Pest-Proof Your Home

It may seem counter-intuitive for pest control professionals to advise consumers how to pest-proof their homes, but many companies now offer this service because our business is not just about the elimination of an infestation, but its prevention.

Homes are a consumer's biggest purchase and biggest investment. "It makes sense for many reasons to take steps to ensure that one's home has been protected," says Pete Jameson, Managing Director of Dynamic Pest Control. "Protecting one's home from rodent infestations is self-evident."

Insect and rodent species are especially responsive to changes in the seasons as cold weather begins in the autumn and warm weather returns in the spring. "The cold weather months always see an increase in rodent infestations so we recommend the installation ¼-inch wire mesh over loft and roof vents to prevent the entry of birds, bats, squirrels, and other wildlife. Another essential element of home protection is a chimney cap for the same purpose."

The key to pest protection, says Pete, "is a thorough home inspection by a pest management professional. Trained to identify points of entry, licensed and certified pest management technicians can help a homeowner avoid the full range of insects from ants to cockroaches, cluster flies to wasps, as well as rodent species."

"It doesn't require much space for insects and rodents to gain access to one's home," says Pete. Gaps as small as 1/16 inch or less can let insects and spiders in while ¼ inch gaps are large enough to admit mice. A half-inch gap is large enough for rats to gain entry.

For this reason, pest management professionals advise that door sweeps should be installed on all exterior entry doors. In addition, the do-it-yourself homeowner should apply sealant along the bottom outside edge and sides of door thresholds to exclude ants and other small insects. Gaps under sliding-glass doors can be sealed by lining the bottom track with half-inch to ¾ inch foam weather stripping.

With your sealant gun in hand, seal utility openings where pipes and wires enter the foundation and siding. Gas meters, clothes dryer vents, and where telephone and cable TV wires enter a home provide access. In a similar fashion, cracks around windows and other points of entry should be sealed.

"An option that homeowners have been conditioned to avoid, but which provides excellent protection are exterior insecticide treatments in the spring and summer months. It is always best to have this done by pest management professionals that know which will work best and how to safely apply them."

"Considering the value of one's home, getting a complete attic to basement inspection, inside and out, is a very good investment, not just for the maintenance of the home, but the health of oneself and one's family."

Article provided by Dynamic Pest Control