Longview, Washington boasts of beautiful neighborhoods, tall trees, and cozy homes built to handle the rainy weather. Home designs in the area keep people warm and dry, but they can they can invite pests. Homeowners must understand how this happens, so they can take appropriate action against these unwanted guests. Professional pest control services usually include determining factors that contribute to an infestation. This can help ensure a successful elimination and prevent future infestations. Read on to learn more about the impact of a home design on pest infestations:
Gaps in Rooflines, Gutters, and Attics
Many homes in Longview feature steep roofs and dormer windows as protection against rain and snow. But these features can also create small cracks or gaps that pests can take advantage of. Rodents, birds, and wasps can infiltrate attics through vents, soffits, or loose shingles. Moisture builds up and draws in mosquitoes, carpenter ants, and termites if gutters are not cleaned regularly.
Attics are warm and dry, which is what pests look for, especially during Longview’s cold and wet seasons. Checking for signs such as chewed insulation, nests, or droppings in these high-up areas is a good start for any homeowner concerned about pest activity.
Crawl Spaces and Foundation Gaps
Homes in Longview often have crawl spaces instead of full basements, which can become problem areas for pests. These spaces are dark, humid, and quiet, which are perfect for rodents, spiders, and cockroaches. A home design that does not include a vapor barrier or proper ventilation can cause moisture to collect and create the ideal environment for pests to thrive. Cracks in the foundation or small holes near pipes and vents also act as easy entry points. Ants and mice only need a tiny space to squeeze through.
Siding and Exterior Materials
Wood sidings loo beautiful, but they can rot and attract carpenter ants and termites if not properly sealed and maintained. Vinyl or fiber cement siding resists moisture better but can develop gaps where pests enter.
Landscaping that touches the house makes it easier for insects to bridge the gap from the yard to your home. Overhanging branches or firewood stacked against the house can create a highway for pests.
Windows, Doors, and Weather Stripping
Older homes in Longview often have single-pane windows or doors that do not shut tightly. Worn-out weather stripping or visible gaps around the frame will encourage flies, ants, and wasps to get inside.
Screen doors and window screens should also be checked regularly. Tiny tears or loose edges can be enough for insects to sneak through, especially during summer when doors and windows are open more often.
Garage and Utility Entry Points
Gaps under the garage door or holes around utility lines create wide-open entryways for mice and insects. Many garages are attached directly to the house, so pests that get into the garage often end up in living spaces, especially through shared walls or attic access points. Sealing around these entry points with weatherproof caulk or expanding foam can help prevent entry. Installing door sweeps on garage doors can also help block rodents and crawling insects.
Pointe Pest Control Knows Longview Homes
Dealing with pest issues in Longview takes a local touch. Pointe Pest Control has been helping homeowners across the Pacific Northwest tackle pest problems with care and confidence. They are familiar with the common design features found in Longview neighborhoods and understand how those features create opportunities for pests to move in.
Pointe Pest Control CEO Jacob Borg has built his company around thoughtful, customer-focused service. His team knows that no two homes are the same, so they inspect every property carefully. They look beyond the obvious and focus on how the structure, materials, and landscaping affect pest activity.