With the weather getting cooler each day, we're entering a strange time in the pest control world, especially in south Louisiana. It's still warm enough outside for mosquitoes and other insects to stay active, but rodents and other pests are also trying to hole up for the winter. So, how do you combat this? Here is your checklist to start your New Year off without the burden of pests and rodents!
1 ) Seal all entry points
Pests can creep into your home with even just the smallest of cracks! Check the exterior and interior of your home around doorways, windows, garage doors, chimneys, and utility entry points (such as where pipes and dryer vents enter your walls). You should also check around baseboards and along your foundation. Look for small gaps and cracks.
For doorways and windows, adding weatherstripping so that the door or window sits tightly within the frame can solve the issue. You should also check that all window and door screens are intact without any holes or tears. Garage doors require a bit more work because if the bottom rubberized seal does not form a seal with the ground (due to damage, wear and tear, etc.), you need to call a garage door technician to come replace the rubber seal.
Utility entry points are some of the most common ways pests make it into your home. Often, these are not sealed properly to the outdoors and allow large gaps to form, inviting pests and rodents into the warmer, more comfortable environment of your home. To prevent this, find the places around the exterior of your home where pipes, wires, or vents go into the wall. For smaller gaps, apply caulk to seal these entry points. For larger gaps or where cords are going through a hole, pad the gap with steel wool and use caulk around the edges to keep it in place. For chimneys and vents, check with a local expert to see what chimney cap or wire mesh sizing is safe to apply in your area.
Cracks in your foundation can happen over time for a variety of reasons, and these small cracks can cause huge pest issues. Insects such as spiders, ants, cockroaches, and termites can squeeze through these cracks while searching for warmth, moisture, and food (all of which our homes provide). Call a home repair expert in your area to inspect and learn how to properly seal cracks in your foundation. This not only helps with pest control but also with protecting your home and investment.
Finally, when inspecting baseboards on the interior of the home, check for cracks or gaps and use silicone-based caulk to seal any openings where the baseboard comes in contact with the wall or the floor. Make sure to pay extra attention to corners and any areas around pipes or wires. For larger holes or gaps, stuff them with steel wool before applying caulk to stop rodents from gnawing through in the future. And if any parts of the baseboards are damaged, consider repairing or replacing them to eliminate potential entry points.
Once you have looked over all of these vulnerable areas of your home, remember that regular inspection and maintenance are key to keeping your home safe and pest-free!
2 ) Early spring cleaning
Let's face it. It's easier for pests to hide amongst clutter and debris than in a clean, clear area. So this year, spring cleaning comes early! General cleanliness inside and outside of your home can save you from massive headaches and costs later.
Create a protective barrier around your home by trimming shrubs and tree limbs to a few feet away from your house. Any branches that come in contact with your home serve as a direct path for bugs to enter your property and allow them to bypass any perimeter residuals you or Oak Pest Control may spray. With that being said, debris and wood piles serve as great nesting areas for ants and termites, so make sure to either get rid of these or move them far away from your home or any structures in your yard.
If you have trashcans outside of your home, keep them away from your home and other structures. These can be meccas of food and water for insects and rodents, so make sure they have tight-fitting lids as well.
Inside of your home, cleaning regularly will help deter pests from calling your home theirs. This includes vacuuming, wiping surfaces, and picking up clutter. Also, make sure food is stored properly and tightly to prevent pests from picking up the scent of your pantry snacks.
3 ) Home Repairs!
If you thought that damaged siding wasn't much to worry about, think again. Certain parts of your home are already prime targets for pests, but once they are damaged, it can turn into open season.
Wood siding is one of those prime targets for pests. Termites, ants, and rodents particularly love this form of entry. Ants and termites can eat through the siding while rodents can take advantage of any crack or hole from damage. First, if you have ANY siding damage, fix it immediately. Bigger issues may require the help of a local handyman, but holes and small repairs can be taken care of by the homeowner. For smaller holes, fill them with wood filler. For larger holes, plug the hole with a piece of foam and apply caulk over it. Paint over any repairs that do not match your siding if you please. Afterward, the best solution to prevent further damage by pests is to get termite prevention treatment from Oak Pest Control. Unfortunately, wood siding in south Louisiana is always susceptible to these invaders, so professional help is often needed.
Pipes and faucets that are even slightly leaky are like "Welcome" signs to insects such as cockroaches. Cockroaches can eat just about anything, but when you take away their access to water, they will go looking for a more hospitable host. Fix leaky pipes and faucets the minute you find them as these create a source of hydration for pests. Further, if your home is very humid, consider using a dehumidifier to help lower the tiny tenants (who don't pay rent).
4 ) People
One of the easiest ways for pests to enter your home isn't even attached to any part of your property. Why? Because it's you! Pests such as ticks, lice, and bedbugs typically infest an area by hitching a ride on a person or their belongings. So, if you've been away or outside, make it a habit to check yourself for any bugs before going back into your home. If you have children, regularly check their hair for lice. If you have been on vacation, check your clothes and luggage for bed bugs before bringing them inside. And if you have pets or you yourself have been in the woods, check regularly for ticks. Ticks can hide pretty much anywhere on pets, so you will need to do a thorough look over them. On humans, they often hide in crevices such as behind the knees, under the armpits, in and around hair and ears, near the groin, in the bellybutton, on the back, in waistbands, and between the legs.
Happy New Year!
Our New Year's resolution challenge for you? Start implementing these pest control practices to protect your family and your home! As always, if you have a problem that you can't tackle on your own, call us! We're big enough to get the job done, but small enough to care. To take a look at what we offer, head to the "services" section of our website.
We wish you a fantastic 2025 and want to send a huge "thank you" for your incredible support during our first full year of business!
-Your Team, Oak Pest Control
Comentários