4 common pest entry points and how you can close them off

This is often the most common way for many pests to get into your home. In many homes, front doors do not seal tightly against the threshold, allowing just a tiny gap of space for pests to get through. Or, the wear and tear of the garage door has led to the door itself not forming a tight seal against the concrete.

Many pests, including roaches and scorpions, can squeeze into tight spaces. They’ll take advantage of any daylight around your doors to get into your home. The same thing goes for windows. An obvious problem is a ripped window screen, but pests can also breach a closed window through gaps around the frame.

These problems can be solved by adding weatherstripping around the door so that it fits tightly within the frame. You may also need to replace the door. In the event that your garage door does not form a seal with the ground because the rubberized seal—technically known as the “astragal”—is torn, damaged, or worn, you’ll need to have a garage door specialist out to replace that rubber seal. For windows, replace screens with any holes or tears in them, and be sure to check around the window for any gaps.

Your home’s foundation is where your home meets the ground and where most pests start their journey into your home. It’s only natural that pests take advantage of cracks in the foundation that allow them to then get into walls. Insects such as ants, cockroaches, termites, and spiders can squeeze through small cracks or gaps in the foundation. They are attracted to moisture, food, and warmth, which can be found in your home. Once inside, they can cause damage to your property, contaminate food, and multiply.

Cracks in your foundation can occur due to various reasons including soil movement, water damage, poor construction, or natural wear and tear over time. Even the smallest of these gaps can become a significant entry point for pests seeking shelter and resources. For instance, termites can cause extensive structural damage by feasting on wooden elements within your home, while cockroaches can trigger allergies and asthma in sensitive individuals. Ants not only invade for food but can also disrupt electrical systems, posing fire hazards. Additionally, spiders, though often considered beneficial for controlling other pests, can become a nuisance when they establish large populations indoors.

Regular maintenance and inspections of your foundation can help identify potential vulnerabilities before they become major issues. Sealing foundation cracks not only deters pests but also enhances the energy efficiency of your home by preventing drafts and moisture ingress. Moreover, a well-sealed foundation contributes to the overall stability and longevity of your home structure, safeguarding your investment and ensuring a safe living environment for your family. Prevention is key to keeping these pests out of your home.

All homes have utilities that need to penetrate through the foundation. At each of these locations, there remains the potential for insects to tunnel up into your home. Termites in the Valley are notorious for appearing under sinks and behind toilets. These utility penetrations include plumbing pipes, electrical conduits, HVAC systems, and cable lines, all of which require openings in the foundation to function properly. Unfortunately, these necessary gaps can also serve as inviting entry points for a variety of pests beyond just termites.

For example, insects like ants, beetles, and crickets can infiltrate through these small gaps. Moisture-laden areas around plumbing fixtures are particularly attractive to pests, providing both water and a conducive environment for breeding.

Preventative measures are essential to safeguard your home from these vulnerabilities. Proper sealing of utility penetrations with durable materials like polyurethane foam, metal flashing, or specialized pest-resistant sealants can effectively block pest entry while accommodating the necessary utility lines. Regular inspections and maintenance of these sealed areas ensure that any new gaps or wear are promptly addressed, maintaining the integrity of your home’s defenses against unwanted intruders. By addressing these potential entry points, homeowners can significantly reduce the risk of pest infestations, protect their property, and maintain a healthier living environment. Additionally, investing in high-quality sealing not only deters pests but also enhances the overall energy efficiency of your home by preventing drafts and moisture ingress around utility areas.

Here in the Valley, many stucco homes feature roof vents near the roof line. These vents serve an important purpose in your home, by allowing moisture and heat to escape the roof by flowing from the vent in the eave or gable to the vent at the ridge. However, left unprotected, they can be a way for pests—in particular, roof rats—to access the inside of your home.

This most commonly occurs when you have trees that overhang or are close to the roof. Rats climb the trees and then go out on a limb to reach your home. From there, they’ll enter the attic through an exposed vent. Once inside, roof rats can cause significant damage by gnawing on electrical wires, insulation, and structural components, potentially leading to costly repairs and increased risk of electrical fires. Additionally, these pests can contaminate your living spaces with droppings and urine, posing health risks to your family.

So, how exactly do you limit this access? First, don’t obstruct the roof vents at any point. This could lead to major moisture buildup issues inside of your attic and your roof. Instead, you’ll want to add a metal mesh or grate-like material over each hole. This allows air to enter and exit but prevents something as large as a roof rat from getting in. Chances are that your home already has these coverings, so another important task is making sure that this mesh barrier stays in good shape and continues to block entry to each vent.

Regular maintenance is crucial to ensure the integrity of these protective barriers. Inspect the mesh for any signs of wear, rust, or damage, and repair or replace it promptly if you find any issues. Additionally, trimming back any overhanging branches or trees near your roof can reduce the likelihood of rats gaining easy access to your vents. Implementing these measures not only protects your home from unwanted pests but also enhances the overall ventilation efficiency, contributing to a healthier and more comfortable living environment. For comprehensive protection, consider consulting with pest control professionals who can assess your home’s vulnerabilities and recommend tailored solutions to keep roof rats and other pests at bay.

Ok, this is an aspect of pest prevention that isn’t necessarily a part of our home sealing service. But, you should know that many pests—most famously, bed bugs, but also roaches, crickets, and rodents—are accidentally carried into the home by the homeowner. These hitchhikers may travel in that cardboard box containing your online order or in your luggage from your recent vacation. No matter how they get there, they ultimately do so because the homeowner unknowingly brought them in.

There are a few ways to prevent this type of pest incursion into your home:

• • • To prevent a bed bug infestation, take precautions when traveling to avoid transmitting bed bugs from one place to another, such as keeping your luggage and personal items on hard surfaces and checking your mattress and couches for bugs before sitting or laying down. Also, wash and dry your clothes and luggage immediately when you arrive home.
    • To avoid bringing other pests in, open cardboard packages left on the porch outside and then carry the items in those boxes inside separately.
    • You may want to open boxes on the porch or in your garage and only bring your merchandise inside, leaving the packaging to be disposed of in the receptacle outside.

Additionally, implementing regular cleaning routines can significantly reduce the risk of inadvertently introducing pests into your home. Vacuuming frequently, especially in areas where pests are likely to hide, such as corners, under furniture, and around baseboards, helps eliminate any pests that may have made their way inside. Sealing cracks and crevices around doors, windows, and other entry points further minimizes the chances of pests sneaking in.

Another effective strategy is to be mindful of the items you bring into your home. Inspect second-hand furniture, clothing, and other goods thoroughly before introducing them to your living spaces. Pests can easily hide in seams, folds, and crevices, making careful inspection essential. Using protective covers for furniture and storing items in sealed containers can also provide an additional layer of defense.

Educating all household members about the importance of these preventive measures ensures that everyone contributes to maintaining a pest-free environment. By staying vigilant and proactive, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of pests establishing a foothold in your home, preserving both the integrity of your living space and the health of your family.