The Ultimate Room-by-Room Guide to Pest Proofing Your Home

Introduction: Stop Chasing Bugs - Start Blocking Them Out

Picture this: you squish an ant trail in the kitchen. A few days pass, and they're back. You spray a roach, only to find two more behind the toilet later that week. Sound familiar?

That's the problem with just getting rid of pests - it's a short - term fix to a long - term problem. 

Pest-proofing isn't about reacting. It's about taking control. It's about sealing off entry points, eliminating attractants, and creating a home environment that's downright unwelcoming to bugs, rodents, and everything in between. 

Why It Matters: 

• Prevention saves money and frustration. Pests cost U.S. homeowners billions in damage and control treatments every year. 
• DIY pest-proofing puts the power in your hands. No waiting for appointments. No harsh chemicals unless you choose them. 
• It supports a cleaner, healthier home overall. Many pest-proofing habits overlap with good home hygiene and maintenance. 

This isn't about deep cleaning for the sake of it or going to war with every spider you see. This is about smart, proactive action-done room by room- that gives you real, lasting peace of mind. 

What You'll Learn: 

In this guide, we'll walk through every area of your home-from the front door to the attic-and show you exactly how to: 

• Find hidden pest attractants in each room
• Block off common entry points.
• Use natural and chemical-free options (where possible)
• Create a quarterly routine you can actually stick to

Let's get started. 

First: Start With a Whole-Home Inspection 

Before going room by room, do this:

Walk the perimeter of your home and look for:

• Cracks or gaps in foundation
• Holes around pipes, vents, and utility lines
• Warped or damaged window screens

Look inside for:

• Droppings, dead insects, or nesting materials
• Moisture buildup (a major attractant for pests) 
• Entry points near windows, doors, and floorboards

Now let's go room by room

Entryways (Doors, Foyers, Hallways) 

 These are ground zero for pest entry.

Pest-Proofing Tips:

• Install door sweeps on all exterior doors
• Seal gaps with weather stripping and caulk.
• Add mesh screens to front and back doors if you like to leave them open. 

Pro tip: Spiders and ants love dark, undisturbed corners in foyers and closets. 

Kitchen 

The $1 hotspot for pests-especially ants, cockroaches, fruit flies, and pantry moths. 

Pest-Proofing Tips: 

• Keep counters crumb-free and wipe them down daily.
• Store food in airtight containers, including rice, flour, cereal. and pet food.
• Empty trash nightly and keep the bin covered. 
• Clean under appliances every week.
• Run the garbage disposal regularly with baking soda + vinegar to reduce smells.

Watch for: gnawed food packaging, grease trails, and droppings near the fridge. 

Living Room 

Cozy for humans, but also great for spiders, fleas, silverfish, and even rodents.

Pest-Proofing Tips: 

• Vacuum under furniture weekly-especially behind couches. 
• Seal gaps along baseboards and around vents. 
• Inspect indoor plants for gnats or aphids.
• Keep pet bedding clean to avoid flea infestations. 

 Bonus tip: Use essential like peppermint or cedarwood as a natural deterrent. 

Bedrooms

A peaceful place.... unless you're dealing with bed bugs, moths, or carpet beetles. 

Pest-Proofing Tips: 

• Encase mattresses and pillows in bug-proof covers. 
• Vacuum closets and under beds regularly
• Avoid storing dirty laundry in piles-especially if you've traveled recently
• Check luggage and laundry after trips.

Look out for: tiny blood spots, dark specks on sheets, or musty smells near beds. 

Bathrooms

The moisture makes bathrooms a haven for silverfish, drain flies, cockroaches, and mild mites. 

Pest-Proofing Tips: 

• Fix leaks under sinks and around toilet.
• Install mesh covers over sink and shower drains.
• Run exhaust fans to keep humidity low. 
• Clean drains weekly with baking soda + vinegar 

Pro tip: Drain flies lay eggs in gunky pipes-keep those pipes clean!!  

Laundry Room

Warm, humid, and full of crevices = rodent paradise.

Pest-Proofing Tips: 

• Seal gaps around washer/dryer hoses and vents
• Keep clutter to a minimum, especially near walls. 
• Avoid storing dirty clothes in piles (just like in the bedroom) 

Watch for: signs of chewing, especially near fabric softener boxes or dryer sheets. 

