Before You Move In
In order to be sure that your new home is protected against pest and termite invasions,
start protecting your investment before you move in. The following tips may help:
- Check for potential pest entry points and seal cracks and holes on the exterior of
your home.
- Consider installing 20-mesh screen on all windows, doors, attic vents and foundation
vents.
- Seal holes around pipes indoors.
- Paint, seal or protect exposed wood from the elements. Before painting, fill all
cracks, crevices and nail holes with putty or plastic wood.
- Make sure that at least four inches of foundation can be seen around the perimeter
of your home.
- Do not let siding and stucco extend into the soil.
- Remove all items lying on the ground, such as piles of lumber, wood and other
debris.
- Cut back heavy vegetation, such as ivy and other ground cover, to at least 18 inches
away from your home's foundation.
- Trim tree branches and shrubs away from the roof and walls.
|
After You Move In
After you move in, help keep pests to a minimum with these tips:
- As you unpack boxes, carefully inspect items for spiders. Wear long sleeves and
gloves to avoid accidental bites. Use a vacuum to remove spiders and webs and
keep in mind that the spiders inside may still be alive when you empty the bag.
- Move boxes into the garage or outside when going through those that have been
stored for a long period of time, so that any spiders or insects in the boxes will be
outside instead of in your home.
- Use yellow "bug" light bulbs in exterior fixtures to attract fewer flying insects.
- Keep garage doors closed to exclude insects and pests.
- Store firewood and any lumber away from your home.
- Ensure that water drains away from the foundation.
- Correct roof and plumbing leaks as soon as possible.
|
|
Last, but far from least, take the time to reduce clutter in your basement and garage - and
do not store items in your crawl space. Your cleanup efforts will be rewarded by a reduction
of potential harborages for rodents, as well as for spiders and the insects they prey upon.
|
 |
|
|
