Pest Prevention Indoors

• Seal all outside doors. If you can see light around or under a door, then insects can walk right in.
• Replace air-conditioning filters and adjust your thermostats. Small insects are attracted to mold and mildew build-up.
• Check for leaks and seal gaps. Check the plumbing pipes behind your cabinets. Don’t let water accumulate anywhere.
• Check the grout in the bathroom. A good caulk seal around bathtubs and toilets will help keep insects out, particularly silverfish and ants.
• Check the attic for water, clutter and unscreened vents. Seal or remove boxes to keep insects from nesting.
• Store food containers in tightly sealed containers or in the refrigerator.
• Don’t leave your pet’s food or water out overnight.
• Check grocery bags, packages and boxes for pests hiding inside before carrying them into your house.

Pest Prevention Outdoors

• Patch or replace torn screens.
• Seal around vents. Keep rodents and insects out of the roof or attic space.
• Seal around conduits and pipes. Insects and rodents can follow power lines or climb conduits and pipes to come inside.
• Check gutter drains and divert water away from your house. Each gutter should drain water away from your house’s foundation to keep moisture from building up next to your house.
• Remove leaves and debris from gutters and the roof.  Ants and other insects breed under the build-up.
• Caulk cracks and crevices.
• Keep garbage cans clean and lids sealed.
• Keep your garage door closed. Make sure the weather-stripping at the base of the door is in good shape.
• Prune away plants or trees that touch your house.  Be sure to clear the eaves and roof. These can create an insect highway directly into your house.
• Remove debris, clutter or woodpiles away from your house’s foundation. Rodents and insects can nest there.
• Check the sprinkler for puddling near the foundation or water spraying onto the house.
• If you have a window air-conditioning unit, divert the drip line so it’s at least 2 feet away from the house’s foundation.