Solved! What Is the Best Way to Prevent Pest Infestation?

Getting swarmed by pests of all kinds in your house? Say goodbye to pests and learn what is the best way to prevent pest infestation.

By Brie Greenhalgh | Updated May 11, 2023 3:05 PM

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What is the best way to prevent pest infestation?Q: Ants, spiders, and bugs, oh my! Every year, I seem to struggle to keep insects out of my house and garage. What is the best way to prevent pest infestation?

A: Pests are tenacious creatures who seem unbothered by how much they disturb our lives. After all, they’re only searching for accessible food sources. Pest infestations are frustrating and can be challenging to get rid of once they’re firmly entrenched in your house. Prevention is the best step, so you’re on the right track with your question of, “What is the best way to prevent pest infestation?”

Keeping a clean house is a crucial way to keep creatures from nesting in your home. They are food-driven, so if crumbs or hiding places aren’t easy to find, they won’t be interested in sticking around. This goes for the immediate surroundings of your house, too. Whether it’s debris or an unkempt yard, a messy exterior is the fastest way to invite an infestation of pests. Making sure your home is properly sealed will also keep pests from invading. While these are all great prevention ideas, the most reliable method to prevent pest infestation is to use a reputable pest control company. These professionals can help identify the problem areas and tailor a solution for your house.

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Identify and block potential entrance points. 

Some pest infestations can be significantly reduced by installing screens on any windows that open. You’ll still be able to enjoy the breeze, but won’t have to deal with a swarm of bugs in the house. If you have window screens, make sure they are properly seated in the window frame so bugs can’t crawl in through the edges. Any cracks or holes in your foundation, roof, or near vents should be repaired and sealed to prevent insects from climbing in and establishing a nest. Check the areas around any plumbing inside your house, and caulk any visible gaps to deter insects or rodents from sneaking in.

Clean your home regularly, and stay on top of maintenance work.

Rotting wood attracts pests that can devastate your home’s structural integrity. If you see signs of a pest infestation in wood, it’s important to call professionals to get rid of them and repair the damaged wood. Leaky pipes are also a huge attractant for pests like ants, rodents, and cockroaches. Repair any leaks as soon as they’re discovered. Sinks and drains should be cleaned regularly to avoid becoming breeding grounds for small flies; use a commercial or DIY drain cleaner, depending on your preference. Additionally, keeping your house clean and free of crumbs is one of the best ways to make your home unappealing to bugs. Sweep up cobwebs that appear inside and outside the house to prevent spiders from nesting and laying eggs.

What Is the Best Way to Prevent Pest Infestation?

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Keep your yard clean, and trim any shrubs or trees. 

Insects and rodents love debris piles of all kinds where shade and food are plentiful. Wood piles and junk piles should be moved away from the house or disposed of completely. Keeping grass trimmed down around the foundation will make the area less appealing since shorter grass offers less space for critters and bugs to hide. Trees and shrubs that hang over a roof should be trimmed since they become a freeway for bugs and rodents to drop onto the house. If mosquitoes are a problem, eliminate any puddles of standing water in the yard or in the gutters.

Sunday Pest Control
DIY Pest Control. Simplified.
Don’t let bugs get the best of you. Bob Vila has partnered with Sunday to pest-proof your home & yard this season.

GET YOUR CUSTOM PLAN

Store food and dispose of garbage properly. 

Unsealed food produces odors that attract insects and rodents who survive just to eat and live another day. Ensure all food is tightly wrapped or sealed in food containers to prevent attracting pests to an easy food source. Clean out the shelves of your pantry occasionally to make sure it’s crumb-free. Rotting garbage smells attract the most pests, so be sure to clean out your indoor and outdoor garbage cans regularly.

Contact a pest control professional for customized advice. 

One of the best home pest defense strategies is to have a pest control professional assess your home’s infestation and develop a preventive plan. Most companies are capable of ridding homes of rodents, bedbugs, spiders, cockroaches, ants, or any other insect native to your area. They may even suggest using an electronic bug repellant like Pest Offense. With a team of professionals and a little care and maintenance, you can have a pest-free house all year.