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Keep Insects Outside, Where They Belong

A New Era In Pest Control

We know your family is important. As you have already seen, our pest control service works differently than most other companies. Were not throwing toxic chemicals at the problem, but using common sense to gain control without the use of these chemicals. After all, you solicited our services, for this very reason. Otherwise, you could have hired any one of the hundreds of pest control companies in existence.

Maybe you have and your looking for a change. If you are, you came to the right place, but unless your willing to help us help you, you will experience the “Same Old Results”. Below, we have spent many hours outlining what is most important in a pest control program. With your participation, we can lick this problem together. Please correct any/all of the deficiencies from the lists below to begin the process. You Won’t Regret It!

Why Are Pests In My Home?

Every home is different. For example, a newer home that is freshly sealed from the outside elements, will generally exclude insects far better than an older structure. As the home ages, and settles, over time, cracks, crevices, and openings form allowing insects to sneak into the home. With these openings in the structure, controlling an insect infestation becomes very difficult.  On top of the structural deficiencies, most kitchens can provide the needed food and water required. food and water for the survival of these insects. Once inside, they search for food and water. Before you know it, an infestation is born

Pest Proofing Your Home

More than 93% of households are concerned when they see an insect inside the home.  More than half indicated that just one cockroach (even a dead one), ant, or spider would prompt them to call the exterminator.  Despite their “shocking” presence in the home, most pests encountered indoors have either flown in, or crawled in, from the outdoors.

The #1 reason for insect sightings in the home, is due to Poor Pest Proofing (PPP). Heavy Rains, will easily point out a home requiring pest proofing. As the grounds become saturated outside, insects will migrate to dry land (Inside Your Home). While they are inside, they will search for any food they can find. Most likely sightings are Kitchen/Bathroom/Garage/Laundry Room (all areas where water/clutter usually exist)

What is Pest Proofing?

One of the best ways to limit unwanted intrusions by insects, and rodents, birds, and other pests, is to deny them entry – a procedure known as Pest Proofing. Many pests seek refuge in homes and other buildings in response to changes in weather, such as extended periods of rain or drought, or the onset of cooler temperatures in winter. Taking steps to block their entry before they end up inside can greatly reduce the chances of future sightings.

We will show you how………

Are Insects Entering Your Living Space? 

Tired of insects inside the home? Using our checklist, will certainly help with keeping them outside where they belong. These checklists, are comprised from over 40 years experience in pest proofing homes. Simply follow the each checklist, in order. Start with the Exterior Exclusion Checklist, then go to the Interior checklist.  These simple fixes can help dramatically, if implemented.  

Exterior – Exclusion Checklist

REPAIR & FIT SOFFET SCREENS

Its very important that the Eave Screens, or Soffet Screens are intact and sealed flush, to ensure insects or rodents cannot enter the attic space. This is a common area where ants and roaches enter the attic space. Once in the attic, they work their way down a wall and out any crack or crevice they can find. Typically, electrical conduit, wall outlets, gaps around pipes, cable caps, etc. Unfortunately, if this is not corrected, you may continue to have issues.

Actions

  • INSPECT SCREENS FOR TEARS
  • ENSURE SCREENS ARE SQUARED
  • NO GAPS ALLOWED

DON’T ALLOW TREES TO TOUCH THE HOUSE!

I cannot stress how important this is. Ants, roaches and rodents, use trees commonly to travel back and forth to a water or food source inside your home. Once on the roof, they will look for cracks, voids, or openings, finding there way into the attic, down the walls, commonly traveling along electrical conduit and out any gap, crack or void they can find. Typical destinations are kitchen and bathroom where the water supply is. Unfortunately, if this is not corrected, you may continue to have issues.

Actions

  • TRIM TRES REGULARLY
  • NO TREES TOUCHING HOUSE
  • TRIM PALM THATCH REGULARLY

REPAIR WINDOW SCREENS!

This one is a no brainer. Guess what window screens are designed for? Pest prevention. Ensuring that window screens are in good working order is very important in keeping insects out of the house. Making sure that they fit flush around the edges is key. Screens that don’t fit properly, or have holes or slices are useless and will let pests into your home. Unfortunately, if this is not corrected, you may continue to have issues.

Actions

  • INSPECT SCREENS FOR TEARS
  • ENSURE FRAMES ARE SQUARE
  • NO GAPS ALLOWED!

