How to Seal Cracks for Home Pest Control
Pests will find their way into your home by way of any unfilled cracks, gaps and holes in your foundation, walls, piping, floor and more. Ridding of their presence will prove more difficult than taking the time to prevent their entrance. The effort to do so will pay off in the end.
Things You Will Need:
- Spackle
- Mesh – Steel Wool or Copper
- Latex or Latex-Free Gloves
- Silicone or Acrylic Latex Caulk
- Latex Paint – Water-Based
- Look for small cracks surrounding cabinets, along baseboards, around fixtures, as well as wall and floor joints. Use a proper amount of acrylic or silicone latex caulk to cover these cracks completely. Tip: For a smooth appearance, use a moistened finger to work along the beaded surface.
- Smear a coat of water-based latex paint onto small cracks – under 1/2 inch in diameter – found on walls, flooring and wood, acting as a sealant.
- Search for large cracks 1/2-inch wide or greater. Caulk alone will not seal these off; therefore, cracks of this size will need to be stuffed with either copper or steel wool mesh first before proceeding. Apply a spackle coating or caulk to these stuffed cracks.
- Locate cracks on your exterior walls and foundation. Once found, spread spackle over the cracks; it may take anywhere between one coat to several to cover these completely. To finish, apply paint on top of the spackle.
- Pinpoint other openings in your home where your uninvited “guests” could enter. Such places might include exterior doors, vents, fixtures, piping and window and door screens. Door sweeps placed at the base of your exterior doors work to keep these pests out. Holes in your screens need repaired or replaced completely. Spray foam or caulk spaces surrounding your vents, piping and other fixtures; you also have the option of placing screens across your vent openings.