Kids' Rooms and Play Areas 

Toys, snacks, and clutter = pest buffet

Pest-Proofing Tips: 

• Don't allow food in bedrooms or playrooms if possible
• Wash plush toys and linens frequently
• Use bins with lids for toys and books 

Bonus tip: Insect-repelling laundry sheets can help keep some pests off of plush toys. 

Garage, Basement and Attic 

Dark, cluttered, and rarely cleaned-aka pest heaven for rodents, spiders, termites, and centipedes. 

Pest-Proofing Tips: 

• Declutter regularly store items in sealed plastic bins (not cardboard).
• Install door sweeps and window screens. 
• Use glue boards in corners to monitor activity. 
• Check for signs of moisture, wood rot, or gnawed insulation

Rodent clue: Shredded paper or nesting materials in boxes or insulation. 

Bonus Room: Pet Areas 

Pets attract pests-fleas, ticks, ants, and even roaches 

Pest-Proofing Tips: 

• Wash pet bedding weekly. 
• Store kibble in airtight containers.
• Keep water bowls clean and spill free
• Use vet-recommended flea and tick protection year-round. 

Final Layer of Protection (or first): Exterior Perimeter

Once the inside is protected, don't forget the outside. Majority of pest problems can be solved on the outside.

Outdoor Pest-Proofing Checklist: 

• Trim back vegetation touching the house. 
• Keep gutters clean to avoid standing water. 
• Remove leaf litter, stacked firewood, and debris near foundation walls. 
• Inspect for cracks or holes in siding and foundations. 
• Use outdoor-rated pest repellents around entry points. 

Pro Tip: Set a Seasonal Reminder

Pest prevention works best when it's consistent. Schedule quarterly pest checks with a printable checklist or digital reminder. 

Now You're Ready to Pest-Proof Your Home Like a Pro! 

Share this post with a friend who just moved in or someone who's tired of fighting ants every spring. And follow @allypestblog on Instagram for weekly DIY pest tips! 

 

 

 

 

 

How to Prevent Bed Bug Infestations This Summer

 Summer travel, secondhand furniture, and warm weather create the perfect storm for one of the most dreaded pests: bed bugs. These tine bloodsuckers are masters of stealth and survival-and once they move in. they don't leave easily. 

The good new? You can prevent a bed bug problem before it starts. Here's how to stay bed bug-free during peak season (July through October). 

1. Know the Signs Before It's Too late 

Most people don't realize they have bed bugs until it's a full-blown infestation. Catching them early makes all the difference. 

What to look for: 

• Small red bite marks (often in a line or cluster). There are other insects that leave similar bite marks so it's important to look for these other signs.
• Rust-colored stains on sheets or mattress seams. 
• Black or dark red spots on sheets, pillowcases, mattress seams, and walls near bed. 
• Shed skins or tiny white eggs. 
• Musty or sweet odor. 

If you notice any of these, it's time to investigate further. 

2. Be Travel-Smart 

Hotels, vacation rentals, and even airplanes can be hotspots for bedbugs-and you might bring them home without realizing it. 

DIY Bed Bug Travel Tips: 

• Do not bring luggage in yet! Do a thorough inspection first 
• Inspect mattresses, headboards, furniture, and even luggage racks
• Store dirty clothes in a sealed bag and unpack directly into the washer when you get home.
• Run all clothing in dryer on high heat for 30 minutes, even it looks clean. 

Bonus tip: Travel with a small flashlight to make spotting bed bugs easier in dim rooms. 

3. Be Cautious with Secondhand Items 

Thrift finds and curbside furniture may be budget-friendly, but they could also be bed bug infested. 

Inspect before you bring it in: 

• Pull back cushions and seams
• Use a flashlight to check cracks, creases, and corners
• When in doubt walk away. It may be hard, but you'll be better off. 

Pro tip: Avoid taking in mattresses or box springs from unknown sources- these are bed bug magnets. 

4. Keep Your Bedroom a Hostile Environment 

A clean space isn't immune to bed bugs-but the fewer hiding spots, the better. 

Easy ways to reduce risk: 

• Vacuum regularly around beds and baseboards
• Use mattress and box spring encasements to trap and monitor
• Keep clutter to a minimum under the bed.
• Avoid skirts or bedding that touch the floor. 

5. Natural vs. Professional Treatments 

If you do get bed bugs, don't panic-but act fast. 

