Seal the entry points
- Caulk cracks in the foundation and gaps around pipes, wires and vents.
- Repair door sweeps and weather stripping, especially on the garage door.
- Fix torn screens and check weep holes and vents.
- Look at where utilities enter the house.
Manage water
Pests follow water. Fix leaks under sinks and around water heaters, keep sprinklers and drip lines from soaking the foundation, and check that gutters and downspouts drain away from the house.
Control food
- Store food in sealed containers, including pet food.
- Take out trash regularly and keep bins clean.
- Wipe up crumbs and spills quickly.
Tidy the yard
- Keep firewood, lumber and rock piles away from the house.
- Trim branches and vines away from walls and the roof.
- Leave a clear strip along the foundation.
Store things smartly
Use sealed plastic bins instead of cardboard and keep boxes off the floor in garages and storage rooms. Do not leave shoes or towels outside where scorpions and spiders can hide in them.
Check twice a year
Walk around the house each spring and fall. Look for new gaps, damaged seals and new hiding spots. When that is not enough, we can help. See pest control services.
Quick checks by area
- Kitchen: fix leaks, seal food and wipe up crumbs.
- Bathrooms and laundry: fix drips and ventilate damp areas.
- Garage: check the door seal, store items in sealed bins and clear clutter.
- Outside: look at the foundation, vents, utility openings and trees touching the house.
What professional service adds
Sealing and cleanup reduce what pests can use. Treatment deals with the pests that are already there and the ones that keep arriving. See residential pest control.
