1. Keep a Clean Home
A clean home is the foundation of a healthy home and one of the best defenses against an insect problem. Most bugs (and rodents) are after food and water, so the more you can cut off those resources, the better.
Some easy ways to make your home less appealing to pests include:
- Put dirty dishes straight into the dishwasher instead of leaving them in the sink overnight.
- Wipe up crumbs and spills as soon as they happen.
- Store food in airtight containers (especially sugar, flour, cereal, and pet food).
- Take the trash out regularly, and make sure your kitchen trash can has a tight-fitting lid.
- Fix leaky faucets and dripping pipes to avoid giving pests a water source.
It might not always feel easy with kids running around, but even small steps can make a big difference.
2. Tackle Common Insect Entry Points
Even the cleanest home can wind up with bugs if they slip through unnoticed cracks and gaps. Some of the most common insect entry points include:
- Gaps around the kitchen door or sliding glass doors
- Cracks in window frames
- Openings around plumbing and utility lines
- Spaces under exterior doors
You can seal those trouble spots once you know where pests are sneaking in.
3. Install Door Sweeps and Weather-Stripping
That tiny gap under your front or back door is basically a welcome mat for ants, roaches, spiders, and even mice. One of the easiest upgrades you can make is to install door sweeps on exterior doors. Pair them with fresh weather-stripping around the sides and top of doors, and you’ll block out bugs and drafts.
4. Keep Bugs Out With Screens
Open windows are great for fresh air until mosquitoes and flies find their way inside. To keep your home bug-free:
- Make sure every window and door has a screen with at least 20-mesh or finer.
- Repair tears right away using a patch kit or even a dab of clear nail polish for small holes.
- Don’t forget to check screened porches and vents, too.
5. Try DIY Natural Remedies
If you’d like to reduce chemicals in your home, natural deterrents can help discourage pests:
Ants: Spray a mix of ¼ cup citrus solvent and 2 cups water along baseboards and entry points. You can also place cucumber slices near cracks where ants appear.
Roaches: Mix two teaspoons of garlic or peppermint oil with 2 cups of water, then spray affected areas. Non-toxic boric acid can also help when applied carefully along baseboards.
These solutions won’t eliminate a major infestation, but they can provide an extra layer of defense.
6. Mow the Lawn and Trim Back Plants
An overgrown yard makes the perfect hiding place for insects and a direct pathway into your home. Mowing the lawn regularly, trimming bushes, and keeping tree branches from touching the roof are simple ways to reduce pest traffic. A tidy yard means fewer pests trying to sneak inside.
7. Remove Yard Debris
Bugs love clutter. Toys, flowerpots, firewood piles, and even leaves can create moist hiding spots for insects. Make it a habit to:
- Clear away unused items
- Stack firewood off the ground and away from your house
- Clean out gutters and bag leaves promptly
- Keep pet waste picked up
The fewer hiding places outside, the fewer pests will try to wander indoors.
8. Eliminate Standing Water
Mosquitoes are one of the most frustrating outdoor pests; all they need to breed is a little water. Dump water from buckets, toys, plant saucers, and birdbaths often. If you have a bigger mosquito problem, consider signing up for seasonal treatments.
9. Protect Against Ticks
Ticks aren’t just gross; they can carry Lyme disease and other illnesses. To make your yard less inviting to them:
- Keep grass cut short and remove leaf litter.
- Place playground equipment away from brushy areas.
- Plant fragrant herbs like rosemary or lavender that naturally repel ticks.
- Dress kids in light-colored clothing outside so ticks are easier to spot.
10. Call in Professional Pest Control
Sometimes, even with your best efforts, pests find a way in. When that happens, a professional pest control service can step in with eco-friendly solutions that go beyond what DIY methods can accomplish. Experts can pinpoint entry points you might have missed, apply targeted treatments, and give you long-term peace of mind.
Trusted Pest Control Solutions for North Atlanta Homeowners
Bug-proofing your home isn’t about doing one big project—it’s about making small, manageable changes that add up to a big difference. From keeping a clean home to sealing common insect entry points, there are plenty of easy ways to create a healthier, more insect-free home.
But sometimes, pests still find a way in, no matter how many steps you take. That’s where got bugs? Termite & Pest Solutions comes in. Our home pest control services protect families across North Atlanta, including Alpharetta, Buckhead, and Marietta, year-round.
Whether you’re dealing with ants in the kitchen, mosquitoes in the yard, or other pests sneaking inside, our locally owned and family-operated pest control company help you reclaim your home and enjoy lasting peace of mind.