• DIY options:  Some may say to use diatomaceous earth, or to buy this product or that product. In reality, those may do some good, but you'll go insane before you solve the problem.
• Call a professional: Yes, this is a DIY Pest Control blog, and I am telling you to call a professional exterminator. Here's why, bed bugs are becoming resistant to many pesticides and often hide deep in walls, outlets, or floorboards, far beyond the reach of sprays or steamers. Professionals use targeted heat treatments and advanced detection tools that homeowners just don't have access to. 

Waiting too long can make the infestation worse-and more expensive. 

Final Thought

No one wants to deal with bed bugs, especially in the middle of summer, but with a few smart precautions some awareness, you can stay bite-free and bug-free all season long. 

 Want more DIY pest control tips? 

Follow @allypestblog on Instagram and check out our other posts on mosquito prevention, fly traps, and ant control. We make dealing with pests simple, safe, and stress free.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Why Ants Keep Coming Back-and What You Can Do About It

You wipe the counter, take out the trash, and even mop the floors... but somehow, there they are. A tiny trail of ants marching along your baseboards like they own the place. We get it-and we're here to help.

Whether you're dealing with a full-blown invasion or just a few pesky scouts, here's how to handle ants the DIY way and actually get results. 

Why Are Ants Even Here? 

Ants don't just show up for fun- they're on a mission. Usually, it's one of three things:

• Food Crumbs (especially sweets and greasy foods)
• Moisture (like under sinks or around pet bowls)
• Access Points (cracks in windows, baseboards, or outlets) 

Once a scout ant finds something it likes, it lays down a pheromone trail- basically creating a breadcrumb path for the rest of the colony to follow. That's why they "suddenly appear" all at once. 

DIY Ant Solutions That Actually Work 

1. Disrupt Their Trail 

Wipe down ant trails with white vinegar or lemon juice. These cut through their scent trails and confuse the colony. 

2. Seal Entry Points 

Use caulk or weather stripping to seal cracks around windows, doors, and plumbing pipes. If they can't get in, they can't take over. 

3. DIY Ant Bait (That Actually Works!)

Mix:

• 1 tablespoon of borax
• 3 tablespoons of sugar
• A few drops of water 

 Place a few small amounts on a piece of wax paper near where you see the ants trailing. They'll take it back to the colony, and you'll start to see results in a few days. 

Pro Tip: You can also mix borax with peanut butter if the ants are more into protein than sugar. Ants are weird like that.

If you prefer not to spray or mix anything, ready-made ant bait stations (like those from Terro or Combat) can be placed near trails. They're mess-free, low-tox, and a more targeted way to eliminate ants without dust or chemical sprays. 

4. Keep Things Dry and Clean 

Wipe up spills, empty bowls overnight, and store food in sealed containers. Even a sticky jar lid can attract a parade. 

What Not to Do 

• Don't just spray the visible ants. That kills scouts, but the colony is still going strong- and they'll just send more. 
• Avoid bleach or ammonia near baits. Strong cleaners can repel ants before they take the poison back 

When to Call a Pro 

If you're seeing carpenter ants (large black ants that tunnel into wood), or if your DIY efforts haven't made a dent in 7-10 days, it might be time to call in backup. Some infestations are more stubborn than others 

Final Thoughts 

Ants are smart, persistent, and organized- but so are you. With the right DIY strategy, you can stop the trail and take back your kitchen, porch, or pantry.

Already tried one of these tips? Let us know how it worked for you in the comments below-or check out our recent post on mosquito control while you're here. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DIY Mosquito Control: How to Reduce (Not Eliminate) Mosquitoes Around Your Home

 

You can't get rid of mosquitoes completely-but you can drastically reduce them. Learn easy DIY mosquito control methods to reclaim your yard and enjoy your summer. 

Mosquitoes are one of the most annoying pests to deal with and in many places, they're just a fact of life. But here's the truth most pest blogs won't tell you: 

You're not going to get rid of mosquitoes entirely!

What you can do is reduce their numbers, make you yard less attractive to them, and protect yourself and your family from bites. So, let's talk about realistic, affordable, and effective DIY mosquito control. 

1. Eliminate Standing Water 

This is the #1 thing you can do to cut down on mosquito populations. 

Mosquitoes need standing water to lay their eggs. Even a bottle cap's worth of water can become a breeding ground. 

DIY To-Do List: 

• Dump out water in flowerpots, buckets, kiddie pools, and old tires (just get rid of the old tires)  

• Clean clogged gutters (this may be the most overlooked, but crucial spot to tackle) 

•  Refresh birdbaths every 2-3 days.  

