Pest prevention: Keeping critters and insects at bay
By Jenny C. McCune • Bankrate.com

If you thought your college roommate was bad, you definitely don't want a family of squirrels or a pack of termites bunking with you.

Here are some steps that the National Pest Management Association says will reduce the chances that unwanted critters take up residence in or under your home:

• Remove piles of wood from around or under your home. This will give termites and carpenter ants fewer dining opportunities.
  
  
• Promptly dispose of garbage, which can attract mice, rats and other rodents.
  
  
• Keep pet food properly stored. Bears, skunks, mice and other unwelcome diners will try to eat unsecured dog chow or kitty kibble. If the pet food is tasty (or handy) enough, they may even decide to move in instead of merely visit for an occasional meal.
  
  

- advertisement -

• Remove dried-out, water-damaged building materials. They can attract pests.
  
  
• Fix leaks before water damage encourages mold to grow or otherwise wreaks havoc on your home's structure.
  
  
• Caulk cracks and crevices to keep insects, mice and other pests outside where they belong.

Jenny C. McCune is a contributing editor based in Montana.

Main story: There's no insurance against household pests