Schedule Regular Inspections

Just like annual health checkups, your home needs consistent pest inspections. Many infestations begin quietly and only become noticeable once significant damage has already been done. By making regular inspections part of your home maintenance plan, you can save yourself from stress, unexpected expenses, and potential health risks.

Here’s why inspections should be at the top of your pest-free resolutions for 2026:

1. Catch Problems Early

   • Spot rodent droppings, gnaw marks, or nesting material before a full-blown infestation develops.

   • Identify signs of termite activity, such as hollow wood, mud tubes, or discarded wings, which can otherwise go unnoticed until structural damage occurs.

   • Detects ant colonies, cockroach activity, or other pests while they’re still localized and easier to eliminate.

2. Leverage Professional Expertise

   • Western Way’s licensed technicians are trained to recognize subtle red flags that most homeowners might miss, such as faint odor trails, tiny entry holes, or early moisture damage.

   • Professionals can distinguish between harmless signs and serious warning signals, saving you from unnecessary worry or overlooked dangers.

   • Our team also uses advanced tools and techniques, including moisture meters and inspection cameras, for a more thorough assessment.

3. Get Customized, Property-Specific Solutions

   • Every home in Alameda has unique vulnerabilities—whether it’s an older crawl space, nearby landscaping, or a waterfront location that attracts moisture-loving pests.

   • Regular inspections allow technicians to create tailored treatment and prevention plans suited to your property’s needs.

   • With integrated pest management (IPM), recommendations aren’t just about short-term fixes but about sustainable, long-term protection.

4. Save Money and Protect Health

   • Preventative inspections help you avoid costly repairs, such as replacing termite-damaged wood or repairing rodent-chewed wiring.

   • Reducing pest activity also minimizes exposure to allergens, bacteria, and bites, protecting your family’s health.

   • Investing in prevention is always less expensive—and far less disruptive—than emergency treatments after a problem has grown.

Plan Seasonal Maintenance

Every season brings its own pest challenges, and being proactive is the best way to stay ahead of infestations. Instead of reacting when pests appear, set a year-round plan that addresses the specific threats tied to changing weather and activity levels.

Here’s a season-by-season guide to keep your Alameda home protected:

1. Winter – Keep Rodents Out of Warm Spaces

   • Seal Entry Points: Inspect your home’s foundation, garage, and utility lines for cracks or holes that rodents can squeeze through.

   • Inspect Attics & Crawl Spaces: These quiet, warm areas are prime spots for nesting mice or rats. Look for droppings, gnaw marks, or shredded insulation.

   • Store Food Securely: With food sources limited outdoors, rodents are more likely to seek pantry items and pet food inside.

2. Spring – Watch for Termites and Ant Activity

   • Termite Swarms: In warmer months, termites swarm to establish new colonies. Check for discarded wings or mud tubes along foundations.

   • Ant Trails: As ants begin foraging, small trails near kitchens or windows can quickly become full-blown infestations.

   • Moisture Control: Spring rains create damp soil, which attracts termites, carpenter ants, and other moisture-loving pests.

3. Summer – Control Outdoor and Pantry Pests

   • Wasp & Hornet Nests: Inspect eaves, sheds, and trees for nests before they grow larger and more aggressive.

   • Mosquito Prevention: Eliminate standing water in birdbaths, gutters, or flowerpots to reduce breeding sites.

   • Pantry Pests: Warmer months increase the activity of beetles and moths in stored grains or cereals. Regularly check food storage areas for signs of infestation.

4. Fall – Prepare for Indoor Invaders

   • Declutter Storage Areas: Clean out garages, basements, and attics where spiders, silverfish, and rodents often hide.

   • Rodent-Proof Before Cold Sets In: Seal garage doors, add door sweeps, and close foundation cracks before rodents look for warmth.

   • Inspect Outdoor Décor and Firewood: Spiders and insects often hitch a ride inside on stored decorations or stacked wood.

Seal Entry Points Before They’re Exploited

Pests don’t need an open door to find their way inside. Mice can squeeze through a hole the size of a dime, and insects like ants and spiders require even less. By sealing off potential entry points, you can make your home a fortress and significantly reduce the risk of infestations.

Here’s how to secure your Alameda home against unwelcome intruders:

1. Inspect Doors and Windows

   • Replace Weather Stripping: Over time, seals wear down and leave small gaps that pests can exploit. Replace any cracked, loose, or brittle weather stripping.

   • Install Door Sweeps: Add sweeps to exterior doors to block the common gap at the bottom—a favorite entry point for crawling insects and rodents.

   • Check Window Screens: Repair or replace torn or loose screens to keep flying pests from sneaking in.

2. Examine the Foundation and Exterior Walls

   • Seal Cracks and Gaps: Use caulk, expanding foam, or cement filler to close any openings in foundations or siding.

   • Inspect Utility Entry Points: Pay special attention to areas where water pipes, gas lines, or cables pass into the home—these gaps are highways for pests.

   • Look for Rodent Trails: Gnaw marks, grease stains, or small tunnels near the foundation may indicate an active entry route.

3. Secure the Garage and Attached Structures

   • Check Bottom Seals: Inspect the rubber gasket along the garage door. Replace it if it’s cracked, loose, or no longer makes a tight seal.

   • Cover Side and Roof Vents: Use rodent-proof mesh or screens to allow airflow without letting pests crawl inside.

   • Eliminate Side Gaps: If light shines through the sides or top of a closed garage door, pests have a path indoors. Adjust or repair the tracks and seals as needed.

4. Inspect Attics, Rooflines, and Crawl Spaces

   • Screen Vents and Openings: Cover attic and crawl space vents with fine mesh to prevent rodents, birds, and bats from entering.

   • Seal Roofline Gaps: Check for separations near eaves, chimneys, or fascia boards where pests like squirrels and insects may slip in.

   • Add Insulation Barriers: Proper insulation not only keeps your home energy-efficient but also discourages pests from nesting in vulnerable areas.

If you live in Alameda and want to make 2026 the year you stay pest-free, partner with Western Way Termite & Pest Services. Our experienced, licensed team is here to help you set pest-proof resolutions that last all year long.

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