Top Pest Proofing Tips: How to Protect Your Redmond Home in 5 Steps
Nobody wants bugs or rodents inside their home. But when the seasons change or the weather cools down, pests in Redmond start looking for warm places to hide, and your home could be one of them. The good news is, there are simple steps you can take to help keep pests out. While a professional pest control service is always an option for major infestations, these five easy tips can help you prevent problems before they start.
1. Seal Up Cracks and Gaps
Tiny cracks in your home may not look like much, but they’re just the right size for ants, spiders, and even mice to squeeze through. Take a walk around your house and look for any small openings around windows, doors, and vents. Pay extra attention to places where pipes or wires enter your home.
Use caulk to seal cracks and holes in the walls. For spaces under doors, add a door sweep. Weatherstripping is also a great way to block drafts and close gaps around windows and doors. If you can see light coming through or feel cold air sneaking in, chances are pests can get in too.
2. Fix Screens and Cover Vents
Your window and door screens are your first line of defense against flying insects. If they have holes or tears, it’s easy for bugs to sneak through. Take time to check each screen in your home, especially if you leave windows open often. Repair or replace damaged screens to keep pests out.
Also, look at vents in places like your attic, crawl space, or bathroom. These spots can be easy ways in for larger pests like squirrels or bats. You can use wire mesh or screen covers to block these areas while still letting air flow through.
3. Keep Your Kitchen and Pantry Clean
Pests love food, and your kitchen is the first place they’ll go if they get inside. To avoid giving bugs and rodents a reason to stay, keep your kitchen clean. Wipe down your counters after meals, sweep or vacuum crumbs from the floor, and clean under appliances like the stove and fridge.
Store food, including pet food, in sealed containers, not open bags or boxes. Take out your trash often, and make sure your trash cans have tight lids. Even small spills or food scraps can attract unwanted visitors like ants, roaches, or mice.
4. Tidy Up Your Yard
Your yard can either help pests stay away or make it easy for them to move in. Cut back tree branches that hang over your roof, and trim bushes that touch the walls of your home. These can be used like bridges for pests to get inside.
Remove piles of leaves, grass, or firewood near your house. These spots are perfect hiding places for bugs, rats, or snakes. Try to keep things neat and dry around your foundation, and don’t let anything sit against the siding of your home.
5. Get Rid of Moisture
Most pests are drawn to water. That’s why it’s important to check for leaks under sinks, around toilets, and in your basement. Even small drips can create the damp spaces that bugs love. Fix any plumbing issues as soon as you find them.
You can also place a dehumidifier in damp areas like basements, laundry rooms, or closets to reduce extra moisture in the air. Make sure your gutters are clean and draining properly so water doesn’t build up around your home’s foundation.
When to Get Help
Even with good habits and a clean home, pests can sometimes still sneak in. If you start seeing bugs, rodents, or other critters on a regular basis, it might be time to call in a pest control service. A professional can figure out where the pests are coming from and help you get rid of them safely.
Keep Your Redmond Home Protected
Keeping pests out of your home doesn’t have to be hard. By sealing cracks, cleaning often, and watching for signs of moisture, you can make your Redmond home much less inviting to unwanted guests. These five steps are simple, effective, and easy enough to do on your own, but if things get out of hand, don’t hesitate to call for help.
