What are the most effective ways to prevent pests from entering my home?

In the beloved 1995 comedy, "Houseguest," comedian Sinbad portrays a con artist on the run from the Mafia, who he owes money to. To escape, he pretends to be an old friend of a suburban family, played by the late Phil Hartman, and moves in as their guest. The fun begins as Sinbad wins over the family with his antics, but things take a turn when the Mafia finds him and he goes from being a welcomed guest to an unwanted house pest [source: Rotten Tomatoes].

Insects and rodents can often go unnoticed but can still be just as bothersome. After all, there’s nothing worse than waking up to find a tick lodged into your skin or discovering a rat has snatched up all your cereal.

There are various ways to deal with unwanted critters — from raccoons to cockroaches — once they’ve made themselves at home. In the U.S., many people opt for exterminators, with the pest control industry generating nearly $7 billion annually [source: Hoovers]. While exterminators typically use harmful chemicals to deal with pests, these substances can be risky for your health. A 2003 study by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) revealed that the average person carries at least 13 types of pesticides in their body, some of which are linked to health issues such as cancer and nerve damage [source: CDC].

What are the alternatives to traditional pest control? How can you keep pests away from your home without calling an exterminator? In fact, a green alternative may be your best bet. Find out more about an eco-friendly approach to pest prevention on the next page.

DIY Pest Control

The most effective way to keep pests out is to prevent them from ever entering your home in the first place. Mytour.com is confident that if you inspect your home's exterior — including the walls, doors, windows, and roof — you'll uncover surprising entry points. While you use the front door, pests like bugs and rodents are less discerning and will slip through cracks in the foundation, gaps in windows, or spaces between walls and floors. Sealing these openings with caulk won't just block pests, it will also help reduce your home's energy costs.

Even with all your precautions, household pests may still manage to find their way inside. Once they're in, you can make your home unwelcoming to rodents and insects by making it as inhospitable as possible for them.

Insects require food, water, and shelter to thrive. Instead of going to the store for supplies, they often seek out resources in places you may not think to check. For instance, standing water in a dish under a potted plant is like a water hole in the African savanna for pests like cockroaches, mice, and flies [source: CDPR]. Look around your home and you might discover other hidden sources of water. Remove these, and you’ll find that pests won’t stick around as easily.

Eating is a favorite activity for pests. Your pantry is a goldmine, with cereal boxes, pasta packages, and cookie bags offering a feast for them. Mice and rats can chew through cardboard without you noticing, making your food vulnerable. Store such items in airtight metal or plastic containers to keep pests at bay [source: University of Arkansas].

Keeping your home tidy helps eliminate food sources for pests. Remember that meatball you dropped on the kitchen floor and quickly ate when no one was looking? Well, the sauce splattered onto the baseboard, which could become a tasty meal for pests. Regular cleaning, especially in areas where food is prepared and eaten, can help keep pests away. Be sure to sweep up any crumbs and avoid leaving dishes stacked in the sink.

A clean home also reduces places where pests can hide. The old saying that you don’t notice roaches until you clean your house holds true: Old newspapers and boxes create ideal hiding spots for pests [source: CDPR]. Declutter your home, and not only will you have more space to enjoy, but you’ll also reduce pest hideouts.

Lastly, reconsider what you define as a "pest." Think twice before killing a spider — they’re excellent at controlling other bugs and generally stay to themselves. In warmer areas, having a lizard around can help reduce your household bug population [source: BBC]. Plus, fostering the natural food chain in your home is one of the most eco-friendly ways to manage pests.

For additional details on pest control and other related subjects, proceed to the next page.