regular Inspections: Walk your perimeter monthly with a flashlight and mirror to spot gaps or nests.