Pest intelligence,
plain English

Featured Guide

Spring pest-proofing:
the 45-minute perimeter walk

Before the weather warms up, walk your property once with this checklist and you'll dodge most of the season's ant, rodent and mosquito problems before they start.

Start at the foundation and work around the whole perimeter. Look for gaps wider than a pencil at pipe penetrations, weather stripping that's lost its seal, and vents missing their screens. Trim vegetation at least 18 inches off the siding — it's a highway for ants and a hiding spot for rodents.

• Seal foundation gaps with silicone or steel wool
• Clear standing water — mosquitoes breed in a bottle cap
• Check attic and crawlspace vents for damage