SEAL ALL ENTRY POINTS

Make sure that you take care of this important step. Ensuring that you create a solid seal around all lines entering or exiting the structure. This is an intregal part in pest prevention, and will help dramatically, in keeping pests where they belong, outside! Seal ac lines, water spouts, AC drain lines, and Dryer exhaust vents.

Unfortunately, if this is not corrected, you may continue to have issues.

Actions

  • SEAL ALL ENTRY POINTS
  • CAULKING, STEEL WOOL, FOAM
  • SEAL COMPLETELY

SEAL WINDOWS AND DOORS

Sealing around windows and doors are one of the best things you can do to prevent insects. Ants, and roaches can easily slip through cracks and gaps around windows and door frames. These pests are only interested in water and food for survival. They are not in your house to make your life miserable.  Keep them out, seal windows and doors. Unfortunately, if this is not corrected, you may continue to have issues.

Actions

  • CAULK WINDOWS AND DOORS
  • INSPECT FOR CRACKS AND GAPS
  • RAPAIR BROKEN GLASS/SCREENS

REMOVE EXCESSIVE FOLIAGE

As you can see, this technician cannot do his job because of the excessive foliage growth. Exterior foliage can surely make a home look beautiful. Properly maintained foliage is a must in pest prevention, as foliage that grows wild, bridges onto the home, allowing foraging insects to easily find access points into the structure. Creating a 2 foot gap between foliage and exterior walls, prevents insect traffic, ultimately, improving the odds that insects will not be an issue. Unfortunately, if this is not corrected, you may continue to have issues.

Actions

  • TRIM AWAY FROM HOUSE
  • CREATE 2 FOOT BUFFER
  • KEEP TREES OFF OF HOUSE

ELIMINATE GAPS UNDER EXTERIOR DOORS

This is very important!! Fix gaps under EXTERIOR doors. Insects can easily enter the home through these gaps. Especially, front and back doors, including sliding glass doors and don’t forget the garage door. If there is a door entering the kitchen from the garage, pay particular attention to that door, or you will get roaches entering the kitchen from the garage. We see this many times! Use a flashlight on opposite side of the door. If you can see light coming in under the exterior doors, more than likely, you already have an insect problem. Unfortunately, if this is not corrected, you will continue to have problems.

Actions

  • NO GAPS – EXTERIOR DOORS
  • INSTALL DOOR SWEEPS
  • SEAL OUT ROACHES

CLEAN THOSE GUTTERS!

As you can see, leaf clutter in gutters creates the same conditions as mulch does. As leaves fall into the gutters, leaf clutter is created over time. Rain is added and a compost is created. This compost allows ants, roaches and other insects to live and breed in those conditions. If you have a problem with eave screens, cracks and crevices, you will eventually have a problem with these insects. Clean gutters regularly, removing leaf clutter to help with your insect issues. Unfortunately, if this is not corrected, you will continue to have problems.

Actions

  • CLEAN GUTTERS REGULARLY
  • DON’T FORGET DOWNSPOUTS
  • REMOVE TO IMPROVE

MULCH BREEDS INSECTS

Mulch is the best and easiest way to attract insects. Mulch, holds moisture and produces the exact conditions needed for insect growth. Shade, moisture, and decay. Ideal conditions for roaches, ants, millipedes, centipedes, and many more. Mulch also absorbs any pest control products used by pest control pro’s. The products never reach the pests below. Removing mulch can dramatically improve your pest problems. Try using small rocks or pebbles, a much better solution. Unfortunately, if this is not corrected, you will continue to have problems.

Actions

  • REMOVE EXTERIOR MULCH
  • REPLACE WITH PEBBLES
  • CREATE 2 FOOT BUFFER

Interior – Checklist

CORRECT SANITATION ISSUES

If this is you, We personally don’t care. Its none of our business. However, if your expecting to get rid of a roach, ant or rodent problem, this must be corrected. Roaches, ants and rodents need food and water. These conditions provide both. This must be corrected in order to effectively begin an insect control program. Keep all counters and floors free from food and water. Unfortunately, if this is not resolved, you will continue to experience the problem.

