Pests gain entry into homes through vulnerabilities in the building structure that provide passage and shelter. Small gaps in siding, gaps under doors, roof overhangs near trees or shrubs, and unsealed vents are common entry points for pests seeking refuge indoors. Insects such as beetles and spiders may be carried in on plants or firewood. Exclusion techniques like caulking cracks, weather-stripping doors, trimming vegetation away from the house, and storing firewood away from the structure are effective measures against pest intrusion.