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It is important for any building or structure to be well prepared for the long-term prevention or suppression of pest problems. Therefore, a thoroughly integrated approach to pest management begins in the early planning stage of construction. When a building is put together, the way it is constructed has an impact on future pest prevention efforts throughout the life of the building. Heating, air conditioning, plumbing, electrical service and fire sprinklers often provide pest entry points. Others enclosures like wall cavities, ceiling cavities and space beneath floors can also provide shelter to pests.
The following are some Pre-Construction Pest Proofing Methods:
- Eliminate gaps or flaws in foundations and slabs, also gaps where the wall framing meets the foundation or slab floor
- Install physical barriers beneath joints or other discontinuities in the foundation
- Include the design of footings for brick, stone, etc. with other pre-construction foundation planning
- Use a 3-inch layer of sand underneath slab construction as a sand barrier
- Use naturally durable wood or non-wood materials
- Eliminate all wood-to-soil contact
- Extend foundation below ground. Good foundations will normally stop rodents from getting into buildings
- Modify foundations in older buildings with concrete or metal barriers to stop rodents from digging their way in
- Check foundation vents to make sure they are tight and appropriately screened
- Install wall cavity closures
- Eliminate dead spaces inside storage areas to restrict areas where rodents may hide
- Eliminate sources of chronic moisture in and around the structure
- Build floors that are durable, non-absorbent, anti-slip, without crevices, and capable of being effectively cleaned
- Seal all internal partitioning wall and ceiling cavities
- Install close-fitting windows and screens
One of the best ways to limit invasion of insects, rodents and other pests can be done through a procedure known as Pest Proofing. Many pests seek shelter in homes and other buildings in response to changes in weather conditions. Taking steps to block their entry before they end up inside can greatly reduce the chances of future sightings.
The following are some useful tips for pest proofing one’s home or place of work:
- Install door sweeps or thresholds at the base of all exterior entry doors
- Seal utility openings where pipes and wires enter the foundation and siding, e.g., around outdoor faucets, receptacles, gas meters, clothes dryer vents and telephone/cable TV wires
- Caulk cracks around windows, doors, etc.
- Repair gaps and tears in window and door screens, thus reducing the entry of flies, gnats, mosquitoes, midgets, cluster flies, beetles and other pests
- Install 1/4-inch wire mesh (hardware cloth) over the attic, roof and crawl space vents in order to prevent entry of rodents and other insects
- Consider applying an exterior (barrier) treatment with insecticides