DIY Pest Prevention:
How you can naturally help to keep pests out of your home. At HUB Pest Solutions, we believe in a comprehensive approach to pest control. While our professional treatments are highly effective, there are several things you can do on your own to make your pest control service even more effective. One of the key strategies is: Integrated Pest Management (IPM), which focuses on creating physical barriers to keep pests and rodents out. Here are a few simple, non-chemical actions you can take to protect your home and enhance the impact of your pest control service:
- Seal Gaps and Cracks Pests often enter homes through small cracks and gaps. By sealing these entry points, you can prevent rodents and insects from sneaking in. Where to Focus: Around doors and windows (use weatherstripping or caulk). Gaps around utility pipes and wires entering your home. Cracks in the foundation or exterior walls.
- Install Door Sweeps. Rodents can squeeze through surprisingly small spaces under doors. A simple solution is to install door sweeps to block this common entry point. Where to Focus: Exterior doors, especially garage doors and basement entrances. - Gaps between the door and the threshold that are wide enough to let pests through.
- Trim Bushes and Trees. Bushes and trees that touch your home can act as highways for pests, giving them direct access to your walls, roof, and attic. Where to Focus: Trim tree branches away from your roofline to prevent pests from climbing up. Prune bushes and shrubs so they don’t touch the exterior of your home. Keep vegetation at least 1-2 feet away from your foundation.
- Remove Debris Around the Foundation. Piles of leaves, wood, and other debris near your home can provide shelter for pests. By keeping these areas clean, you reduce the chances of pests nesting close to your home. Where to Focus: Clear away leaves, mulch, or woodpiles near the foundation. Store firewood away from the house and raise it off the ground.
- Check for Roof Vulnerabilities. Rodents and pests like to climb, and your roof is often an overlooked entry point. Make sure to check for any vulnerabilities. Where to Focus: Inspect and repair any damage to roof vents, shingles, or soffits. Screen chimneys and vents to keep out birds, bats, and larger rodents.
- Maintain Proper Drainage. Standing water and excess moisture attract a variety of pests, including mosquitoes, termites, and ants. Ensuring your home and property is properly draining can reduce the risk of infestation. Where to Focus: Clean and clear gutters regularly. - Ensure downspouts direct water away from your foundation. - Fix any leaky outdoor faucets or hoses. Look for low spots in the yard that collect water. Fill them with top soil or sand to eliminate places insects love to live and multiply.
The Bottom Line - By taking these simple steps to create physical barriers, you can help prevent pests from gaining access to your home. Not only do these actions protect your space, but they also enhance the effectiveness of your professional pest control treatments. Together, your efforts and our expert services will keep your home pest-free for the long term! Call HUB Pest Solutions today to learn more about how you can help to naturally keep your home and property pest free.
