Pest Control Checklist

Ever wish you had a cheat sheet for homeowners on how to care for your most valuable possession - your home and property? It would be great to know what appliances need to be replaced or repaired and when. It would also be nice to know where and how to be aware of pests that could potentially damage your property. While we can't help you with appliances, we can provide a guide of what to look for as homeowners to prevent pests from becoming a problem on your property. Here is a quick guide to areas that may need pest control . . . The Kitchen -

• Keep all food in sealed containers, preferably in thick plastic or glass where pests can not eat their way through.
• Keep counters, sinks, and floors clear of crumbs and leaks.
• Clean all appliances regularly as that is where pests like to hide out.
• Clean up spills immediately.
• Inspect all produce and food items as they enter your home from a grocery store.

Bathroom and Laundry Areas -

• Stop all leaks and drips so that they do not attract pests that need moisture.
• Use the fan in the bathroom to keep the humidity and moisture at bay.
• Clean regularly to stop fungal growth.
• Clean dryers and washers regularly.

Fireplace Area -

• When bringing in wood to your home be sure to give it a few whacks to make sure no pests are living in or on the wood.
• Use oldest wood first.
• Store wood away from the structure you live in so that if rodents infest they do not have access to your main living areas.

Attic and Roof -

• Inspect the roof and attic fairly regularly to be sure there is no sign of an infestation. Look for openings, gaps in roofing shingles, scratch marks, nests, and droppings.
• Be sure the chimney cap is correctly mounted to stop critters from getting in your fireplace area.
• Keep clutter to a minimum so that crietters do not have a place to hide. Store seasonal decorations and clothing in sealed plastic storage containers.

Basement and Foundation -

• Inspect regularly for cracks and openings where rodents and pests can make their way into your home. This inspection should also include dryer vents and electrical openings.
• Look for signs of termite tubes, wings, or damage to wooden joists. Also look for signs of rodent droppings or nesting.

Outside Structure -

• Keep bushes and trees neatly trimmed so they are not a bridge for pests to enter your home.
• Regularly check and repair openings in screens, windows, under doors, and other places where pests could find access to the inside of your home.
• Keep bird feeders in a location where wildlife cannot find it thus attracting them to your property.