How can I seal an entire house so pests won't get in?
Our house is old. Wood floors throughout house. No concrete foundation. How do i go about sealing off the entire house. So pest and other creatures won't come inside anymore.
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Hi Mallory, this article has a few things you can try - https://www.ortho.com/en-us/library/bugs/how-get-rid-bugs-indoors
Hi Mallory,
That is a really good reference from Michelle!
The only thing I could add to it is to prevent field mice from coming in is to take a very objective look at the outside of your house and seal up with a spray foam (available at diy stores) that is made to stop them from chewing through, it contains something that will cut their faces when they do try. Also check where wires and pipes enter/exit the house, remember mice are skilled climbers. They can also fit through a hole or a crack the size of a small marble. Best to you.
Make sure you buy the spray foam that has a chemical added to it so that it tastes bitter.
Also bear in mind that you must eliminate existing pests inside the house. If not, they will find places to live and breed. Learn the signs of pest infestations - you know best what you've seen inside the house. Once you know if you have anything inside and what it is, you can find ways to eliminate them.
Any water leaks should be fixed. Cock roaches, ants and other creeps can make their way in via leaks and those give them free drinks! 🍸 🍺
Clean inside thoroughly. Wipe down all surfaces, vacuum and dispose of the contents outside and seal the bags.
Your outside inspection should include the soffits, gutters, roof seals, seals around the chimney (you also need screening on the chimney and water stacks).
You most likely have some kind of attic space. Inspect up there - turn off the light and see if you have light coming in from outside. Seal the holes. IF there is any evidence of infestation - even if it's old - you should clean out the old insulation and dispose of it. Spray down the rafters with a bleach/water mix to kill germs, etc.
One thing you can do in the mean time while you are tackling sealing up your house as others have suggested, is to add peppermint essential oil to all your cleaning products - mop water, furniture polish (add the oil to your polish cloth if you use a commercial spray product), bathroom and surface cleaners, etc. Everything! You can also add drops to your air conditioner filters when you change them out! I also add it to potpourri regularly and use it in a diffuser. Mice and squirrels HATE the smell of mint so by habitually using the oil it will make your home less 'attractive' to vermin. If you don't like the smell of peppermint, you can use spearmint but , from my experience, it is slightly less effective.