Actions

  • CLEAN UNDER REFRIGERATOR
  • CLEAN INDER STOVE
  • CLEAN COUNTERS

NO CLUTTER UNDER THE SINKS

Insects and rodents want to be close to a food/water source. Searching for a place to hide, and laying their eggs, is their primary goal. The sink and lower cabinet areas, are excellent places to hide, especially in areas that are undisturbed, dark, and provide hiding places to lay their eggs. Clutter is a major contributor to an American Roach problem, because this clutter (open boxes, baskets, etc.) provides excellent areas to hide and lay eggs. Removing these hiding places (clutter) is key to removing possible nests and infestations. Remove clutter under sinks. This is a must. If you do not resolve this issue, you will continue to experience these problems.

Actions

  • REMOVE ALL PAPER GOODS
  • PROVIDE NO PLACE TO HIDE
  • SEAL PIPE UNDER SINK

NO CLUTTER IN THE GARAGE

Customers wonder why they have roaches in the garage, and in the kitchen, when conditions like this exist. Clutter creates places for roaches to live and breed. Heat in the garage, contributes to this problem. If there is a door leading into the kitchen, from the garage and there are gaps under that door, you will get roaches in the kitchen, as they are only looking for water and food for survival. Get rid of clutter in the garage, and watch the roaches desrease.

Actions

  • REMOVE CLUTTER
  • KEEP ITEMS AWAY FROM WALL
  • KEEP ITEMS 6 INCHES OFF GROUND

SEAL GAPS AROUND PIPES UNDER SINKS

The #1 Place where roaches come into the home is the gap around pipes and water supply lines in kitchen and bathrooms. Roaches can get into the walls, and will try to enter the home through these gaps in search of food or water.

Actions

  • SEAL GAP AROUND PIPE
  • SEAL AROUND WATER LINES
  • REMOVE CLUTTER UNDER SINK

SEAL BASEBOARD CRACKS AND GAPS

Roaches and ants can enter the home very easily via cracks and crevices under baseboards. Especially, if they are in the walls. It is most important that all gaps in baseboards be sealed. Using caulking or 1/4 round molding to cover those gaps. Sealing these gaps will greatly help with your insect problems.

Actions

  • SEAL GAPS WITH CAULKING
  • FLUSH W/FLOORS NO GAPS
  • USE 1/4 ROUND MOLDING

CLOSE THE DRAINS WHEN NOT IN USE

Contrary to popular belief, roaches do come up from the drain pipes. These pipes lead to the sewer or septic tank. These pipes, upon normal use, keep water in the P trap. This usually will deter roaches from coming up. But if these are not being used regularly, the pipe will dry out, allowing roaches to come up easily. Run water in these drains weekly to ensure there is water in them. Cover all drains, when not being used. Use screen on the bottom sides of drain grates. This will prevent them from coming up.

Actions

  • KEEP DRAINS CLOSED
  • USE SCREEN UNDER GRATES
  • RUN WATER WEEKLY

SEAL WALL OUTLET COVERS

It is very common for roaches and ants to travel in the walls of your home. Most of the time, we never even notice there may be ainsects traveling in the wall. These insects will pop out any gap, crack, or crevice they can find in order to enter the areas where food or water reside. Its a matter of survival. Ensure all wall plates and switch plates are sealed and flush to the wall for better roach control. Remove the wallplate and use caulking on the backside and replace, creating a tight seal.

Actions

  • FLUSH WALL PLATES
  • USE CAULKING TO SEAL
  • ENSURE NO GAPS EXIST

SEAL GAP AROUND PIPE

Most do not realize, the gap around the pipe coming in from the wall is what needs to be sealed, not the thin wooden membrane inside the cabinet. Many think sealing the thin membrane is all that is needed. This is not true. This only keeps the roaches from getting into the cabinet. This not keep them from getting in under the cabinets. There is a gap behind the cabinet, and a larger one under the cabinets. If not sealed behind the cabinet, roaches will appear from the sides and underneath the cabinets.

Actions

  • SEAL PIPE BEHIND CABINET
  • SEE IMAGE ABOVE
  • REMOVE CLUTTER UNDER SINK

SEAL/SCREEN CEILING FAN

If your experiencing a roach issue in the bathroom, check the ceiling fan for gaps. Roaches can easily slip through cracks in the ceiling fan grate. In many cases, placing screen under the ceiling fan, and sealing around the cap will keep roaches from entering your bathrooms. Most have no idea roaches are dropping down from the ceiling fan. Roaches can flatten themselves down to 1/8 of an inch, slipping through cracks very easily. Take care of this issue to help with roaches in the bathroom.

