Ways to Prevent a Bug Invasion
Homeowners can almost always prevent a pest invasion. From termites to rodents, protecting yourself from insects and other wild creatures is simple by home-sealing and pest-proofing your home. Let's discuss the best ways to prevent a bug invasion at your Phoenix metro residence:
What is home sealing?
Home-sealing is a method of pest control used to prevent pests from entering or flourishing within your home. Methods of home sealing include sealing all cracks and gaps of the exterior of a house and removing debris or walkways for pests to gain entry. We will break down the different methods in more detail:
Home sealing outdoors
After identifying the problem areas of your residence, seal all exterior cracks and crevices. Rodents can enter holes as tiny as a nickel, and so can numerous insects. Caulking around windows and doors keeps unwanted visitors from smaller gaps and cracks. Larger holes need steel wool or copper mesh and foam to prevent pests from entering. Chimneys, attic vents, and crawl spaces require delicate wire mesh coverings to block insects and rodents.
Additionally, covering such openings with mesh will keep out wildlife like raccoons, squirrels, bats, or birds. Areas that often see a lot of unexpected pest activity are electrical boxes, exterior light fixtures, and the garage. Consider having a licensed pest control professional pest-proof these areas and the rest of your dwelling to prevent an invasion.
Home sealing indoors
Indoor plumbing also needs pest control, such as pipes, toilets, and showerheads. Sealing around these areas keeps pests at bay and helps homeowners not expect an invasion anytime soon. Don't forget air vents and under cabinets when pest-proofing your house. Critters find any ventilation as a welcome to intrude.
Pest-proofing doorways
Doorways, where most insects enter a property, should be appropriately screened off; if windows or door screens have holes, patch or replace them. It may also behoove you to repair or replace door jams and sweeps if it's been a while since they were last upgraded.
Keeping the area clean and tidy
Most insects are interested in moist or dusty spaces. They often choose their new homes based on the availability of food and shelter. Dusting and vacuuming each week will remove much of what entices these creatures to your space. Additionally, a well-kept yard and landscape leave fewer places of comfort for spiders, termites, and other bugs to take up residence. Trim trees and plants to avoid them touching your home, as most wildlife can use branches as a bridge to your property. Lastly, leaving food or trash outside in the open is a great way to attract pests, so avoid it by sealing food in containers and covering garbage receptacles.
Protect your home from pest infestation
Every home sealing service should begin with a thorough inspection and a good understanding of where the property is vulnerable to unwanted pests. While most pest-proofing is not fool-proof, it will give you and your loved ones a greater chance of not being bothered by slithering or crawling wildlife trying to inhabit your space.
Get monthly, bi-monthly, quarterly, bi-annually, and seasonal pest control services across Phoenix Valley with Russell Pest Control. We offer environmentally-friendly pest control solutions for fleas and ticks, mosquitoes and flies, rodents, mice, and rats, and weed control. Our team has all required state licenses and stay updated with all industry advancements. Connect with us for more information.
