Do you have a problem with pests in your home? Do you know the best ways to prevent a pest from entering your home? Approximately 29% of American households have a problem with rodents and pests. In addition, 50% of those pest infestations occur in the kitchen; 45% of all pest infestations occur during the fall and winter months. Instead of waiting for the problem to address itself, take the offensive by implementing a plan of action that keeps pests out of your home this winter.
5 Suggestions For Keeping Pests Out Of Your Home
Doors and windows – Because pests can squeeze through small cracks and gaps, investigate and fix any warped or broken windows and doors. This includes repairing those doors and windows that have a torn screen. Screen doors and windows with torn screens are prime entry areas that pests target when entering your home. Most contractors recommend using a screen mesh that’s at least 200 holes per square inch. The screen mesh is sold at most home improvement and hardware stores.
Interior gaps – We suggest looking for small holes under, in, and behind your kitchen cabinets, appliances, and dryer vents. Older homes settle. That’s because you will also find cracks or gaps that are visible from inside the house between your floorboards, walls, and baseboards. If you see a crack or gap larger than a 1/4 inch, you could consider air-sealing these areas. That’s because mice can rats squeeze through a hole the size of a nickel.
Make sure the ventilation points are screened off on the exterior of your home – Attic vents, foundation vents, roof soffits, and other exterior entry points should be inspected to make sure they’re in excellent condition.
Remove firewood or debris – Pests like mice and rats like to seek shelter in damp and dark areas. Try preventing debris such as mulch and soil from piling up around the foundations of your home. For those of you that use kenneling or firewood to keep your home warm during the fall and winter, remember to store it somewhere outside, away from the house.
Inspect your attic – Pests such as mice and rats often leave fresh droppings. They also tunnel in interstitial space, and they can even get behind fiberglass insulation to keep themselves warm while they are nesting. Also, pay close attention to any noises that you might hear coming from your attic at night. That’s because this is when mice look for food and build up their nests.
So You Have Pests In Your House, What Next?
To solve your pest problem, you should follow a three-step process. First air seal entry points, step 2 is elimination, and then finally prevention. As part of your plan of action first, highlight what the problems areas around your home’s exterior surface. Than air seal all potential entry areas where pests are known to enter the house. Common target areas include the roofline and gaps at the entry surface level were small cracks and gaps are common
Once you’ve air sealed all entry points we recommend that you contact an exterminator to remove the remaining pests inside the home. Finally, remember these simple housekeeping tips. Keep your home clean and tidy, and inspect your attic area regularly to ensure that there isn’t a growing pest problem.
