If you have ever had service from pest control in Knoxville, you may have heard of proofing the structure of your home or commercial property. This is an essential step that can stop pests from making themselves at home and damaging the property's structural integrity. Let's take a closer look at proofing and how pest control in Knoxville can help.

What Is Proofing?

In the simplest of terms, proofing is locating anywhere around your property that pests can use to gain access and taking steps to close it off. This could be something as small as a crack in the foundation, or it could be a larger access point like a broken sewer pipe. Proofing could be as easy as using some caulk to seal up cracks, or it can require some more extensive work. You don't need to wait until you experience a pest infestation to start proofing your home or business; you can also do it preemptively as a preventative measure. If you need help identifying potential entry points, book a pest control inspection with professional pest control in Knoxville. They will identify current pests and point out potential entry points needing proofing.

Which Pests Can I Proof Against?

When it comes to which pests it is possible to proof your property against, the short answer is all of them. There are steps you can take to discourage most pests to some degree. During the Fall, the ones you should be most concerned about are rodents and pests that seek shelter in the Winter. Proofing isn't just about closing up entry points, you can also take steps to make your property inhospitable to them once they gain entry. For example, you can seal up potential entry points for rodents and also have pest control in Knoxville lay traps inside to catch any that make it through. Similarly, you can seal up cracks and crevices that pests will use to gain entry, but also take steps in the kitchen to cut off potential food sources for these pests, such as cleaning up spillages quickly, sealing food in airtight containers and taking trash out regularly. Your local pest control in Knoxville can offer tips and treatment options to make the most of your proofing efforts.

Inexpensive Proofing Options

The good news is that there are plenty of proofing measures you can undertake by yourself, and they are fairly inexpensive, too. Once pest control in Knoxville has carried out an inspection and helped you to identify potential entry points, you can use some caulk or silicone to seal smaller cracks or expanding foam for the larger gaps. Some of the most common trouble spots you may want to pest proof include the following:

• Sealing window and door frames where the frame meets the wall
• Cover pulley holes on double hung windows with electrical tape
• Foam inserts can be purchased to seal gaps in electrical outlets
• Caulk the join between the baseboards and the wall
• Seal up cracks in the foundation
• Repair holes in door and window screen
• Cover attic and crawl space vents with hardware cloth

Additional Precautions

In addition to proofing your home or business, there are other steps that can be taken to discourage pests. Regular preventative treatment from professional pest control in Knoxville is essential. You will also want to look at your landscaping for potential pest habitats. Trim back trees that touch your roof or walls to stop pests using them as a highway into the building. You may also want to consider replacing mulch with gravel or rocks. Your outside trash should be kept in a sealed container in order to deter pests and wildlife from scavenging for food. It is also important to keep your firewood off the ground and a minimum of 20 feet away from your home.

In conclusion, proofing your home or business is an essential step in preventing pests from invading and causing damage. By identifying and sealing potential entry points and taking additional measures such as removing food sources and landscaping wisely, you can create an environment that is inhospitable to pests. While many proofing options are inexpensive and can be done yourself, partnering with a professional pest control service in Knoxville ensures that you don't miss any critical areas and helps provide ongoing protection through regular preventative treatments. Investing in these efforts will save you time, money, and stress in the long run by keeping your property pest-free.

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Otis Termite & Pest Control is a full-service pest control company with a focus on outstanding service. We have been serving the East Tennessee area for over 56 years and our reputation is built on prompt and effective service. We’re good at what we do and we’re fast. We do the job right the first time – and that’s an actual guarantee! 

Call 865.690.1662 or visit www.otispestcontrol.net.