Insect Proofing a Home from the Outside In
Pests are resourceful. They will take advantage of the smallest crack, hole, or opening on the exterior of your home to make their way indoors. Once they are enjoying your comforts of heat, water, and plentiful food, you probably have an infestation. That is why pest control often starts from outside the home. With that in mind, here are some steps you can take to insect-proof your home from the outside in.
Yard Clean Up
Brush piles, clogged gutters, overgrown shrubs, and even woodpiles placed too close to the home, can all contribute to pest problems. Regular yard maintenance can go a long way in keeping pests outdoors. Try to keep on top of yard maintenance and make sure that trees and shrubs are trimmed back well away from the house. If vegetation is allowed to grow too close to the house, it provides a convenient bridge for pests to enter your home.
Repair Screen
Screens are another major point of entry for pests. A loose fit or even a small tear can provide plenty of room for pests to make their way into your home. Be sure to regularly inspect the screens around your home and make repairs as soon as possible.
Inspect Utility Openings
Areas of the home where various pipes enter and vents are located can also create entry points for pests. Laundry vents, gas meters, and even outside faucets should be properly sealed. It is also a good idea to install a mesh screen over vent openings.
Fix Leaky Pipes
Remember that pests are looking for sources of food and water. If you have a leaky pipe, you are making your home even more enticing. Not only will you save on your own water bills, but you will also keep pests outside.
Upgrade Exterior Doors
When you close your exterior doors, you shouldn’t be able to see any light coming through at the bottom of the door. If there isn’t a tight seal, you can add an inexpensive door sweep to close the gap.
If pests are a problem at your home, there are plenty of steps you can take to insect-proof your home, starting with the outside. For professional help with pests, rely on the experts at Capital Pest Services. Our technicians have the knowledge and experience to properly treat your home and help you develop a proactive approach to managing pests.
Capital Pest is proud to be a family-owned and operated pest control company serving Raleigh, NC and its surrounding area (Chapel Hill, Wake Forest, Clayton, Pinehurst, Pittsboro, Fuquay-Varina, etc). Contact us for our pest control services today!