by Pamela Kay

Created on: July 09, 2008

You gotta think like they do! Whether it's roaches, fleas, bats, squirrels, mice, lice, bed bugs or ants, they need the same things you need; water, food and shelter. Knowing where they find these necessities and stopping their supply and entry point is how you protect your home from invasive insects and pests. Read these tips and keep at it.

1-How They Get In

*On Pets and People
You don't do it intentionally, but often you bring these unwanted guests into your home without knowing it. Bedbugs and lice are not as common as they once were, but they are brought into your home by visitors or by close contact with those outside your home.

Pets can bring ticks and fleas into the home too. Bathe your pet regularly and keep a flea and tick collar on them to keep pests from hitching a ride into your home.

*Trees and Mulches
Tree branches that hang over your house or touch the siding are hi-ways for insects into your home. Organic materials such as mulch, weeds and dead leaves provide them with water and hiding places.

*Gaps and Holes
If there's even the smallest of openings in windows, doors, vents and chimney flues they will find it and squeeze through. Gaps in your siding, especially at the corners, are an open invitation to them. Spray those gaps and openings with an insecticide and allow it to dry. Then fill them with caulking to seal the bugs out. Replace or repair any damaged screens.

*Chewing In
If you see any signs of sawdust or insulation debris around the foundation, it may be a sign carpenter ants or termites have moved in. This would be the time to call in an exterminator to clear your home of these very destructive wood eaters. Keeping the outside of your home as dry as possible is the best way to deter these insects.

*Grocery Bags
They often hitch a ride to your home from the grocery store in the folds of a plastic or paper bag, so don't use these for your trash. Dispose of them in the outside trashcan or better yet, make your own shopping bags and keep them laundered.

2-Where They Hide

*Where It's Dirty Or Cluttered
They are small and can hide anywhere. Keep the inside of your home as clean as possible and get rid of clutter. Keep your cat's litter box clean and take your trash out daily. Trashcans and litter boxes should be washed and disinfected at least once a week.

*Cardboard Boxes And Drawers
They love cardboard boxes, so never store anything in one. Anyway, even if you tape it shut, mice eat paper and spiders and insects will work their way inside and set up housekeeping.

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