To help prevent the pests from invading, when comes to professional recommendation and guidance commonly includes making sure tree branches, shrubs, grass, and other plant life are trimmed back from the structure; repairing any plumbing leaks; properly sealing food; and ensuring the home is well-sealed. There are other advantages to ensuring the house is properly sealed, such as increasing the energy efficiency of your home for example in addition to averting wondering pests. To help you avoid the pest invasions, we at Stewart Termite & Pest Control would like to share a few basics steps to properly seal your home.
Insect Screens for Vents & Windows
Many of the flying and crawling pests are permitted inside when there is a missing or damaged screen from the windows. There are often screens installed on the ventilation points of the attic in older homes, that over time, can wear be damaged by bird /wildlife activity. Your attic can be the perfect the host for any wasps, bees, and pigeons, among other pests, if these vents are not securely covered. Be sure to assess the screens and look for signs of wear and damage such as tears and punctures. Most screens can be patched; however, it is recommended that they are replaced.
Seal Windows & Doors to Keep Bugs Out
As homes shift and settle over the years, and exposure to warm and cool temperatures, the frame of the windows and doors expand, contract, and shift. Making an open invitation to any curious or wondering pest, the gaps surrounding the doors and windows manifest eventually. To efficiently seal, the sliding doors can also pose a problem. Many homeowners prefer to leave the back-sliding door open as well when the weather is desirable. Install fresh weather stripping to ensure the windows and gaps are tightly fitted. Should you have old weather stripping that is worn and torn, you will need to remove it before replacing it. If you see or feel any gaps still after fresh weather stripping is installed, patch the seam with silicon caulking around the frame. If you enjoy leaving the sliding doors open when the weather permits, invest in screens, if the kids have a tendency to neglect closing the doors behind them, consider self-closing hinge or kit for your sliding doors.
Bug Proof House; Seal Cracks, Gaps & Holes
An open invitation for most pests is the various cracks, gaps, and holes found along the structure. For smaller fissures, use a weatherproof silicon caulking and for the larger jobs, patch them up with the appropriate materials. Consider a chimney cap to prevent rodents for those with a chimney to keep the pests out.
Keep Rodents & Pests Out
To help prevent some pests from wondering too close, or other unwelcome visitors, the perimeter wall around your property is beneficial. With a well-sealed wall, the larger pests, mostly wildlife, are hindered in their approach. Any type of fencing will due to prevent larger animals from entering, as long as there are no gaps at the bottom for animals to squeeze through. Stucco, concrete block fence, or wood paneling is needed for the smaller pests as they need a more solid wall to keep them at bay. Depending on the type of wall, the various cracks and fissures will need to be properly sealed to be effective.
Pest Management
Sealing your home and applying other pest prevention maintenance will help reduce the likelihood of pest infestations in addition to pest control services from Stewart Termite & Pest Control. Whether you need help preventing the pests or have an infestation that needs eliminating, call us today!