Here in Arizona, when the weather gets hot, the critters want to come inside. You might find yourself the unwilling host to all kinds of creepy critters. Spiders, Scorpions, Roaches …. the list goes on. One of the most effective ways to keep the bugs out is by having your home sealed.
Having gaps and cracks in the structure of your home is like putting out the welcome mat to bugs, rodents and creepy crawlers. All are looking for 3 things; food, water, and a place to live. When you cut off easy access to these 3 things, you’ll be less likely to spot unwanted visitors in your home (relatives not included).
Sealing Your Home
Beginning with your main door entry, make sure all cracks and gaps are well sealed. Installing a steel or aluminum threshold under your door will seal up the gap between your door and the flooring. Adding a door sweep will also help with keeping the bugs out. These are fairly inexpensive and you can find them at most hardware stores. You’ll also want to make sure the area around the door frame is sealed with weather stripping or caulk. Check and treat all of your exterior doors.
Next, make sure you have screens installed on your doors and windows. You’ll want fine mesh that keeps bugs out. Screen doors only work if they are kept closed!
Check your foundation for cracks and holes. You’ll want to seal around any pipes and vents that enter your home with caulk. Make sure all the gaps are filled in completely. Bugs only need a little space to make their way into your home.
Your roof is another possible entry point into your house. Bigger critters such as mice, squirrels and raccoons like to take up residence in your attic or crawl space. Make sure you have your vents covered with mesh or hardware cloth so that they can’t get through.
Use A Professional
There is a lot that goes into sealing your home against unwanted visitors. While it’s possible to do it yourself, we would be happy to do it for you. Our Structural Sealant Service is designed to minimize the entry of bugs and critters into your house. We will do the following and then come out for a follow up quality assurance inspection in 45 days and 90 days:
Interior of structure (where necessary):
- Inspect and seal gaps or holes around wall and ceiling electrical cover plates;
- Inspect and seal gaps around doors leading to the exterior or garage/warehouse;
- Screen exhaust fan vent covers & seal gaps around exhaust vent covers;
- Inspect and seal gaps or holes around water pipes, gas pipes, drain pipes, electrical conduit;
- Inspect and seal gaps at bottom of the cabinets (toe kicks) throughout the structure.
Interior of garage/warehouse (where necessary):
- Inspect and seal gaps along garage/warehouse interior walls where wall meets foundation
- Inspect and seal gaps or holes around water pipes, gas pipes, drain pipes, electrical conduit
- Inspect and seal gaps or holes around wall and ceiling electrical cover plates
Exterior of structure (where necessary):
- Inspect and seal gaps between weep screed flashing and foundation of structure (if applicable)
- Screen all weep holes on weed screed flashing (if applicable)
- Inspect and seal gaps or holes around water pipes, gas pipes, drain pipes, electrical conduit, air conditioner pipes entering structure, around electrical fuse panels, air conditioner electrical boxes, and around or behind telephone and cable boxes
Remember, prevention is the best way to control pests. Eliminate their entry into your home to prevent an infestation later.