Pests, as a rule, don’t begin as part of your home’s furnishings, contrary to what some might believe after seeing ants trail across their kitchen floor, or a mouse rustling around in their pantry. Unless pests are introduced to a home in packages, luggage, or clothing, they originate on the outside, living in the yard or areas around your home.
That is why your best defense against pests is to deny them access to your home in the first place. The dry, warm weather California has experienced has eliminated many of the natural food and shelter sources (e.g., vegetation) upon which pests rely. Plus, when fall’s cooler temperatures arrive, some pests – mice for example – will look to move indoors to overwinter and wait for spring.
Why is your home a destination for pests? When temperatures drop and food sources become scarce, pests go into survival mode. Your home will often become their top choice for a winter retreat, as it provides warmth and easy access to food and water.
Once inside, rodents, cockroaches, and other pests can spoil food, spread bacteria that cause food-borne illnesses, or chew on electrical wiring, which can increase the risk of fires.
Clark, your friendly pest control, termite, and lawn care expert, would like to encourage you to follow six easy-to-do pest-proofing tips to keep unwanted pests on the outside looking in.
Follow these six pest-proofing tips to minimize the threat:
- Screen attic vents, openings to chimneys, and any other areas that are open to the outdoors, like mail slots and animal doors.
- Keep attics and crawl spaces well ventilated and dry. Consider using a dehumidifier in these areas if needed.
- Keep kitchen counters clean, store food in airtight containers, and regularly dispose of garbage in sealed receptacles.
- Replace weatherstripping and repair loose mortar around the foundation and windows.
- Inspect boxes of decorations, package deliveries, and grocery bags for pest damage before bringing them indoors.
- Avoid leaving pet food dishes out for long periods of time, as they will attract pests – including rodents, ants, and cockroaches.
Keep an eye out for any signs of wear and tear around the exterior of your home, including the roof. Pests will interpret any opening in a wall, door, window, or roof as an invitation to enter.
Use quality products including caulk, steel wool, screening, heavy-duty seals, and other suitable materials to seal openings and deny entry to pests.
Remember: An ounce of prevention can go a long way when it comes to keeping pests outside where they belong. Investing time and money to be proactive in exclusion methods is more cost efficient than removing pests once they have moved inside.
Clark Pest Control remains committed to keeping your home secure from pests and pest activity during these uncertain times. Our service technicians employ personal protective equipment (gloves, masks, and respirators) and practice social distancing, they use call-ahead notifications, and they adhere strictly to all Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines when servicing inside or outside your home.
If you are experiencing problems with pests in or around your home, call or text California’s trusted, friendly pest management expert, Clark, at (800) WE-NEED-YOU (936-3339) or send an email to clarkcares@clarkpest.com.