Keeping a clean home is the first rule of avoiding pest infestations. It is not, however, the only rule. Insects and wildlife can be attracted by many other means than a dirty home, a few of which are not exactly intuitive. Here are three areas of your home that can be improved to keep curious critters from poking their heads inside.

Clogged Gutters

Gutters are so quickly and easily clogged up with leaves and debris, especially in the autumn months. Besides being somewhat unsightly and blocking the flow of rainfall off of your roof, this debris makes for a very appealing spot for insects and small rodents to explore and eventually nest. It is not such a far leap to go from in your gutters to in your home, so clogged gutters pose a problem for homeowners not seeking roommates from the animal kingdom. Frequent cleaning is one solution, but considering the danger factor of climbing up and down a ladder in potentially slippery conditions, it is not the best one. Gutter protection systems really are the best way to go; they allow rainwater in and keep debris out. Skilled pest control companies have great systems worked out that are easy to maintain and virtually invisible from the ground.

Damp Open Crawl Spaces

If you are a small rodent, a damp open crawl space may seem like the perfect place to make your home. Because most crawl spaces tend to become rather damp, this is a hidden problem for many homeowners. Moisture regulation is important for many reasons, so installing foundation vents and a moisture barrier as part of moisture control system is a good idea regardless of pest issues. Especially when automatic temperature controlled vents are part of the system. And, to keep little rodent friends out of your crawlspace, invest in vents that don’t allow for easy wildlife access.

Exposed Insulation

In the mind of a squirrel (or rat, or a variety of other rodents), exposed insulation in an attic is really just an endless source of nesting material. Exposed insulation means they can make warm little beds throughout your attic, nest, and raise their young there. In order to discourage wildlife traffic through your attic insulation, speak with a professional pest control firm with a wildlife division about roofline exclusions that close wildlife entry points that allow wildlife access to your attic and insulation. While you’re at it, ask about the benefits of cellulose insulation. Cellulose insulation, especially cellulose insulation impregnated with borates, is a great option as compared to fiberglass. It’s a better insulator and is more fire retardant and pest resistant! If you want more information about insulating with cellulose impregnated with borates, contact a reputable pest control company today.