Take charge of your home!

There are many things you can do to prevent pests from getting into your home. Here are some key suggestions and recommendations especially for homeowners:

Indoors

1. Make sure all doors to the outside are well sealed. If light can be seen from around or under a door, then insects can gain access into your home.
2. Keep air-conditioning filters clean and thermostats properly adjusted. Mold and mildew build-up attracts tiny insects.
3. Check for plumbing leaks, and seal off gaps around plumbing pipes behind cabinetry. Don’t let water accumulate anywhere in or around your home.
4. Check grout around bathtubs and toilets. A good caulk seal will keep out small insects, such as silverfish and ants.
5. Check the attic for water in the drip pan, unnecessary clutter and screened gable vents. Seal or remove cardboard boxes to prevent insects from nesting inside.
6. Store all open food containers in tightly sealed containers or in the refrigerator.
7. If you have a pet, don’t leave pet food or water out overnight.
8. Check for pests hiding in grocery bags, packages and boxes before carrying them inside your house.

Outdoors

1. Repair or replace any torn screens to keep insects from getting inside.
2. Seal around soffits and vents to make sure rodents and insects can't get into the roof or attic space.
3. Seal around conduits and piping where it enters your house. Many insects and rodents follow power lines or climb conduits and pipes to get inside.
4. Check all gutter drains to make sure that water is diverted away from your house. The base of each gutter should drain water away from the foundation to discourage moisture from building up next to your house.
5. Remove all accumulated leaves and debris from rain gutters and the roof to prevent ants and other insects from breeding under the build-up.
6. Caulk all cracks and crevices (for example, under window frames or around pipes entering the side of your house) to prevent insects from entering.
7. Keep garbage cans clean and lids sealed to prevent ants, roaches and flies from feeding and breeding in the garbage.
8. Keep the garage door closed, and make sure the weather-stripping along the base of the door is in good repair.
9. Prune any excess plants or trees touching your house, especially on eaves and the roof. These create an insect highway directly into your house.
10. Remove debris, clutter or woodpiles away from your home’s foundation. This discourages rodents from nesting or insect infestations around your home.
11. Check your sprinkler irrigation system to be sure there is no puddling near the foundation or water spraying onto the house.
12. If you have air-conditioning window units, divert the drip line at least 2 feet away from the foundation of your home.