As a homeowner, responsible pest control involves actively preventing infestations. To keep your house free of bugs, learn how they get inside your living spaces. With this knowledge, you can deter them by removing their typical points of entry.

4 Ways Insects Enter Your Home

1. Cracks in the Walls

Bugs can get into the walls through cracks on the outside, and enter your home through fissures on the inside. It’s natural for walls to become worn over time from weather damage or moisture accumulation within the foundation and structure. You should inspect your walls at least once a year and use caulk or foam to seal fissures.

2. Items From Outdoors

Bugs can latch onto your clothes, shoes, bags, and other items you use or carry while you’re outdoors. Check yourself carefully before entering the home, shake off outdoor equipment, and immediately wash your clothes. As added steps of preventative pest control, use bug spray when going to wooded areas and check potted plants for critters before bringing them indoors.

3. Vents & Fans

A broken damper or exhaust fan in your dryer can create access for bugs who find their way into the vent. To ensure your dampers are fully functioning, check the dryer damper outside. If it’s stuck open, clean it with water, soap, and a toothbrush, and caulk any cracks. You’ll know if the exhaust fan is malfunctioning if it makes high-pitched, squealing sounds, vibrates loudly, or doesn’t thoroughly dry your clothes. Add screens in the vents to block insects from entering.

4. Crawl Spaces

A broken screen in the crawl space can’t protect the area from the elements and outside insects. If you can, get into your crawl space to see whether there are any cracks or openings. If it’s damaged, replace the screen to restore its function.

Bugs are tricky to spot, and if your house is infested despite taking these preventative measures, contact the exterminators at Aloha Termite & Pest Control in Wahiawa, HI. Since 1999, these licensed professionals have provided Oahu homeowners with reliable and affordable treatments for termite, centipede, and ant infestations. View their pest identification guide online, or call (808) 622-2268 to schedule a free inspection.