General Pest Control Tips
- Read and follow label directions.
- Protect yourself and others from contact with any pesticide.
- Never eat, drink, or smoke while using any pesticide.
- Do not allow food, trash, decaying wood, etc. to remain in or on your property.
- Cover or seal trash tightly.
- Do not accumulate trash or debris.
- Cut back limbs, shrubs, and vines that touch or overhang your property.
- Stack firewood off the ground.
- “Weatherize” your home. Seal all possible pest entry points.
- Close all gaps larger than 1.4 inch.
- Check for and remove structural damage such as moisture-damaged wood. Water damage can cause weak spots in the roof. Animals may enter through the weakened area. Repair damaged windows and screens.
- Look for holes where roofs overlap.
- Keep gutters clean.
- Shuffle stored items regularly and keep boxes tightly sealed in plastic bags.
- Check storage areas for rodents.
- Keep gutters clear.
- Keep all areas where food is prepared, stored, and served clean and free of crumbs and grease. Garbage can lids should be kept closed and secured.
- Before storing end-of-season clothes, make sure they are clean.
- Drawer and cabinet liners, paper grocery bags, and even wallpaper can be a source of food to pests.
- Carefully check for pests in furniture, boxes, paper, and other items brought into your home.
- Chimneys are frequented by squirrels, raccoons, and birds and they represent the single largest opening in a typical home. Consider chimney caps or wire mesh to cover.
- Areas where pipes, cables, and wires enter walls and soffits should be sealed completely.
- Install 1/4-inch wire mesh (hardware cloth) over attic, roof, and crawl space vents in order to prevent entry of birds, bats, squirrels, rodents, and other wildlife. Be sure to wear gloves when cutting and installing hardware cloth, as the wire edges are razor sharp. [DIY Pest Control Tips]
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