Whether you are moving to a new house or you want to secure your current apartment, it’s crucial to invest in proofing the building from pests. Dealing with a pest infestation can cause a lot of trouble, damage, and pose threats to your health, so it’s better to prevent it from happening while there is still time. Proofing your house doesn’t need to be a difficult job and you can find various choices on the market that will suit your budget including different DIY options.

Attic/Roof

It’s a good idea to start with the attic/roof as that’s how a lot of pests can get into your house. Firstly, check for the presence of pests including mice, squirrel, or raccoons. If you haven’t found any signs of pests, you should carefully inspect the area for entry points. Seal any holes in insulation, gaps, and cracks or fix loose tiles to prevent animals from getting inside. It is also recommended to install wire mesh over the attic, roof, and crawl space vents. If you notice a presence of a pest, remember it’s crucial to first trap the animal and only then seal off entry points. There are services out there that can help trap, repair, and pest-proof your home.

Basement

Check your basement for any gaps, holes, or cracks – especially where pipes exit through the walls. If you have exterior outlets, laundry vents, or utility meters outside, you should also inspect them for any openings. The same applies to any other utility openings in the building (cable TV wires, outdoor faucets, receptacles, etc.).

Doors/Windows

We recommend checking weather stripping on windows and doors and repairing any holes that you find – it’s a perfect spot for bugs to get into your house. You can use screen repair adhesive patches for such work – they are available in most maintenance shops. You can also install thresholds or door sweeps at the base of all exterior entry doors.

Porch

If you keep plants on your porch that you bring inside for the winter, make sure to not bring any unwanted guests to your house. Before putting your plants in the warmth of your home, you should remove dead or damaged leaves and check pots thoroughly for signs of insects. You can also water the pot to flush insects out of the dirt and scrub the pot to get rid of spider eggs (usually can be found on the bottom of terra cotta pots).

Keep the home clean and dry

Pests are usually attracted to leftover bits of food or easy access to water. Hence why it’s crucial to keep your house tidy and dry.

• Make sure to store all food in closed, lidded containers.

• Regularly wipe the residue off containers containing sugary stuff like jam or chocolate spread.

• Keep an eye on fruit and make sure to dispose of spoiled produce as soon as possible.

• Fix any kind of leaks around sinks or tubs.

• Rinse containers before throwing them into the recycling bin.

• Consider putting a rubber mat underneath your pets’ bowls as it makes it easier to spot and clean spilled food or water.