Pests versus home: how to win the battle

Eek! Is that a bug crawling on your ceiling?

Gross! Okay, maybe you don’t overreact to creepy crawlies like some of us. But most can agree pests are better off outside than indoors.

So, how can you keep these unwanted bugs, rodents, raccoons and other pests out? From the roof to the floor — here are seven tasks to put on your pest-proofing to-do list.

Note: You can do these steps yourself or hire a professional to do them for you.

Carefully inspect your roof

Safely check every square inch of your roof. What you’re looking for is any potential access point — gaps or holes — for a pest to get through. Inspect loose shingles, vents, roof returns, chimney and skylights. Remember, you can hire an inspector to check for you.

Trap and seal in the attic

If you already have critters in the attic — like mice, squirrels or raccoons — you’ll want to trap them first. This is to avoid removal of a dead animal. Once trapped, then you can seal off entry points. Look for gaps or holes in the roofline, chimney and roof vents.

Regularly wash bedding

Wash all of your bedding at least once a week. Keep an eye out for bugs or evidence of bugs on your bedding, mattress, headboard and bed frame. You’re looking for shed bed bug skins, exoskeletons or shells, and fecal stains. Check your sheets and pajamas for blood stains, which look like black spots the size of a pinhead.

Check for window damage

Windows are an easy way for bugs to sneak in. Check for damage in the screens and make sure they’re tight fitting. Fix any openings by sealing them with caulk.

Examine your walls

Closely look for at your walls for wood-colored termite droppings, damage to wood grain, mud tunnels and tiny winged insects.

Vacuum every nook and cranny

Vacuuming regularly picks up bugs and things they like to eat, such as dust. Go the extra step of using the small extensions on your vacuum to reach corners, behind furniture and any nook or cranny a bug could be hibernating in.

Inspect outdoor potted plants

If you ever bring outdoor plants inside — during inclement weather, for example — inspect them thoroughly. Water them to flush out insects and scrub the pot clean. Spiders often lay eggs on the bottom of terra cotta pots.