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What are the best pest-proofing methods?

Pest-proofing your home, especially before winter, is one of the best ways you can ensure that you will not have any infestations of raccoons, skunks, rodents, and insects. These critters can find their way into homes through the tiniest hole or crack, so it is important to seal your house up tight. Continue reading to find out more about some of the best pest-proofing methods.

Exclusion products

As pest control is a huge industry, there are thousands of products out there to help you prevent pests and remove them once they are there. One of the best products to get rid of raccoons is to use an exclusion device. The best exclusion device to get rid of raccoons is the one-way door. If you have a raccoon problem in your attic, simply install a one-way door, and the raccoon or raccoons will leave to go find food, and then will not be able to come back in. If you are trying to prevent raccoons or other pests from coming in, use exclusion devices such as deterrent spikes, metal barriers, or one of the many thousands of other animal exclusion products on the market today.

Inspect your house

The most important step in pest-proofing your home is to simply look everything over and identify problems. Start by examining your foundation, looking for any gaps or cracks that could allow pests like skunks or rats to get in. Check your exterior walls and where the wall meets the roof to find any problem areas. Be sure to look at the exterior of your roof and attic, as well as your chimney. Also be aware of any holes or openings where your appliances meet the outside, as these often present entrances for rodents and insects.

Take action

Now that you have inspected your home, you are ready to repair or install some pest-proofing materials. Depending on how big the gap or hole is, you can oftentimes use sealant and caulking to shore up any issues. If there are larger gaps or cracks, be sure to use some metal sheeting, as it will last a lifetime. If the problem is your chimney, look for one of the many devices you can place on it to prevent birds, squirrels, and bats from getting in. Stuff steel wool in any of the holes that occur along your foundation or where your appliances run outside. Fixing every problem area you encounter along the exterior of your home will go a long way in preventing pest infestations.

Interior repairs

Now that you have taken the time to pest-proof your exterior, be sure to do the same with the interior. Look along your baseboards, all along your walls, your attic, and especially your doors and windows. If you see any gaps or cracks, you can use a variety of methods to repair them, from sealant to installing new drywall. Always be aware that any tiny access points can provide an entrance for insects, as tiny gaps in doors and windows can provide the perfect spot. That’s why taking insect control measures is vital. If some of the repairs are beyond your level of craftsmanship, consider calling your local carpenter to take a look.

Clean up your yard

One of the overlooked pest-proofing methods is to simply clean up your property. Tall grass and weeds provide excellent protection for insects and rodents. Woodpiles and any other piles of material can provide great places for skunks, raccoons, and opossums to live. Fallen fruit from trees also encourages insects and bigger animals onto your property. Cleaning up all of these can greatly reduce your risk for pest infestations inside of your home.

Hire a professional

If you are a DIY-er, this may seem like a terrible thing to do. What you may not realize is that pest control professionals inspect your home in ways you have never thought to before. They can find many problems and quickly fix them or advise you on how to fix them. In addition to these prevention services, they can also take care of existing pest problems. In many cases, you can have an insect problem and not even realize it. Insect control is one of a pest control expert’s specialties, and they can quickly get rid of an infestation. Once your existing pest issues are taken care of, your house will be even more pest-proofed than before, as existing pests can often attract more pests.

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