As the weather cools, pests look to homes for warmth and shelter. Unfortunately, that also means they can find their way into attics, walls, and living spaces.
The cheapest way to deal with pests is to keep them from getting in. If you make it tough enough to break in, they’ll give up and go elsewhere. Pest control pros call this technique “exclusion,” and while it’s tedious work, you reap lots of benefits if you do it correctly: no traps, no poisons to handle, and no carcasses or live critters to have to see. Plus, you can do much of the work using items you can buy at the hardware store.
Pests Exclusion Can Control
“Know your enemy” is the first rule of any war, and the battle against household pests is no exception. Let’s examine common household invaders and their behaviors.
Mice and Rats
Mice and rats are notorious for their ability to squeeze through tiny openings. These rodents can cause significant damage to your home by chewing through wires, insulation, and wooden structures. They also pose health risks by carrying diseases and contaminating food sources.
Mice can enter through holes as small as a dime, while rats need slightly larger openings. Both are excellent climbers and can access your home through various entry points, from foundation cracks to roof vents.
Squirrels
Squirrels may seem less threatening than their mice cousins, but they can damage your home just as much by chewing through the same things. These agile creatures often enter through damaged roof areas or chimneys, seeking shelter in attics where they can build a nest and have their babies.
Other Invasive Critters
Rodents are common intruders, but other mammals like raccoons, opossums, and bats can also enter your home. These larger animals can cause extensive damage and may carry rabies or other diseases, so removing them is best left to the pros.
The Early Signs of an Infestation
The earlier you spot a pest problem, the easier it’ll be to control. Here are a few signs to look for:
- Chewed food packaging
- Damaged insulation
- Droppings
- Gnaw marks on wood or wires
- Greasy rub marks along walls and baseboards
- Holes in walls or floors
- Nesting materials such as shredded paper and insulation
- Unusual scratching, scurrying, or squeaking sounds, especially at night
How to Use Exclusion to Control Pests
Begin with a thorough inspection of your home’s exterior. Pay close attention to areas where different materials meet, such as where the foundation meets the walls and where pipes and wires enter the house. You should also watch for these entry points:
- Cracks in the foundation
- Damaged roof shingles or fascia boards
- Gaps around doors and windows
- Openings around utility lines
- Uncapped chimneys
Once you’ve identified entry points, you can start to seal them. The sealant you need to use will vary based on the type of entry point. For example:
- For cracks and gaps, use caulk.
- For doors and windows, use weatherstripping.
- For larger openings, use sheet metal or hardware cloth.
- For small holes, use steel wool or copper mesh.
It’s always better to be more thorough than less. Whatever you do, don’t defeat your preventive work by inadvertently returning to old pest-inviting habits. “It doesn’t make sense to pay someone to do exclusion work and then leave the garage door wide open until bedtime,” says Greg Baumann of the National Pest Management Association. “By then, they’re already inside.”
When to Call a Professional
If you’re dealing with a large infestation or dangerous pests like rats and bats, it’s best to call in the experts. Professional pest control services have the tools and expertise to humanely remove existing pests and use exclusion techniques to prevent their return.
Look for a licensed, insured company with good reviews and a long track record of success. Ask about the methods they use, especially if you’re environmentally conscious.
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