Tips from a Pest Professional

• Keep tree branches well trimmed and away from the house.
• Stack firewood and lumber away from the house to eliminate harborage for rodents, spiders and centipedes.
• Remove old tires from the yard that can fill up with water and provide a breeding ground for pests.
• Clean out gutters thoroughly especially after the fall when a majority of leaves have fallen. Make sure gutters and downspouts are unclogged.
• Keep windows properly screened.
• If any food is consumed in bedrooms, remove dishes immediately after use.
• Vacuum frequently.
• Seal window frames.
• Keep garage door closed to prevent entry by wildlife and birds. Be sure to keep this area clean to reduce pest hiding places.
• Keep shrubbery well trimmed and away from the house.
• Inspect boxes, grocery bags and other packaging thoroughly to curb hitchhiking insects from entering the home.
• Pull soil or mulch back from the foundation of the house to reduce chances of infestation by termites.
• Seal food containers.
• Avoid letting trash or recycling pile up in outside bins. Keep bins closed.
• Store garbage in sealed containers and dispose of it regularly.
• Water should be channeled from downspouts away from your foundation.
• Repair leaky pipes.
• Seal up small cracks, holes and crevices in visible areas and in hidden areas such as under kitchen sink.
• Wipe counters frequently to remove any food debris; seal all food on counters such as baked goods.
• Pay particular attention to the maintenance and upkeep of your home's foundation. Moisture problems can occur causing major pest issues for home's with basements or crawlspaces.
• Seal up cracks and crevices especially around pipes and wiring.
• Seal up any cracks and holes on the outside of your home including areas where utilities and pipes enter your home. Screen crawl space vents.
• Store pet goods in sealed plastic containers. Be sure and limit the amount of time the food is out.