Insect Proofing A Home From The Outside In

There is a good reason why you should start from the outside and work your way in when trying to get rid of or keep insects out. In effect, you’ll be cutting off the insects from their support group; making it much easier to kill them and ensure that no more insects can get into your home.

6 Ways to Insect Proof Your Home

1. Call the Experts

Before you dive into insect proofing your home it is worth making a call to your local pest control service. They can check your home for you to see if you currently have an issue and they will help you to see the areas that need improving to stop insects becoming an issue.

But they can also help you to identify unusual insects, 95% of insects are no threat to your health. In fact; many insects are actually essential for maintaining balance in nature.

But, that doesn’t mean you want them in your home. The moment they cross your threshold you’ll want to get them out; that’s why you need to insect-proof your home.

• Read: 10 Reasons To Get Professional Pest Control Services

2. Inspection

You can find out more about having your home inspected to give you peace of mind. But, the first step is actually to walk around the perimeter of your home and look for any small gaps and cracks that could allow an insect into your home. Almost any gap will do, you’ll find door and window seals are one of the favorite access points so pay particular attention to these.

If you find any gaps seal them, or replace the seals immediately.

3. Check Ventilation

The next step is to look at your ventilation. You should have grills that allow air to flow under your home; helping to keep it warm.

These grills need to have a fine mesh on them, this will allow the air to flow without letting insects in. Inspect all grills to ensure they are in a good state of repair; if they’re not, replace them.

• Also See: 7 Signs You Need to Hire Pest Control Services

4. Natural Barrier

Once you’re convinced that the outside of your home is secure you can consider planting peppermint around your home.

Most insects do not like peppermint. But, you should put the peppermint in pots and ideally have a one-foot concrete section against your house walls; this will deter many insects from even trying to get into your home.

5. Moving Inside

The same process of looking for entry points should be continued inside your home. Any small crack needs to be filled, this adds a secondary defense in case you have missed an access spot on the outside.

Again, you should also be checking the ventilation ducts and your heating system. Any broken mesh needs to be replaced.

6. Check Your Plumbing

Assuming you’re already keeping your kitchen clean and food products in secure containers you just need to consider the water supply for insects. Without food and water, they won’t stay in your home.

Turn all your appliances off and check your water meter. If it is still moving you have a water leak somewhere. You need to identify it and fix it. If you don’t you could be causing damage to your home and attracting the insects.