How to Pestproof Your Home

No matter how much good they might do in the natural world, mice, bugs and other pests aren’t welcome guests in your home. You can prevent or eliminate them using spray pesticides, but that’s only a temporary solution. With a few simple materials and tools, we’ll show you how to prevent mice, spiders and other pests from moving in. It all comes down to permanently sealing any spots in your home that look like front doors to pests.  

Step 1: Fix Screens and Close Gaps 

Openings in screens and entryways, even small ones, are invitations for pests. So start by repairing torn screens and inspecting entryways. If the weatherstripping has gaps, replace it. Can you see light at the bottom of the door by the threshold? You may need to replace the seal and adjust the threshold so that it snugs up to the bottom of the door.  

Step 2: Seal Around Plumbing and Electrical Penetrations Indoors 

Pests like cockroaches are attracted to moist areas, which is why you’ll find them near your home’s plumbing fixtures. If there are gaps indoors around the water pipes for your sinks, showers, tubs or toilets, fill them with DAP Touch ‘n Foam Mouse Shield Foam Sealant & Blocker. It’s treated to block mice, ants, cockroaches and spiders. Assemble the sealant’s straw and adapter, and attach the trigger assembly to the can. Shake it well, then hold the can upside down to fill the area around the box up to 1/3 full. The sealant expands to fill the rest of the space. You can also use it to seal gaps around plumbing and electrical penetrations between floors, in both attics and basements.  

Step 3: Fill Cracks and Holes in Foundations  

Are there cracks or holes in your home’s foundation? What about in your garage or outdoor shed? Even small ones can let in pests that might be looking for food, water or refuge. Seal up those cracks and holes with DAP EXTREME STRETCH Acrylic Urethane Sealant. It seals gaps up to 3 inches wide, and it stretches over 600% to provide a permanently flexible, crackproof seal. First, use a small brush to clean the area to be sealed of any loose material or dirt. Then cut the sealant nozzle at a 45-degree angle to the desired size of bead, load the cartridge into a caulk gun and fill the crack. Smooth the sealant with a putty knife to make flush with the surface of the foundation. For cracks deeper than ½ inch,  insert foam backer rod material into the gap before filling with sealant. 

Step 4: Seal Gaps in Your Home’s Exterior 

Look for visible gaps in these areas: 

• Around window and door trim. 

• Pipe and vent penetrations, such as dryer and exhaust vents. 
• Between building materials on the outside of the house, such as where siding and window or door trim meet, the foundation and the siding joint, and between the soffit and the siding.  

Seal them with DAP EXTREME STRETCH Acrylic Urethane Sealant. It’s 100% waterproof and weatherproof and can be painted in two hours. 

Step 5: Clean Up Around the House 

Clutter near the foundation, plants rubbing against the house and damp areas near the house all attract a variety of pests. Keep shrubs trimmed and clean up any messes. If you have a hose that leaks near the house, repair it. Direct sprinkler heads away from the house. And keep birdbaths in the yard, not next to the house.