Household Checklist
This checklist walks you through every common pest entry point in a home, from the foundation to the roofline, inside and out. Work through it once to find and seal the gaps, then revisit annually to catch what settlement, weather, and wear have opened since.
1/4 in
a mouse fits through
1/16 in
insects enter
12-18 in
foundation clearance zone
20 ft
firewood from the house
Section 1
The foundation line is where most pest entry happens. Walk the full perimeter with a flashlight and note every gap larger than 1/16 inch.
Section 2
The threshold beneath exterior doors is the single most overlooked entry point. Check every door, including the one between the garage and the house.
Section 3
Intact screens keep insects out. For rodent exclusion, standard window screening is insufficient. Use 1/4-inch hardware cloth on vents and crawlspace openings.
Section 4
The roofline is where wildlife finds its way in. Inspect from the ground with binoculars if you are not comfortable on a ladder.
Section 5
Many entry points are easier to spot from inside, where pipes and wires pass through walls and floors. Check under sinks, behind appliances, and in utility spaces.
Section 6
The habitat layer that determines whether pests approach the building in the first place. Clearance, mulch, vegetation, firewood, water, and food sources.
Gear
A few inexpensive materials handle most exclusion work.
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