How To Keep Unwanted Guests From Entering Your Home This Holiday Season
Although most pests are merely a nuisance, there are several household pests capable of triggering allergies and asthma attacks, transmitting diseases and bacteria, not to mention potential contamination of food. Other pests are responsible for chewing through electrical wires which create fire hazards or gnawing through support beams and drywall resulting in compromised structural stability.
Many pests enter the home through cracks and crevices in the structure itself; however, there are pests that hitch rides into the home on items and occupants that enter. Keeping these pests out of the home isn’t always possible, but there are several pest-proofing measures that can assist you in limiting these unwanted guests.
- Seal cracks, gaps, crevices and holes on both interior and exterior of the home. Special focus should be on utility and plumbing penetrations.
- Screen vents and chimneys
- Inspect and replace damaged door sweeps and window screens.
- Replace loose mortar on brick areas and check chimney crown for proper seal.
- Keep attics, basements and crawlspaces well ventilated and dry.
- Eliminate areas of moisture. Repair leaking pipes. Clean clogged drains and gutters.
- Store food including pet food in airtight containers.
- Remove garbage from the home regularly and make sure that it is stored in containers with a tight lid away from the home when possible.
- Store all firewood at least 20 feet away from the home and at least 5 inches off the ground.
- Keep trees, shrubs and foliage trimmed back from the house.
- Inspect all items prior to or immediately after bringing them into the home. This includes stored items, grocery bags and packages brought into the home.
- Pay attention after having overnight or prolonged stay guests in your home for anything that may indicate that pests travelled with them.
If you suspect that you may have a pest infestation in your home, promptly contact a qualified pest control professional for assistance.