Top Four Mistakes That Could Allow Pests into Your Home

Are you buying a home this spring? Many people will, as spring is the prime season for selling and buying homes. Whether you are in a new home or in your current home, take a moment to look around. Certain simple mistakes may lead to pest problems down the road.

The following are four mistakes homeowners often make that have caused pest problems:

1. Neglecting to look for moisture issues: There is a lot involved when moving into a new home or residing in your current one. We’re sure the last thing you want to do is go around the outside of the home and look for leaks, but you should. Moisture is attractive to wood-destroying pests like termites and carpenter ants. It is also appetizing for rodent pests like mice, rats, and squirrels. Take some time to make sure all of your gutters are in good working condition and that there are no obstructions that cause water to pour down your exterior walls. Spring is when wood-destroying insects send out swarmers in search of new places to build nests. You want to make sure that they don’t select your home as their home.
2. Not taking the time to examine exterior walls: The exterior walls of your home are not only a defense against wind, rain, cold, and other environmental conditions; they also work to keep bugs and wildlife out. If you have holes, then pests will often exploit them. Do an inspection to see if there are any holes or gaps that need to be sealed and use a caulking gun to fill those spots until you’re able to do a repair job.
3. Letting things go unrepaired: If you move into a new home or as you reside in your current one, there’s a good chance that everything looks nice, but it is important to make sure it is sound and done well. Examine all the screens, door sweeps, and weather stripping to make sure you don’t have any entry points bugs can use to get in. You’ve likely spent a lot on that new home, but a few extra dollars can keep you from dealing with unwanted intruders.
4. Not visiting attic crawl spaces: If your home has a pest issue, checking the attic will often shed light on it. Attic crawl spaces are where many pests create their homes. Use a flashlight to do an inspection for signs of nesting. This could save you from unexpected frustration.

If you’re buying a home or if you simply reside in one in the DC Metro Area, and you’d like help making it a safe and pest-free environment for your family, Alexandria Pest Services can help. When you contact APS about a pest problem, we’ll come to your home, business, or government office to conduct a full inspection. This allows us to pinpoint the pest type and any points of entry or problem areas. If you are experiencing pest issues, call us at 703-923-0925 to schedule a professional inspection of your home. We will provide recommendations for the corrective measures and solutions to get rid of pests for good!