Keep Pests Out: Smart Tips for a Pest-Free Houston Home
Houston’s warmth and humidity can attract all kinds of unwanted guests—birds in your attic, ants in your kitchen, squirrels in your walls, and flies buzzing around your back door. The good news? A few strategic, preventative steps can make a big difference in keeping your home pest-free year-round.
Why Prevention Beats Extermination
Professional pest control companies agree—it’s easier (and cheaper) to keep pests out than to get rid of them after they move in. Here’s what you can do now to protect your home from pests of all kinds.
✅ Exterior Home Pest Prevention Checklist
🔧 Seal and Screen Your Vents
- Soffit and attic vents: Install 1/4-inch hardware cloth (galvanized metal mesh) behind vent covers to prevent birds, squirrels, and rodents from entering.
- Dryer and bathroom exhaust vents: Use a vent guard or louvered cover that blocks critters but still allows airflow.
- Chimney cap: Install a screened chimney cap to keep birds, squirrels, and raccoons out.
🌳 Yard and Tree Maintenance
- Trim trees at least 6–10 feet away from your roofline—squirrels use branches like highways.
- Clear leaf piles, mulch beds, and standing water that attract bugs and rodents.
- Store firewood off the ground and away from your home—it’s a hiding spot for insects and snakes.
🧴 Use the Right Repellents & Barriers
- Bird spikes or deterrent gel can be installed on ledges and rooflines to stop nesting.
- Use rodent-proof foam or copper mesh to seal small openings around pipes and exterior wall penetrations.
- Ant and roach baits (gel-type) work well indoors. Outside, use granular perimeter treatments like Taurus SC (fipronil-based, professional-grade).
- Spray door thresholds, baseboards, and window sills with natural repellents like orange oil or products like EcoRaider (non-toxic and pet safe).
- For flies, install tight-fitting screens and use UV light traps or apple cider vinegar traps in problem areas.
🚪 Check Your Entry Points
- Install door sweeps on all exterior doors.
- Inspect and repair window screens.
- Use weather stripping to close gaps around doors and windows.
👷♂️ Professional Pest Control Tips Worth Following
Pest control pros often recommend:
- Quarterly pest control service to maintain an exterior barrier.
- Termite inspections at least once a year (especially in Houston’s soil).
- Bait stations for rodents in attics and garages—set by a licensed pro if needed.
- Attic inspections for nesting evidence, especially after winter.
🏠 Pro Tip: Keep It Dry
Pests love moisture. Make sure:
- Your gutters are clean and flowing.
- There are no leaks around windows, faucets, or your foundation.
- Downspouts direct water away from your slab.
Final Thought
Pests don’t wait for an invitation—and once they’re inside, it’s tough to get them out. A little prevention now can save you from big headaches (and repair bills) later.
Want help finding a great pest control provider or checking if your home’s vulnerable to pests? I’m happy to connect you with trusted local pros.
Buy
My Listings
Sell
