Indoor Pest Control: Insects

How to Control Insects in Your Home

Matt Pastore

If done correctly, pest proofing your home against insects is actually a long-term savings in controlling indoor pest costs. Far too often, the homeowner relies on pesticide treatments applied by an indoor pest control professional or self applied. A single application very rarely corrects the problem so continuous multiple applications are necessary to out pests. Simply excluding indoor pests from your home by following some general measures provided here will give you a few ideas about managing unwanted indoor insect control.

Before contacting a professional, make sure that you have taken these steps to maximize indoor insect control.

  • Screen all openings. Include screens (20 mesh or finer) on doors or windows that can be opened, and on all ventilation openings. Keep all screens in good repair. This stops the entry of many indoor pests.
  • Install door sweeps or thresholds at the base of all exterior entry doors. No light should penetrate underneath exterior doors.
  • Be sure to inspect all seals of doors including the tops and sides to keep out insects.
  • Fill cracks. To exclude larger pests and insects look for cracks around windows, doors and in fascia boards. For small cracks use good quality silicone or acrylic latex caulk. Latex-type caulks clean up easily with water and can be painted although they are less flexible than pure silicone.
  • Seal all utility openings. Include entry points of pipes and wires, around outdoor faucets, gas meters and laundry vents.
  • Repair leaky piping. This will reduce water availability to pests. Inspect plumbing regularly, as a problem may not be apparent. Water damage can also weaken walls creating additional entryways.
  • Mesh screens can also be installed around the base of portable classrooms. The crawl spaces are attractive to many pests such as widow spiders, scorpions, cats and rodents that may create further insect and health problems (e.g., fleas, ticks, lice, etc.).
  • Use airtight storage containers. Especially true for pet or human food. Certain small ants can gain access into ordinary jars by following the thread. If in doubt, keep the food in the refrigerator or freezer.
  • Employ good sanitation procedures. Vacuum up all food crumbs; do not let soiled dishes sit out overnight. Dust under kitchen appliances and clean pet food dishes.

For more information about indoor pest control: moths; indoor pest control: fumigation and indoor pest control: spiders – click here.