Pest/Sites
of Pest Activity
|
Habitat
Modification/Sanitation
|
Carpenter Ants: Water-damaged wood; fenceposts; decking; firewood; door and window voids;
attics; utility piping; dead parts of trees and stumps; tree branches contacting roof.
|
Eliminate conditions that favor
moisture accumulation; move and aerate firewood; remove stumps and overhanging branches
contacting house as well as rotten railroad ties in landscape; remove dead trees. |
Termites:
Wood in direct contact with the soil; stored newspapers and cardboard boxes;
wood (e.g. tree stumps) and construction debris buried in backfill; fenceposts; porches.
|
Break wood-to-soil contact; remove
scrap wood and paper debris; improve drainage away from structure; inspect vapor barriers;
improve ventilation in crawl spaces. |
Cockroaches: Kitchens; grocery bags; unrefrigerated vegetables; toasters; radios and
TVs; bathrooms; electrical and plumbing conduits; floor drains.
|
Clean up spilled foods and water;
eliminate harborage and pathway areas by sealing or screening; repair water leaks;
increase ventilation; inspect incoming foods and packaging. |
Other Ants:
Wall voids; gaps under doors and around utility piping; house plants;
cracks in pavement; under landscape timbers, rocks and mulch.
|
Remove food sources; seal all cracks
and crevices; locate and eliminate nests; correct drainage in houseplants; seal cracks in
pavement and concrete slab. |
Fleas:
Pets; wildlife; neighbors' pets; carpets; furniture; pet bedding; yard.
|
Vacuum carpeting and furniture; keep
pets in your own yard; proper pet treatment; remove wild animals from structure. |
Flying Insects:
Garbage; faulty plumbing; eaves; attics; light fixtures; wall voids;
puddles of water and other moist areas.
|
Install or repair screens; change
lighting; improve drainage; remove garbage daily; keep trash cans clean and tightly
covered; repair cracks around siding, windows and doors. |
Pantry/Fabric Pests:
Flour; potpourri; spices, cereals; rice; beans; dry petfood; stored
clothing; woolen rugs.
|
Inspect foods and packaging prior to
storage; store foods in glass/plastic containers; clean-up spilled foods; rotate dry
goods; store only clean cloths. |
Mice and Rats:
Kitchen cabinets; stored food; storage areas; wall voids; inside
appliances; closets; firewood; attics, garages; basements.
|
Install physical barriers; eliminate
food and water; remove nesting sites; inspect incoming boxes. |
Squirrels/Bats/Birds:
Attics; garages; porches; eaves; exhaust vents; nearby trees; utility
lines; chimneys.
|
Install chimney caps and screens on
roof openings; remove tree branches in contact with home; repair holes in soffit and along
roof. |
