Why Bugs Want to Be in Homes

Bugs target three things: food, water, and shelter. Crumbs in the kitchen, pet food left out, leaky pipes, damp bathrooms, and cluttered storage areas all provide what pests need to survive. When these resources are available indoors, insects naturally migrate from the yard into your living spaces.

How Bugs Get In

• Gaps under exterior doors or worn weather stripping
• Cracks around window frames and door trim
• Unsealed utility penetrations (cable, gas, AC lines)
• Damaged crawl space and attic vents
• Torn window/door screens

Finding and sealing these access points is the fastest way to cut pest pressure.

Exclusion Techniques (Block Entry Points)

• Install fresh weather stripping and door sweeps.
• Caulk cracks and gaps along siding, trim, and baseboards.
• Cover vents with fine metal mesh and repair torn screens.
• Seal utility penetrations with exterior-grade sealant or escutcheon plates.
• Trim vegetation 12–18 inches away from the foundation to remove pest highways.

Keeping a Clean Home (Reduce Food & Water Sources)

• Wipe counters, sweep floors, and vacuum crumbs daily in kitchens and dining areas.
• Store pantry goods in sealed containers; promptly rinse recyclables.
• Fix leaks, run exhaust fans, and dry damp areas to remove moisture.
• Take out trash regularly and keep lids tightly closed.
• Declutter storage areas; rotate cardboard for plastic bins where possible.

How Pesticides Create Protective Barriers

When sanitation and exclusion are in place, a perimeter treatment adds a kill-zone barrier. Applied to common travel paths, these products eliminate pests that cross treated areas or contact residual surfaces. Consistent maintenance around the foundation and high-traffic edges prevents reinfestation.

Where to Treat: Interior & Exterior

Interior Focus Areas

• Baseboards, door thresholds, and window frames
• Behind/under appliances (fridge, stove, dishwasher)
• Plumbing penetrations under sinks and in bathrooms
• Cracks/crevices along kick plates, pantry corners, and utility closets

Exterior Focus Areas

• Foundation perimeter (continuous band 2–3 feet out and 1–2 feet up)
• Door frames, garage door sides, and thresholds
• Window frames, weep holes, and siding seams
• Eaves, soffits, and around utility lines entering the structure
• Mulch, rock borders, and vegetation touching the home

Tip: Treat on a calm day and follow the label for mixing, application rate, and re-entry time.

Repellent vs. Non-Repellent Pesticides

Repellent products create treated zones insects try to avoid. They provide quick knockdown and are useful for barriers, but may push pests toward untreated gaps if coverage is incomplete.

Non-repellent products are undetectable to pests. Insects contact or ingest the active, then transfer it to nestmates—ideal for social insects and hidden colonies.

Match the method to the pest: Repellents are great for fast barriers; non-repellents excel against ants, roaches, and colony-based pests where transfer effects shine.

DIY Pest Control Is Easy to Learn—and Saves Money

With a simple plan—exclusion + sanitation + targeted treatment—most homeowners can control common pests without expensive recurring contracts. Learn where insects travel, apply labels exactly as directed, and maintain a quarterly perimeter. The result is reliable control and meaningful savings over time.

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