Insects
1. All kinds of bugs can easily enter through caulk or cracks around your windows and doors. Inspect all windows and doors in your home for places that bugs could be coming in through, and fill them.
Photo Credit: flickr/ JenCarole
Interior
Pest Control: 15 Ways Creatures Are Coming Into Your Home
by Homesessive
Most people panic at the first site of a spider or roach in their home, but one unsightly little creature does not necessarily mean the existence of others. Most bugs and rodents that you find in your home are coming from outside, especially during the change of seasons. Thus the best preventative measure against creepy critters, is to find out where they can be entering your home and preventing them from getting inside!
View the slideshow above for ways that creatures may be entering your home.
If you've been experiencing unwanted visitations, check out Mouse Control, the Humane Way, and Protect Your Home From Pests! to discover how to get rid of them.
Photo Credit: Alamy
-
Pin It
-
Pin It
2. They can also be crawling in through utility spaces, where pipes and wires enter the foundation.
Photo Credit: jupiterimages
-
Pin It
3. Rips in screen doors and windows are easy to remember as an entrance point during the summer, but they can still be a problem during the winter months as well.
Photo Credit: flickr/quinn.anya
-
Pin It
Bed Bugs
4. These little critters are just awful to deal with and get rid of. Bed bugs don't live on their hosts bodies for a long time, but they will hang out in clothing. One easy way to bring bed bugs home with you is in your luggage after staying somewhere that is infested.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
-
Pin It
5. Bed bugs love wood so be careful when picking up wooden furniture or picture frames from a thrift store.
Photo Credit: flickr/AndyRobertsPhotos
-
Pin It
Mice
6. All mice need to squeeze their way into your home is a 1/4 inch hole in your foundation or flooring.
Photo Credit: flickr/ John de Guzman
-
Pin It
Rats
7. Rats need a larger opening, usually one that is about 3/4 inch. They often times can enter through a rotting window sill or rotting foundation.
Photo Credit: flickr/ Keri_Mayer
-
Pin It
8. Rats may also find refuge in your home by entering through damaged or unused drain pipes.
Photo Credit: flickr/Horia Varian
-
Pin It
Squirrels
9. Squirrels can find their way into your home through any hole 2 1/2 inches or more. They often make it in through the area between your roofs shingles and the fascia boards.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
-
Pin It
10. They may also come in through the area where the dormers meet the roof. Although hands down the most adorable members of the rodent family, squirrels can carry rabies and are anything but cuddly.
Photo Credit: flickr/takomabibelot
-
Pin It
Waterbugs
11. It's scarey to think of, but waterbugs and other creatures can be coming up through the drains in your sinks. Make sure you're thoroughly cleaning out your kitchen sink nightly rather than letting those dirty food particles entice bugs.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
-
Pin It
Skunks
12. These little stinkers can get in by crawling under your porch slabs.
Photo Credit: flickr/ ntm1909
-
Pin It
Raccoons
13. Although less commonly than other animals, raccoons may find their way into your attic. Scary thought isn't it? Since they need a very large opening to get in, they most commonly crawl down through a chimney.
Photo Credit: flickr/ Ken_Mayer
-
Pin It
14. Or through an open garage door. Keep your garage door closed to prevent all of the above pest from creeping into your house.
Photo Credit: Corbis
-
Pin It
15. Although doggy doors let in our beloved little best friends, they may also be a huge portal for pests to come in as well. Especially with cats, pets often bring mice and other creatures back inside with them.
Photo Credit: flickr/Mcoughlin
StyleList Home