Seal the Cracks to Keep Pests Out

Puerto Rico sure has its fair share of pest problems. From mosquitoes to centipedes to spiders to nuisance wildlife, there are plenty of pests just waiting to climb and crawl into your home. That’s why it’s a good idea to do everything you can to seal off your home to common pests  Cracks in your home’s foundation, in screens, around windows, and in the walls are like welcome mats for insects, bats, and other unwelcome guests. They make it easy for them to enter, make themselves at home, and reproduce.

One of the best things you can do to prevent an infestation spreading throughout your property is to make it an annual event to seal up your property against pests. The experts at Rentokil formerly Oliver Exterminating are here to help you learn how!

3 Steps to Prevent Pests in Puerto Rico

1) Start with an Inspection

• The first step to sealing cracks is to find them.Start by methodically making your way around your home—inside and out. On the outside, look for cracks in the foundation, exterior walls, and any utility entry like where electrical or water lines enter your home. Inside, take a close look at all of your window and door screens, window frames, and kick plates attached to doors.
• If you see any cracks, holes, or openings that are larger than a quarter inch, they need to be sealed. In fact, some insects can get into your home through a crack as narrow as the side of a credit card. So make sure you’re looking closely for cracks during the inspection.
• You’ll also want to make sure you have some brightly colored tape with you to mark any trouble spots you find. This will make it easier to find them when it’s time to seal them up.

2) Prevent Pests Outdoors

• After you’ve inspected the walls, windows, screens, doors, and frames, it’s time to look at your roof. Many people overlook their roofs when they’re trying to pest-proof their home, but Puerto Rico pest control experts know that cracks in roofing materials, ventilation fixtures, and areas around pipes provide ample opportunities for pests to make their way into your home.
• Don’t forget to check the caulking around exhaust vents, around roof-mounted air conditioning units, and under roof overhangs. All of these areas are susceptible to rotting and cracking.

3) Keep Pests Out For Good

• Now that you know how the pests are getting into your home, it’s time to seal it up. There are many products available to seal the cracks, crevices, and voids through which pests are getting insde.
• Mesh screen covers work well for sealing exhaust holes under roof overhangs. Torn or ripped window screens will likely need to be replaced. So will cracked, missing, or rotting roof materials.
• For cracks in plaster, bricks, stonework, or mortar joints, caulk is probably your best bet.

Your Local Pest Prevention Experts

Wildlife is one of the many wonderful things about living in Puerto Rico, but not when it makes its way into your home. And pests will almost always find their way into your home if you don’t take the time to seal the cracks. Sometimes you can do the job yourself. Other times you might need a helping hand. If you need help finding the places through which pests are entering your home, sealing cracks, and keeping your home pest-free, connect with the Puerto Rico pest control experts at Rentokil formerly Oliver Exterminating Services today!