How to Prevent Pest Infestations in Your Home: A Complete Guide

*Updated May 19th, 2025

Let’s face it—pests are the last thing you want hanging around your home. Whether it’s ants marching through your kitchen, mice in the attic, or roaches showing up unannounced, these little intruders can cause big problems. From damaging your stuff to spreading germs and contaminating your food, they’re more than just a nuisance.

With a few smart habits and simple preventative steps, you can keep your home pest-free and stop infestations before they start. Here’s how to keep those unwelcome guests out for good.

Common Household Pests

Depending on the time of year and where you live, your home could attract all kinds of unwanted critters. Some pests just want to sneak in for warmth and shelter, while others are on the hunt for food and moisture. Either way, once they’re inside, they can be tough to kick out.

Here are a few of the usual suspects:

• Ants – These tiny scavengers are pros at finding crumbs and spills, especially in kitchens. Some types, like carpenter ants, can even damage wood structures.

• Cockroaches – Roaches love warm, damp places like bathrooms and under sinks. They’re not just gross—they can also spread bacteria and trigger allergies.

• Spiders – While most spiders are harmless and actually eat other bugs, no one loves walking into a surprise web. They tend to hang out in quiet, undisturbed areas like basements, garages, and attics.

• Rodents (mice and rats) – These furry intruders can squeeze into the tiniest gaps and often head indoors when it’s cold. Once inside, they chew through wires, food containers, and insulation—and leave behind droppings as a calling card.

• Bed Bugs – Small but mighty, bed bugs are notorious hitchhikers that sneak into homes via luggage, clothing, or used furniture. They hide in mattresses and furniture, and their bites can leave you itchy and frustrated.

• Mosquitoes – These buzzing pests thrive in areas with standing water and are more than just annoying—they can carry serious diseases like West Nile virus or Zika.

• Flies – Houseflies and fruit flies are attracted to food and garbage. They’re fast breeders and can quickly turn into a bigger problem if not handled early.

Knowing which pests are most common in your area is the first step toward keeping them out. The next step? Creating an environment they’re not too keen on sticking around in—which we’ll get into next.

Preventing Pests from Entering Your Home

The best prevention is making your home less attractive and accessible to pests. Here are some tips:

• Seal up any potential entry points like gaps, cracks or holes in walls, doors, windows, pipes, vents, screens or foundation. Use caulk, foam, mesh or steel wool to plug up areas that pests could squeeze through. Even dime-sized openings can allow pests inside.

• Clean thoroughly and regularly to eliminate food sources and hiding spots. This includes vacuuming carpets, wiping down counters and appliances, sweeping and mopping floors, dusting furniture and shelves, and getting rid of clutter and garbage that pests could feed on or nest in.

• Store food properly in sealed containers to deny pests access. Keep the pantry tidy and inspect regularly for any signs of insects or rodents. Promptly dispose of spoiled or expired food so it doesn’t attract pests.

• Fix any plumbing issues like leaky faucets or pipes. Drain standing water inside and outside your home. Use dehumidifiers or fans to lower moisture levels. Clean gutters and downspouts to prevent stagnant water. This denies pests the water they need to survive.

• Trim back vegetation touching the exterior walls or roof. This removes hiding spots and access routes for pests. Mow the lawn, weed and maintain landscaping, and clear away fallen leaves, debris and firewood stacks that pests could hide under.

• Use natural repellents like essential oils and certain plants to deter pests without toxic chemicals. Peppermint, citronella, eucalyptus and other aromatics repel insects. Mint, garlic, basil and other herbs discourage pests from gardens.

• Monitor regularly for any signs of pests like droppings, nests, webs, odors or noises. Identify and address infestations quickly before they grow out of control. The sooner you intervene, the easier it will be to get rid of the pests.

Seasonal Pest Prevention Tips

Pest problems don’t take a vacation—they just change with the weather. Depending on the time of year, different critters try to sneak into your home or set up shop in your yard. Staying one step ahead with seasonal pest prevention can save you a lot of frustration (and bug spray) down the line.

Spring/Summer

When the temperatures rise, so does pest activity. Ants, mosquitoes, flies, and even wasps become way more active in the warmer months.

Tips for spring and summer:

• Keep doors and windows sealed tight and make sure window screens are free of rips or gaps—tiny insects can sneak in through the smallest spaces.

• Get rid of standing water around your home (like in flower pots, gutters, or kiddie pools) to avoid becoming a mosquito breeding ground.

• Clean up crumbs and spills quickly—especially in the kitchen and on outdoor patios where ants love to hang out.

• Take out the trash regularly, and keep lids tightly closed. Fruit flies and houseflies are big fans of overflowing bins.

