Secure Your Home: A Cornish Homeowner's Pest-Proofing Checklist

Secure your home: A Cornish Homeowner's Pest-Proofing Checklist:

When it comes to pests, we can all agree on one thing: it’s far better to keep them out in the first place. Dealing with an infestation is stressful, time-consuming, and often costly. The good news is that you can dramatically reduce your risk with a few proactive steps.

At Cornwall PestXpert Solutions, we believe prevention is the most effective form of pest control. We’ve put together this essential pest-proofing checklist to help you turn your home into a fortress against unwanted guests.

The External Wall Check: Your First Line of Defence

Most pests get in from the outside, so this is the most critical area to secure. Take a slow walk around your property and look for:

• Gaps in Brickwork: Check for crumbling mortar and gaps in the brickwork or around foundations. A mouse can squeeze through a hole the size of a pencil (6mm).

• Utility Entry Points: Look where pipes and cables for water, gas, and electricity enter your home. Seal any gaps around them with wire wool and sealant.

• Air Bricks and Vents: These are essential for ventilation but can be an open door for pests. Fit them with fine wire mesh covers to block access without impeding airflow.

• Roof and Eaves: Check for damaged roof tiles, broken soffits, or gaps under the eaves where birds, squirrels, or wasps could get in.

Garden & Outdoor Management: Don't Invite Them In

Your garden can either be a barrier or a welcome mat for pests.

• Waste Bins: Keep all outdoor bins, including compost bins, securely sealed.

• Clear Debris: Remove piles of wood, leaves, or garden cuttings from near the house, as these provide perfect shelter for rodents.

• Trim Vegetation: Cut back climbing plants, tree branches, and shrubs that are touching the walls of your house. These act as bridges for pests to access upper floors.

• Eliminate Standing Water: Tip out water from plant pots and trays to prevent mosquitoes from breeding.

The Indoor Scan: Maintain Your Fortress from Within

• Food Storage: Store all food, including pet food, in sealed containers made of metal or hard plastic.

• Cleanliness: Clean up spills and crumbs immediately. Don't leave dirty dishes out overnight.

• Check for Leaks: Fix any leaky taps or pipes, as many pests are attracted to sources of water.

When to Call an Expert

This checklist will significantly reduce your risk, but for complete security, a professional eye can spot vulnerabilities you might have missed. A professional pest-proofing survey provides a top-to-bottom assessment of your property, with expert advice on how to seal it against intruders for good.

Want to secure your home against unwanted guests? Use our checklist, and for complete peace of mind, book a professional pest-proofing survey with Cornwall PestXpert Solutions.