As a homeowner, there are few things more frustrating than having your castle invaded by pests. It’s summertime, and that means a whole host of creepy crawlies and creepy flyers are looking for an unguarded entrance or a door simply left open for too long. 

It’s time to pull up the castle gates and build a mote to protect your home from these pests–okay, maybe not literally (do we even have castles in Texas?), but these DIY pest control tips will keep your home locked up tight against invasion. 

Seal All Entry Points

It may be tempting to leave the backdoor open on a nice day or when it’s time to drag in the latest bundle of groceries from the car, but an open door is also an open invitation for pests. Keep the door closed to stop many pests in their tracks. What’s more annoying–stopping to open the door again or swatting at that annoying fly for the next three days?

Check the Siding Joint

Gaps in your home’s siding joint are often just big enough for pests to wiggle their way into your residence. Use a mirror to check along the joint for any small cracks. Once discovered, stuff a bit of copper wire mesh in the hole and fill it up with caulk. This also applies to your siding and foundation!

Add More Weatherstripping 

Seal up doors and windows with adhesive-backed weatherstripping. This will prevent even the smallest of beetles or gnats from strolling in uninvited while also helping insulate your home from the Texas heat. Fewer pests and help with the electric bill? Say no more. Remember to clean the application surface well for strong weatherstrip adherence. 

Regularly Inspect and Clean Crawl Spaces

If your home has a crawl space, inspect it regularly for signs of pest activity. Rodents, insects, and other pests can find their way into these areas. Use appropriate pest control measures and keep the space clean and well-ventilated.

Plant Mouse Traps

Snap traps may seem cruel at first glance, but a quick demise is much more humane than a slow death by poisoning or glue traps. The reasons why mouse traps often fail are poor placement and laying out too few. Mice have poor eyesight and prefer to feel their way along walls–set your translate against the walls where you’ve spotted those telltale droppings. Setting two parallel traps side-by-side is a good technique, as mice can jump over one trap but not two. And, if you’re looking for an irresistible bait, try chocolate syrup or peanut butter!

Roach Control 101

There are a number of ways to encourage cockroach populations to thrive unknowingly, so preventative care is the most important first step. Storing bags under the sink (as so many of us love to do) can actually create the perfect roach breeding ground. Thoroughly wipe down counters, pantries, and anywhere else food crumbs may collect–no food source equals fewer pests. Lastly, pick up some boric acid pesticide from the hardware store and sprinkle it into your home’s cracks and crevices; it’s long-lasting and relatively non-toxic.

If you do find that cockroaches have invaded your home, we recommend contacting a professional exterminator. Eliminating most of these creepy crawlies isn’t going to cut it–if even 5% of the roach population remains, they can repopulate in force within a few months.

Maintain a Clean Yard

Pests often find their way into your home from the yard. Keep your outdoor spaces tidy by trimming shrubs and trees away from your home. Remove leaf litter and debris that can serve as hiding spots for pests. Regularly mow your lawn to minimize places for pests to thrive.

Regularly Clean Gutters

Clogged gutters can become a haven for pests like mosquitoes, ants, and even rodents. Make it a habit to clean your gutters regularly to prevent these pests from finding a comfortable breeding ground.

Store Firewood Away from the House

If you use firewood, store it away from your home. Pests like termites and ants can easily infest firewood and then migrate into your home if it’s too close.

Of course, if you’d rather leave everything to the pros, look no further than The Good Contractors List. All of our contractors have been hand-selected for their customer service reputation and expertise. Click Here To Find A Trusted DFW Pest Control Contractor