Seal Up Entry Points Before Pests Find Them

As fall temperatures drop in Santa Cruz, rodents and insects begin seeking warmth and shelter—often inside your home. Unfortunately, it doesn’t take much: mice can squeeze through holes as small as ¼ inch (about the size of a dime), and spiders or insects need even less. That’s why sealing up access points is one of the most important defenses against fall invaders.

Step-by-Step Pest Entry Prevention:

1. Inspect Doors and Windows

• Check for Gaps and Cracks: Use a flashlight at night—if you see light coming through, pests can get in.

• Replace Worn Weather Stripping: Over time, weather seals deteriorate, especially in high-traffic areas.

• Install or Repair Door Sweeps: These simple devices block the gap under exterior doors, a favorite entryway for crawling insects and mice.

• Seal Around Window Frames: Use caulk or foam sealant to close small cracks or separations in framing.

2. Examine the Foundation and Siding

• Look for Cracks or Holes: Pay close attention to areas where utility pipes, cables, or HVAC lines enter the home.

• Seal with Appropriate Materials: Use silicone-based caulk, expanding foam, or cement filler depending on the size and location of the gap.

• Check for Pest Tunnels or Gnaw Marks: These are signs rodents have already found a way in.

3. Secure Garage Doors

• Inspect the Bottom Seal: The rubber gasket should be tight and free from gaps—replace it if it’s brittle or cracked.

• Check Side and Top Gaps: Light filtering in from the sides or top of a closed door signals an easy path for pests.

• Add Threshold Seals or Brushes: These help block out rodents, insects, and even water during storms.

Declutter Hidden Zones: Remove Pest Hiding Spots

As temperatures drop in Santa Cruz, pests begin seeking warmth and shelter inside homes. Unfortunately, cluttered and low-traffic areas create ideal nesting spots for rodents, spiders, silverfish, and other intruders. Eliminating clutter and reducing hiding places is one of the most effective ways to protect your home from fall invaders.

Here’s how to tackle key pest-prone areas:

1. Garage

Often used as a catch-all for seasonal items, garages are prime real estate for pests looking to nest in quiet, undisturbed corners.

• Remove Seasonal Clutter:

  • Sort through summer gear, unused tools, and old cardboard boxes.

  • Donate or discard anything you haven’t used in the last 12 months.

• Swap Cardboard for Sealed Containers:

  • Rodents chew through cardboard and paper with ease.

  • Use airtight plastic storage bins with tight lids to keep items secure and pest-resistant.

• Elevate Storage Off the Ground:

  • Install shelving units or storage racks to keep belongings at least 6–12 inches off the floor.

  • This minimizes dark, ground-level hiding spots and makes it easier to spot pest activity.

• Sweep and Inspect Regularly:

  • A quick monthly sweep and visual check can help detect signs like droppings, nests, or gnaw marks early.

2. Attics and Crawl Spaces

These dark, infrequently accessed spaces are popular hideouts for rodents and insects during cooler months.

• Inspect for Pest Activity:

  • Look for signs like:

    • Shredded insulation (possible nesting material)

    • Droppings

    • Chewed wood or wiring

• Improve Ventilation and Lighting:

  • Install or maintain vents to reduce moisture buildup and airflow issues.

  • If possible, add motion-sensor lighting to discourage wildlife and make inspections easier.

• Use Pest Barriers:

  • Apply rodent-proof mesh over exterior attic vents.

  • Consider placing pest-monitoring stations in these areas to catch early infestations.

Address Interior Attractants: Food and Shelter

Rodents are resourceful invaders—always on the hunt for two things: food and shelter. Even small crumbs or cluttered corners can be enough to attract mice, rats, and other pests indoors during the cooler months. To make your home less inviting, it’s important to eliminate these attractants, especially in high-risk areas like kitchens, pantries, laundry rooms, and storage closets.

Here’s how to cut off access to food and nesting spots before pests get comfortable:

1. Pantries and Kitchens: Protect the Heart of Your Home

Kitchens are the most common entry point for pests because they offer everything rodents need to survive. Prevent infestations by making these strategic changes:

• Use Airtight Containers for All Dry Goods:

  • Store cereal, rice, pasta, flour, snacks, and pet food in hard plastic or glass containers with tight-fitting lids.

  • Avoid keeping food in original packaging like cardboard or thin plastic, which rodents can easily chew through.

• Clean Surfaces and Floors Daily:

  • Wipe down counters to remove food residue and spills.

  • Sweep or vacuum under appliances and cabinets where crumbs tend to collect.

• Fix Leaky Faucets and Pipes:

  • Rodents are drawn to water just as much as food.

  • Address dripping sinks, under-sink leaks, and water pooling near dishwashers or fridges.

• Empty Trash Bins Regularly:

  • Use bins with sealed lids and take out garbage frequently to eliminate odor trails and access to food waste.

2. Laundry Rooms and Storage Closets: Eliminate Shelter Opportunities

These areas are often dark, quiet, and packed with materials that rodents and insects love for nesting.

• Declutter and Organize Supplies:

  • Remove unnecessary paper bags, old newspapers, and loose fabrics.

  • Store linens, towels, and seasonal clothing in sealed bins rather than open baskets or cardboard boxes.

• Keep the Space Bright and Infrequently Used:

  • Install automatic lights or leave a low-energy LED bulb on to discourage nocturnal pests.

  • Regularly visit and clean these areas—even a quick vacuum or wipe-down can disturb hiding pests.

• Seal Small Cracks and Utility Gaps:

  • Inspect areas where plumbing, ductwork, or electrical lines enter the room.

  • Use caulk, steel wool, or mesh to block any gaps larger than ¼ inch.

Don’t wait until you hear scratching in the walls or spot a spider in your laundry basket. Take proactive steps this fall to secure your home and enjoy a cozy, pest-free season.

Visit us to book your fall pest protection plan.

Let’s keep your Santa Cruz home safe, secure, and spider-free—all season long.

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