Prevention Tips

Doors and Windows

1. Always keep doors closed when not in use
2. Replace any broken latches or faulty door closers
3. Caulk cracks and crevices around all doors and windows
4. Repair or replace any damaged screens (doors + windows)
5. Install metal guards where screens regularly become damaged
6. Install tight-sealing door sweeps at the base of all outside doors

Foundation, Siding, and Trim

1. Seal all cracks and openings in foundation walls
2. Inspect and seal openings under siding and around trim
3. Caulk gaps around incoming pipes (gas/water/electric, etc.)
4. Clean lint from dryer vent (ensure a tight seal on outside flap)
5. Inspect/seal cracks at junction point of any structural additions
6. Check and ensure there are no openings under concrete door stoops

Roof, Vents/Fans, and Overhangs

1. Repair/replace loose shingles or flashing
2. Check for torn screening on roof vents/fans
3. Caulk all cracks and crevices around overhangs
4. Seal around any cable or electrical conduit entries
5. Ensure adequate attic ventilation, check for water leaks
6. Install a chimney cap to keep birds, squirrels & raccoons out
7. Clean debris from gutters

Box-Sill and Sill-Plate (*basements/crawl spaces)

1. Wearing gloves and a dust mask, remove old insulation
2. Vacuum up dirt in box sill areas and clean base of sill plate
3. Carefully inspect for holes and gaps; seal with appropriate material
4. Apply bead of foam sealant along entire sill plate (wall/sill junction)

Basement and Floor Drains

1. Routinely inspect and clean all basement areas
2. Pay special attention to corners and under staircase
3. Vacuum ceiling joists and use a crevice tool in corners
4. Keep all stored items at least 18 inches away from walls
5. Remove floor drain covers, clean out any build-up of “gunk”
6. Treat floor drains with bacterial digestant (better than bleach)

Garage, Door Seals, and Windows

1. If garage is attached, always keep the doors closed
2. Caulk cracks and crevices around windows and service door
3. Weather strip door/window frames, replace any torn screens
4. Check overhead door seal (bottom rubber strip), ensure tight fit
5. Inspect floor/wall junction, seal openings with appropriate material
6. Remove any stored fire wood and/or other rodent/insect harborages

Wood Piles, Ground Mulch, and Vegetation

1. Keep vegetation at least 18 inches from the foundation
2. Keep grass and bushes trimmed and eliminate weed growth
3. Use pea-gravel along the foundation rather than wood mulch
4. Keep large rocks, paper and other debris away from foundation
5. Keep fire wood and other pest harborages away from the foundation
6. Ensure an adequate pitch so water drains away from the foundation

Attic, Beams, Tongue and Groove Ceilings

1. Check attic for water leaks
2. Check for signs of decay or wood rot
3. Check to ensure adequate attic ventilation
4. Consider adding pest control insulation, it will lower your heating bill and provide long term pest control
5. Consider installing a power ventilator (roof or gable fan)
6. Check all fans, roof vents and louvers for adequate screening
7. Check for wasp nests, rodent droppings and other signs of pests
8. Check for *sawdust falling from beams or tongue and groove ceilings 

Kitchen and Pantry, Fixtures

1. Keep areas clean and free of crumbs & garbage
2. Routinely clean kitchen cabinets and/or pantry area
3. Vacuum cracks around shelving, inspect for signs of pests
4. Check all stored products for “grain bugs” (discard old items)
5. Pull out stove and refrigerator, clean under/around & behind them
6. Vacuum compressor compartments (frig/freezer), check for pests
7. Check & repair plumbing leaks, caulk around water and drain pipes

Bathrooms, Plumbing, and Fixtures

1. Ensure adequate ventilation
2. Quickly wipe up water on floors
3. Avoid getting water on window sills
4. Routinely inspect plumbing fixtures for leaks
5. Routinely inspect all caulking and grout for leaks
6. Periodically check underside of tub/shower (from basement)
7. Repair leaks quickly to help avoid rot, fungi, carpenter ants, or termites