• Trim back bushes and trees that touch your home, which can act like a bug superhighway straight to your walls.

Fall/Winter

As the weather cools down, pests like mice, rats, and cockroaches go on the hunt for warmth and shelter—and your cozy home is prime real estate.

Tips for fall and winter:

• Seal up any cracks or holes in your foundation, walls, or around doors and windows. Even tiny gaps are enough for a mouse to wiggle through.

• Install door sweeps and weatherstripping to block cold drafts and curious critters.

• Store firewood away from the house, not up against it—rodents and bugs love to nest in stacked wood.

• Declutter attics and basements, which are common hiding spots for pests trying to stay warm.

• Inspect vents, chimneys, and dryer ducts to make sure they’re properly covered and screened.

By adjusting your pest prevention habits with the seasons, you can stop infestations before they start

Pest Control Products and Professional Services

If you have a severe or persistent infestation, pest control products and professional services may be necessary.

Pest Control Products

When using pest control products such as traps, baits, foggers, and sprays, it’s important to buy those that are easy to use. Always read and follow the instructions on the label for safe use, which will tell you how to store the product, what protective gear you need, how to ventilate the area, and how to keep people and pets safe during application. After you’re done, make sure to dispose of any leftover products or containers the right way, which you can usually find on the label or by checking local waste disposal guidelines.

Pest Control Services

Professional pest control services employ experts who inspect your home, figure out the kind of pests you have and how bad the infestation is, and then come up with a treatment plan to get rid of them. Well-known companies such as Orkin and Terminix are not only licensed and insured but also provide guarantees on their work.

Choosing the Right Pest Control Method

Consider the type of pest, severity of infestation, your home’s size, your budget, preferences, and safety concerns when selecting control methods.

Research pests and effective, eco-friendly control methods through trusted resources. Match the control method to your specific situation and preferences. For example, fast-acting sprays for an emergency, bait traps for a non-toxic solution, or professional treatment for a serious infestation.

Carefully follow all usage guidelines, prepare the home as recommended, and take safety precautions such as wearing protective clothing, ventilating areas during and after application, keeping children and pets away from treated areas, and properly disposing of products.

Conclusion

Keeping your home pest-free doesn’t have to be complicated. A few good habits and regular check-ins can go a long way in keeping bugs and critters at bay. If you’re ever unsure, don’t hesitate to reach out to a pest control pro for help. Your home—and your sanity—will thank you.

FAQs

How do I know if I have a pest infestation in my home?

Signs of pests include droppings, chew marks, grease trails, webbing, foul odors, insect bites, dead bugs, rodent noises, and direct sightings of the pests themselves. Unexpected health issues in family members or pets can also indicate pests.

What diseases can pests spread?

Pests can transmit diseases through contamination, bites, waste, and parasites. Rodents spread hantavirus, salmonella, and plague. Ticks spread Lyme disease. Cockroaches transmit gastroenteritis and diarrhea. Mosquitoes can give you West Nile, Zika, dengue fever, and malaria.

How do pests get into homes?

Pests enter through any cracks, holes, or gaps in the home’s exterior. They also get transported inside via bags, boxes, plants, and food. Improperly sealed doors, open vents, damaged screens, and plumbing leaks provide entryways.

Where do pests hide in a home?

Pests seek out dark, damp, warm, enclosed spaces to nest. Cluttered storage areas, cabinets, basements, attics, garages, wall voids, stored items, and around plumbing fixtures offer desirable hiding spots. Check there for signs.

When should I call a professional pest control company?

If you have a large infestation, multiple pest types, vulnerable household members, limited ability to implement treatments yourself, or if over-the-counter products failed, call a licensed exterminator. Professionals have the expertise, specialized equipment and chemicals to effectively eliminate pests.

How do I choose the right pest control company?

Look for licensed, insured companies with knowledgeable technicians, good reputation, reasonable prices, positive reviews, and satisfaction guarantees. Obtain several quotes to compare before you decide to work with a local pest control company.

What can I expect during professional pest control service?

The technician from the pest control company will inspect to identify all pest types, entry points, and areas of activity. They will explain the recommended treatment plan, products to be used, safety precautions, preparation and follow-up needed, and costs.

Can pest control chemicals be harmful to my family or pets?

Certain harsh chemicals can be toxic with improper use. Discuss any health conditions or concerns with the company so they can recommend low-risk alternatives that are safe when directions are followed. Keep people and animals away during and immediately after treatment until any ventilation period and surface drying is completed.

How can I prevent pests from returning after treatment?

Continue sealing entry points, reducing clutter, fixing plumbing, storing food properly, setting out traps and keeping the home clean. Avoid bringing used furniture into your home. Have the company provide follow-up treatments or maintenance plans if pests are highly prone in your area.