Actions

  • SEAL WITH CAULKING
  • ENSURE FAN IS SLUSH NO GAPS
  • SCREEN FROM UNDERSIDE

SEAL AROUND WINDOWS

Many insects enter areas where water or food is present. The way they do that is through the window. Think about it! If there are cracks, crevices, or breakages in windows or screens, these pests will enter for the water source. Sealing the inside and outside of the windows is a critical step in minimizing the pest population. Unfortunately, if this is not performed, your pest issue may continue.    

Actions

  • SEAL GAPS USING CAULKING
  • ENSURE SCREENS ARE INTACT
  • REPAIR ALL HOLES AND GAPS

SEAL TOILET BASE COMPLETELY

Roaches live in the sewer and septic tanks. Most dont know there is an O ring that seals the toilet to the floor and pipe, so no gases and roaches come up from these areas. If the O ring is old and brittle, these gases and roaches will enter the home. The last line of defense in this scenario is the seal around the base of the toilet. Make sure the toilet is sealed all the way around the toilet, including the most frequently missed rear of the toilet. This can be difficult at times to get to from the rear and is the most common place where roaches will enter the bathrooms.

Actions

  • SEAL TOILET COMPLETELY
  • INCLUDING REAR OF THE TOILET
  • SEAL WATER SUPPLY LINES

DRY PIPES AND TOILETS BRING ROACHES

If your experiencing roaches in the bathrooms, the first place to look will be the drain covers, dry pipes, sinks and tiolets. Sometimes, we don’t use certain bathrooms for a period of time. Not using these, will allow the pipes and drains to dry out. Water in these pipes keep roaches from coming up from the septic or sewer. Making sure that you run water in these sinks, toilets and drains, weekly, will help dramatically with this issue.

Actions

  • KEEP DRAINS COVERED WHEN NOT IN USE
  • RUN WATER WEEKLY IN ALL DRAINS
  • FLUSH TOILET WEEKLY

SEAL ALL GAPS IN BATHROOM

Very important! Sealing all gaps and cracks where roaches and ants enter the bathroom is very important. Moisture and time can wear away at the silicone caulking. Keeping fresh caulking in those cracks and crevices, is important in taking away the possibility that roaches and ants will enter or hide in these cracks. Seal all cracks and crevices. Also place caulking  on the back of shower head cap, to keep roaches and ants from entering through the gap around the shower head pipe.

Actions

  • SEAL GAPS AROUND TUBS
  • SEAL TUB BASE GAPS
  • SEAL SHOWER HEAD GAPS

DO YOU HAVE SEPTIC OR SEWER?

Are you seeing an abundance of roaches all of a sudden? This can occur when the septic tank becomes full, or if a pipe rusts out and breaks. This is very common. Plumbing issues, a full septic tank, or broken pipes can produce a sudden surge in roach activity. If a septic tank issue exists, usually in older homes, Roach activity could be numerous on the exterior of the home. It could also become an issue if broken pipes in the wall occur.

Actions

  • EMPTY SEPTIC TANK REGULARLY
  • NOTIFY YOUR TECHNICIAN
  • REPORT ANY PLUMBING ISSUES

Interior – Checklist

TIPS -N- TRICKS

ROACHES AND ANTS NEED WATER TO SURVIVE!

Roaches and ants MUST have water to survive. Without water, they will simply dehydrate and die. GUARANTEED!

  1. Remove Access to Water , And Remove Your Roach/Ant Problem.
  2. Roaches move about and seek water and food in the evening hours.
  3. Dry, sinks, counters and floors completely before going to bed.

