This article first appeared in the Austin American Statesman. For decades we have relied on chemical barriers to keep pests out of our homes, rather than trying to physically exclude them. Officially called Integrated Pest Management, or IPM, this approach is a balanced, tactical approach that controls pests with the least risk to human health and the environment. Good home maintenance practices are fundamental to a successful IPM program. Most people probably own homes that were not designed or built with IPM in mind.
Every home has identifiable weak points where pests are likely to enter or reside.
Identifying and fixing these is an effective way to control pests. The following list of common problem areas associated with pests can be used to do a quick inspection of your home's exterior. Many pests are attracted to water or water-damaged areas. Pay close attention to any area of your home that may come in contact with water. It may not be feasible to fix all the problems you find but identifying them will make it easier to monitor for pest activity.