Pests of all sorts can invade homes year-round. But pest activity is quite high during the warmer months. Before the season occurs, it’s important to address possible pest entry points. These include cracks, gaps, and other types of openings in walls, foundations, windows, and doors. Portland pest control includes fortifying your home so that unwanted guests cannot get inside. With some effort and preparation, you can have peace of mind knowing unwelcome visitors are kept outside.
How Pests Behave Amid the Changing Season
As weather changes, the behavior of several pests also changes. As temperatures drop and daylight hours get shorter, pest activity increases as tiny invaders look for warmth, food, and shelter. Pests such as rodents, ants, and spiders can seek refuge inside your house. To prevent their entry, you must address common entry points.
Common Entry Points for Pests
As you protect your house from pests, you need to understand the common access points that pests use to enter your house. Pests are quite resourceful and they look for tiny openings to get inside. You should familiarize yourself with such entry points, so you can inspect your house thoroughly and seal off all pathways that critters exploit. The following are common pest entry points:
- Door gaps. Gaps under your doors can openly invite pests, allowing them to get inside. To prevent this from happening, install proper weather stripping on your doors. Door sweeps can be installed along your exterior door’s bottom edge to seal gaps and prevent unwanted guests from getting inside without being noticed.
- Vents. Vents in attics, basements, and crawl spaces are possible pest entry points. Usually, such openings do not have barriers that keep critters out while ensuring proper ventilation. You can address this by installing mesh covers over such vents. The covers will prevent pests from infiltrating your home while still ensuring effective air circulation.
- Floor drains. Especially in utility rooms and basements, floor drains can be gateways for pests such as drain flies, cockroaches, and rats. You can prevent these pests from entering your home through these openings by investing in drain covers. Such covers obstruct pest access and prevent the buildup of debris, minimizing the drain area’s attractiveness.
- Foundation cracks. If you can spot cracks in the foundation, seal them with epoxy sealants or concrete patching. A lot of pests can use these cracks to enter your house and find shelter.
- Pipes. Plumbing entry points and pipes are entryways for many pests, particularly in tight spaces such as your bathroom and kitchen. Gaps around pipes must be sealed properly with caulking or foam insulation. Wire mesh can address bigger openings as it creates a barrier that rodents and insects can’t penetrate.
- Crawl spaces. Rodents, in particular, can enter your house through crawl spaces. To prevent this, you should seal vents in these spaces with vent covers or wire mesh.
