Tips on preventing pest problems

Pests can be problematic for homeowners. Pests can be frightening, and an infestation can result in property damage if it is not discovered or treated promptly.

According to Green Pest Management, termites can hollow out beams, beetles can tunnel through hardwood, and rodents can chew through wiring and insulation. It doesn't take long for damage to escalate. And homeowners may not know issues are building until problems have become visible.

To address pests effectively, both inside and outside of the home, homeowners should prioritize prevention and physical barriers first. Chemicals and professional pest treatment services may be necessary if initial efforts are not enough. Here are some strategies homeowners can try.

• Check the perimeter. Pests can enter a home through small gaps in the foundation, as well as around windows and doors. Use silicone caulk around windows and stuff steel wool in gaps around plumbing pipes.

• Address moisture issues. Many insects are attracted to dampness. It's important to fix leaky faucets immediately and use a dehumidifier in basements or crawl spaces to make the environment less hospitable to pests.

• Manage crumbs and trash. Pests like an easy food source, so move dry goods into glass or sealed plastic containers. Clean up crumbs around the kitchen, empty catches in the sink drain readily, and be sure to take out the garbage before it gets full and malodorous; otherwise, you might be luring pests indoors.

• Create a buffer zone outside. Try not to plant vegetation too close to the home. While mulch is coveted for its use in landscaping, it can act as a highway for termites and ants. Gravel or bare dirt may be better against the house.

• Eliminate standing water. Clear gutters and address low-lying areas of the landscape. Turlock Mosquito Abatement District says mosquitoes grow in standing water, and they can develop into biting mosquitoes in amounts of water as small as that needed to fill a bottle cap. Tip and toss out any water to prevent mosquito breeding.

• Use natural repellents. Peppermint oil might deter spiders and rodents near entry points. Diatomaceous earth is a fine powder made from fossilized, microscopic remains of hard-shelled aquatic organisms. While used primarily in some pool filtration systems, DE also can dehydrate insects with exoskeletons, like ants or roaches.

If pests become problematic and first-line treatments are not working, consult with a professional pest company to see what might be the answer.