Start with the Basics: Why Critters Come Inside

Pests aren’t just looking to annoy you. They want food, water, warmth, or shelter. Your job is to make your home less appealing to them. Most infestations start with small openings—gaps in siding, cracks in windows, or even tiny food particles left overnight.

Key Attractions:

Unsealed trash or compost bins

Standing water in sinks or under appliances

Pet food left out overnight

Damp basements or leaky plumbing

Attic vents and crawlspaces without barriers

Once you know what draws them in, you can create layers of defense that target access, attraction, and nesting opportunities.

1. Seal Entry Points (Even the Tiny Ones)

Mice can fit through holes the size of a dime, and insects need even less. The first step in any pest-proofing strategy is physically sealing the home.

Where to Check:

Around windows and doors (weather stripping)

Under sinks and behind appliances (pipe holes)

Dryer vents, attic access, and chimney flues

Foundation cracks or expansion joints

Use steel wool, caulk, or mesh screens depending on the area. For rodents, skip foam sealants—they’ll chew right through it.

2. Declutter, Especially in Hidden Spaces

Critters love hiding where you’re not looking. That means attics, basements, garage corners, and closets. Cardboard boxes? A mouse hotel. Piles of clothes? Perfect cover for spiders.

Declutter Tips:

Store items in sealed plastic containers, not cardboard.

Avoid floor-level storage when possible.

Clean out pantries and old food containers quarterly.

3. Use Natural Deterrents That Actually Work

You don’t always need heavy-duty poisons. Some pests hate certain smells or textures. These low-impact, natural approaches can help create barriers or unpleasant environments without resorting to toxic treatments.

For Insects:

Peppermint oil, vinegar spray, or citrus peels near cracks

Diatomaceous earth (natural powder that kills bugs without chemicals)

Bay leaves in pantry shelves to deter weevils and moths

For Rodents:

Steel wool stuffed in entry points

Cotton balls soaked in peppermint oil or ammonia

Mothballs (in non-living areas only)

Always place natural deterrents out of reach of children and pets, even if they’re labeled non-toxic.

4. Clean Like a Critter Is Watching

Even a few crumbs can draw bugs. Critters have a stronger sense of smell and love sticky, sweet, or greasy surfaces.

Smart Cleaning Habits:

Wipe down counters daily (especially behind toasters or microwaves)

Sweep under furniture and appliances regularly

Avoid overnight dishes or uncovered fruit

Clean up pet feeding areas after meals

5. Fix Leaks and Control Moisture

Many pests (like silverfish, roaches, and earwigs) thrive in moist, humid environments. That means your bathroom, laundry room, or under-sink cabinet could be a pest magnet.

Moisture Control Checklist:

Install a bathroom exhaust fan if you don’t have one

Use a dehumidifier in basements or laundry rooms

Fix slow leaks under sinks, around toilets, or water heaters

Remember: even condensation on pipes can be enough for bugs to set up shop.

6. Strategically Use Baits and Traps

If pests have already found their way inside, it’s time to get proactive—but strategic.

Smart Baiting:

Use gel baits for roaches behind stoves, fridges, and under sinks

Sticky traps for spiders or silverfish in closets and baseboards

Snap traps (in locked boxes) for mice or rats

Don’t overload your home with random products. Start with a few targeted traps and monitor activity for 7–10 days before adjusting.

7. Mind the Yard—It’s a Gateway to Your Home

Outdoor conditions play a big role in pest activity. Overgrown bushes, leaf piles, and clogged gutters can be breeding grounds that lead straight to your interior.

Yard Defense:

Trim bushes back at least 1–2 feet from the house

Keep gutters clean and draining properly

Store firewood far from the exterior wall

Avoid mulch piles directly against siding

The goal: reduce cover and moisture next to your home’s foundation.

8. Take Precautions with Deliveries and Guests

Pests can hitchhike into your home via boxes, bags, or even clothing. One bedbug introduction from a hotel stay or used couch can cause a nightmare.

Smart Prevention:

Inspect all cardboard boxes, especially from storage or deliveries

Vacuum out suitcases after travel

Be cautious with secondhand furniture—inspect seams and corners

9. Schedule Seasonal Maintenance (DIY or Pro)

Even if you handle most of your pest control yourself, a quarterly check-in can help catch issues early. That might mean a DIY walkthrough or hiring a pro for a quick inspection.

What to look for:

New droppings or insect carcasses

Chewed insulation or stored food

Unusual smells from vents or crawlspaces

Preventative action is cheaper than waiting for an infestation.

10. Know When It’s Time to Call a Pro

If you’ve tried multiple solutions and still notice pest activity—especially rodents or structural infestations—it’s smart to consult with a licensed pest professional. In 2025, many offer non-toxic or low-chemical options, targeted treatments, and home sealing services that focus on long-term prevention.