• Store items like toys, or containers upside down so they don't collect water. 

2. Try Mosquito Repelling Plants 

Plants won't keep every mosquito away, but they can help as part of a layered approach.

Best DIY-Friendly Mosquito Repelling Plants: 

• Citronella grass - the real kind (not just scented geraniums).  

•  Lemongrass - smells great and doubles as a kitchen herd.

•  Basil - especially Thai Basil. 

•  Lavender - beautiful and fragrant. 

•  Marigolds - contains pyrethrum, a natural mosquito deterrent

3. Use Fans

Mosquitoes are weak fliers, and a fan on your porch or patio can reduce bites by over 60% according to a study by the American Mosquito Control Association. This is one of the easiest and most overlooked tricks in DIY mosquito control.

Place an oscillating fan near outdoor seating to the air moving-and the bugs away. 

4. Burn Mosquito-Repelling Candles or Incense 

Look for products that contain citronella, eucalyptus, or rosemary oils. 

DIY Tip: Make your own citronella candle by adding citronella essential oil to melted wax. 

5. Don't Rely on Zappers or Ultrasonic Devices

Bug zappers often kill beneficial insects more than mosquitoes, and ultrasonic pest repellents have no scientific backing. Save your money and stick to proven methods. 

6. Treat Problem Areas with DIY Larvicides

If you have a pond or a lot of low-lying areas around your yard that collects water every time it rains (mosquito eggs can be dormant until they are in water), use a BTI-based larvicide like Mosquito Dunks or Bits. These target mosquito larvae but are safe for humans, birds, and pets. 

You can find them at hardware stores or garden centers. 

Final Thought: Focus on Reduction, Not Perfection 

Even the pros will tell you that you'll never eliminate 100% of mosquitoes, especially if your neighbors aren't doing their part. But using DIY strategies consistently can cut your mosquito problem down to a manageable level. 

Want More Tips? 

Follow us on Instagram at @AllyPestBlog for weekly pest control tricks, natural solutions, and helpful advice. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

         

DIY Solutions for Fruit Flies

 

There's nothing worse than pouring your morning coffee and feel or hear tiny fruit flies around your ears. These pests seem to come out of nowhere and multiply super-fast. Here's a few easy and effective ways to solve this annoying problem. 

1. Apple Cider Vinegar Trap

Fruit flies are attracted to the smell fermented fruit, which is why apple cider vinegar works great. This is easy to put together and it's pretty cheap. 

How to make it:

• Pour a few tablespoons of apple cider vinegar into a small bowl or jar
• Add a drop of dish soap. This breaks the surface tension, so the flies sink
• Cover the container with plastic wrap, poke a few small holes in the top, and set it near your fruit bowl or trash can

You'll start to see the results in just a few hours!

2. Red Wine Trap 

If you do not have any apple cider vinegar, red wine works as well. Personally, I would rather finish the bottle and swat at the flies with it, but it can be a solid replacement in a pinch. 

3. Overripe Fruit Trap

No apple cider vinegar, and tired of swatting at the flies with the empty wine bottle? This is a great option.

How to do it:

• Place a piece of overripe banana or peach in a jar.
• Cover the top with plastic wrap and poke holes. 
• Let the fruit rot a little, the riper it gets, the better the trap will work (remember fruit flies are attracted to fermented fruit)

Empty it every day or two and replace with fresh bait. 

4. Boiling Water for Drains 

Sometimes fruit flies will breed in sink drains or garbage disposals. 

• Pour boiling water down the drains daily for a few days 
• Follow with 1/2 cup baking soda, then 1 cup white vinegar. Wait 10 minutes, then flush with hot water. 

This clears out the gunk that lines the pipes that fruit flies will sometimes lay their eggs. If these steps do not work, try using a foaming drain cleaner and follow the instructions on the bottle for best results. 

5. Clean and Eliminate Breeding Grounds

Focus on these hot spots: 

• Toss overripe fruit 
• Empty trash and compost bins often.
• Wipe down counters and sink drains
• Rinse out recyclables
• Keep produce in the fridge when possible. 

Prevention is the name of the game. The last step is probable the most important, eliminating sources like overripe fruit and juices from them right away is a large part of prevention. I hope that you have found this information useful and I welcome you feedback. If you have any other proven tips or tricks please let us know!