How to Seal the Exterior of Your Home to Keep Pests Out

​The majority of pest problems begin when pests enter homes in search of food, water, and shelter. Just like us, rodents, spiders, and insects will seek out a warm, safe environment that provides for their needs. Unfortunately, our homes are a perfect fit. If you want to keep these pests from coming into your home, there are often repairs and improvements that need to be done to the exterior of the building to prevent access. These are known as exclusion efforts. Start these exclusion efforts by learning how to seal the exterior of your home.

​Small Cracks and Gaps

• ​Start by slowly walking around the exterior of your home and identify areas where pests may be able to enter. Pay special attention to areas where pipes or wires enter the home, as contractors often do not do a good job of filling in holes that they leave. Areas that need to be sealed may be obvious, but they may also be small and inconspicuous. Even small cracks and gaps should be sealed because a mouse can squeeze through a hole as small as 1/4 of an inch wide and spiders much smaller than that. Seal these small cracks and gaps with clear silicone caulk. It is weather-proof and flexible, so it is less likely to crack and dry out as it ages. If you need to paint over it, you will want to use a latex caulk. 

​Larger Holes and Openings

• Larger holes and openings will require a bit more effort. You will first want to stuff the hole with copper mesh or steel wool. You can then fill it with a polyurethane expandable spray foam. After it has dried and cured, you can sand off the excess and paint it to match your exterior. This method is great for larger holes because rodents will not be able to chew through the patch 
• For other holes that are necessary like roof vents, chimneys, or attic vents, you can buy metal hardware cloth to place over them. This cloth is a small, sturdy mesh that can be cut to fit any space. For pest control, you will want to use a fine mesh that has spacing less than a ¼ inch apart. After you have cut it down to size, you can staple it over the entrance.

​Windows and Doors

• Main entry ways like windows and doors are also a major area that should be addressed when sealing the exterior of your home. Check to make sure that all of the windows have screens in them. These screens should be in good working condition without holes or tears. The windows should close tightly and have weather stripping around the inside. Also check the frame of the windows. If there are gaps between the wall and the frame, fill them with caulk. 
• Doors should also fit snugly. If the weather stripping around the door has been damaged, replace or repair it. It is also important that the gap between the door and the threshold does not exceed ¼ of an inch. If your gap is larger than this, metal thresholds can be fastened to it. Door sweeps also do a good job of sealing this space. Don’t forget to check garage doors as well for gaps on the sides or the bottom.

GTA ​Toronto Pest Control

• Sealing the exterior of your home to exclude pests is only one part of a well-rounded pest control strategy. Effective pest control requires an integrated approach that involves other things like sanitation efforts, habitat modification, biological controls, and chemical controls as well. While some of these things are easy enough to manage on your own, getting help from a pest control professional is also a great strategy. GTA Toronto Pest Control is your go-to source for pest control in Toronto. We service the areas of Vaughan, Brampton, Mississaugua, and more. With our expert technicians and 100% money back guarantee, you can feel confident doing business with us. Contact us today for more information.