Keeping pests out of your home requires a proactive partnership between the homeowner and a trusted Tampa pest control company. While Nvirotect Pest Control Services is proud to offer environmentally conscious and effective pest control, eliminating pest entry points is an important step that every homeowner must take to both reinforce and strengthen those efforts.
Below are some of the most commonly overlooked pest entry points and how to eliminate them to help protect your home year-round.
1. Dry Drains
Drains that are not used regularly can dry out, allowing pests like drain flies, cockroaches, or even rodents to enter through your plumbing system. To prevent this, it is important to run water for a minute in unused sinks, showers, or tubs at least once a week. This routine is simple and helps keep the trap seals wet to best function as a barrier against pests.
2. Gaps Around Pipes Under Sinks
Some of the most common entry points found during our pest control services in Tampa are under sinks. The areas where plumbing enters through walls or cabinetry often have small gaps that are left unsealed. These gaps are easy access points for pests such as ants, cockroaches, and even small rodents. Homeowners should inspect under sinks and around plumbing fixtures, then fill any visible gaps with expansion foam or another suitable sealant.
3. Overhanging Trees and Branches
Branches and shrubs that touch the exterior of your home can serve as bridges for pests to bypass chemical barriers and enter the attic or roofline. It is recommended to trim trees and vegetation so that they are at least 12 to 18 inches away from the structure.
4. Cracks and Gaps in the Foundation
Small cracks and crevices in a home’s foundation are another common entry point for pests like ants, spiders, and Subterranean Termites. We recommend taking time to regularly inspect your home’s foundation and use appropriate materials, such as concrete caulk or sealant, to close off these gaps.
5. Damaged or Missing Door Sweeps
The gap under exterior doors can be a direct invitation to pests. A missing or worn-out door sweep allows insects and small animals to slip in unnoticed. To fix this, inspect all exterior doors and replace any damaged door sweeps to close this common gap completely.
6. Missing or Inadequate Weatherstripping
If you can see daylight through the edges of your doors, then pests can enter through those same spaces. Installing or replacing weatherstripping ensures a tight seal, especially around doors and windows. This also improves insulation and keeps outdoor elements where they belong–outside.
7. Open Air Conditioner Chases
Air conditioning chases or utility lines that enter the home without proper sealing can also create sneaky entry points for pests. These should be thoroughly inspected and sealed with pest-resistant materials to block any accessible gaps.
8. Gaps Around Electrical Conduits
Just like plumbing lines, electrical conduits that penetrate the walls or foundation can leave small but significant openings. These areas should be properly sealed using durable materials to prevent pests from using them as entryways.
Pest Prevention Is a Partnership
As the most trusted Tampa pest control company, we at Nvirotect Pest Control Services believe pest control is most effective when homeowners take preventive steps alongside our treatments. By addressing these commonly overlooked areas as part of your holistic pest control treatment plan, you can significantly reduce your chances of pests in your home and help protect your home with a long-term solution.
If you are in need of high-quality pest control service in Tampa, call us at 813.968.7031 or complete our contact request form for a competitive quote.