Actions

  • DRY SINKS AND COUNTERS BEFORE GOING TO BED
  • DRY BATHROOM FLOORS, TUBS, AND SHOWERS BEFORE GOING TO BED

KITCHEN BEDTIME CHECKLIST

  • NO FOOD SCRAPS OR CRUMBS ON COUNTERTOPS AND FLOORS
  • WASH DISHES AND PUT AWAY
  • DRY COUNTERS AND SINKS COMPLETELY BEFORE BEDTIME
  • MOP FLOOR WITH BORAXO DETERGENT BEFORE BEDTIME
  • CLEAN UNDER REFRIGERATOR
  • CLEAN UNDER STOVE
  • CLEAN SIDES OF STOVE
  • ENSURE BASEBOARDS ARE SEALED FLUSH TO THE FLOOR
  • REMOVE CLUTTER UNDER SINK

Actions

  • CLEAN UNDER REFRIGERATOR
  • CLEAN UNDER STOVE
  • DRY COUNTERS AND SINK

BATHROOM CHECKLIST

  • KEEP SINKS TUBS AND SHOWERS DRY. ESPECIALLY BEFORE BEDTIME
  • REMOVE CONDENSATION BY LEAVING BATHROOM DOOR OPEN
  • SEAL ALL CRACKS AND CREVICES
  • SEAL GAPS UNDER BASEBOARDS ENSURING THEY ARE FLUSH TO THE FLOOR
  • SEAL WINDOW IF PRESENT
  • CLOSE DRAINS WHEN NOT BEING USED.
  • REMOVE CLUTTER UNDER SINK
  • SEAL CEILING FAN

Actions

  • REMOVE ALL PAPER GOODS
  • PROVIDE NO PLACE TO HIDE
  • SEAL PIPE UNDER SINK

GARAGE CHECKLIST

  1. REMOVE ALL CARDBOARD BOXES. ROACHES LOVE CARDBORAD BOXES AND CLUTTER.
  2. PLACE ITEMS IN PLASTIC CONTAINERS
  3. PLACE CONTAINERS ON SHELVES 6 INCHES ABOVE THE FLOOR
  4. KEEP CLUTTER AWAY FROM WALLS
  5. NO GAP UNDER GARAGE DOOR
  6. IF THERE IS A DOOR LEADING INTO THE KITCHEN FROM THE GARAGE, ENSURE NO GAPS EXIST UNDER DOOR.
  7. SEAL ALL PIPES IF WASHER AND DRYER ARE IN THE GARAGE

Actions

  • REMOVE CLUTTER
  • KEEP ITEMS AWAY FROM WALL
  • KEEP ITEMS 6 INCHES OFF GROUND

BEDROOM CHECKLIST

  • ENSURE WINDOWS ARE SEALED
  • SEAL BASEBOARDS FLUSH WITH TO THE FLOOR. 1/4 ROUND MOLDING WORKS WELL
  • IF BATHROOM IN THAT BEDROOM EXISTS, SEE BATHROOM CHECKLIST
  • DO NOT EAT OR DRINK IN BEDROOMS
  • REMOVE ANY CLUTTER UNDER BEDS
  • KEEP CLOSETS CLUTTER FREE

Actions

  • SEAL BASEBOARDS FLUSH TO FLOOR
  • SEAL ALL WINDOWS IN ROOM
  • NO GAPS! KEEP INSECTS OUT

A/C ROOM CHECKLIST

  • MAKE SURE ALL LINES ENTERING THE AC HANDLER ROOM ARE SEALED COMPLETELY, ESPECIALLY THE LINE COMING FROM THE CEILING.
  • DO NOT STORE CLUTTER IN THIS ROOM, AS ROACHES LOVE CLUTTER!
  • DO NOT LET WATER GATHER IN THIS ROOM, AS ROACHES NEED WATER AND WILL FREQUENT THIS ROOM.

Actions

  • SEAL ALL LINES COMING INTO ROOM
  • REMOVE ALL CLUTTER
  • KEEP ALL AREAS DRY!

LIVING ROOM CHECKLIST

  • DO NOT ALLOW FOOD TO BE CONSUMED IN THIS AREA.
  • ENSURE ALL WINDOWS ARE SEALED CORRECTLY
  • ENSURE BASEBOARDS ARE SEALED AND FLUSH TO THE FLOOR.
  • ENSURE ANY DOORS LEADING INTO THIS ROOM, FROM THE EXTERIOR ARE SEALED PROPERLY.
  • SEAL ALL CABLE LINE HOLES IN WALL BEHIND THE TELEVISION OR ENTERTAINMENT CENTER

Actions

  • DO NOT EAT FOOD IN THIS AREA
  • SEAL ALL WINDOWS IN THIS AREA
  • NO GAPS UNDER EXTERIOR DOORS