Pest Exclusion Tips
Pest Exclusion Tips
Wil-Kil's helpful tips on preventing pests from invading your home. To view each section click on the title.
Doors and Windows
- Always keep doors closed when not in use
- Replace any broken latches or faulty door closers
- Caulk cracks and crevices around all doors and windows
- Repair or replace any damaged screens (doors + windows)
- Install metal guards where screens regularly become damaged
- Install tight-sealing door sweeps at the base of all outside doors
Foundation, Siding and Trim:
- Seal all cracks and openings in foundation walls
- Inspect and seal openings under siding and around trim
- Caulk gaps around incoming pipes (gas/water/electric, etc.)
- Clean lint from dryer vent (ensure a tight seal on outside flap)
- Inspect/seal cracks at junction point of any structural additions
- Check and ensure there are no openings under concrete door stoops
Roof, Vents/Fans and Overhangs:
- Repair/replace loose shingles or flashing
- Check for torn screening on roof vents/fans
- Caulk all cracks and crevices around overhangs
- Seal around any cable or electrical conduit entries
- Ensure adequate attic ventilation, check for water leaks
- Install a chimney cap to keep birds, squirrels & racoons out
Box-Sill and Sill-Plate (*basements/crawl spaces):
(* located on top of your outside foundation wall)
- Wearing gloves and a dust mask, remove old insulation
- Vacuum up dirt in box sill areas and clean base of sill plate
- Carefully inspect for holes and gaps; seal with appropriate material
- Apply bead of foam sealant along entire sill plate (wall/sill junction)
- Then replace the insulation
Basement and Floor Drains:
- Routinely inspect and clean all basement areas
- Pay special attention to corners and under staircase
- Vacuum ceiling joists and use a crevice tool in corners
- Keep all stored items at least 18 inches away from walls
- Remove floor drain covers, clean out any build-up of "gunk"
- Treat floor drains with bacterial digestant (better than bleach)
Garage, Door Seals and Windows:
- If garage is attached, always keep the doors closed
- Caulk cracks and crevices around windows and service door
- Weather strip door/window frames, replace any torn screens
- Check overhead door seal (bottom rubber strip), ensure tight fit
- Inspect floor/wall junction, seal openings with appropriate material
- Remove any stored fire wood and/or other rodent/insect harborages
Wood Piles, Ground Mulch and Vegetation:
- Keep vegetation at least 18 inches from the foundation
- Keep grass and bushes trimmed and eliminate weed growth
- Use pea-gravel along the foundation rather than wood mulch
- Keep large rocks, paper and other debris away from foundation
- Keep fire wood and other pest harborages away from the foundation
- Ensure an adequate pitch so water drains away from the foundation
Attic, Beams, Tongue & Groove Ceilings:
- Check attic for water leaks
- Check for signs of decay or wood rot
- Check to ensure adequate attic ventilation
- Consider installing a power ventilator (roof or gable fan)
- Check all fans, roof vents and louvers for adequate screening
- Check for wasp nests, rodent droppings and other signs of pests
- Check for sawdust falling from beams or tongue and groove ceiling
Kitchen & Pantry, Fixtures, Appliances:
Help keep Ants, Roaches and Grain Insects out . . .
- Keep areas clean and free of crumbs and garbage
- Routinely clean kitchen cabinets and/or pantry area
- Vacuum cracks around shelving, inspect for signs of pests
- Check all stored products for "grain bugs" (discard old items)
- Pull out stove and refrigerator, clean under/around & behind them
- Vacuum compressor compartments (frig/freezer), check for pests
- Check and repair plumbing leaks, caulk around water and drain pipes
Bathrooms, Plumbing and Fixtures:
- Ensure adequate ventilation
- Quickly wipe up water on floors
- Avoid getting water on window sills
- Routinely inspect plumbing fixtures for leaks
- Routinely inspect all caulking and grout for leaks
- Periodically check underside of tub/shower (from basement)
- Repair leaks quickly to help avoid rot, carpenter ants or termites
