Keeping pests out: simple handyman fixes to seal entry points
It doesn’t take much for pests to find their way inside a house. A gap under a door, a torn window screen, or a crack near a vent can feel like a welcome mat to mice, ants, and other uninvited guests. When you’re already juggling work and family, the last thing you need is the hassle of tracking down where they’re getting in. That’s where a handyman can help.
finding the problem spots
Before sealing anything up, it’s important to spot the entry points. Pests often use the same paths over and over. Common areas include:
- gaps around doors and windows
- damaged screens on windows or porch doors
- openings where pipes, cables, or dryer vents exit the house
- cracks in the foundation or siding
A handyman can go through your home, inside and out, to identify places that need attention.
simple repairs that make a big difference
The fixes aren’t complicated, but they save a lot of stress in the long run:
- replacing torn screens: Fresh window or door screens keep bugs out while letting air in.
- installing weatherstripping: A tight seal on doors and windows blocks both drafts and insects.
- caulking cracks: Sealing small gaps in siding, trim, or foundation walls stops pests before they get inside.
- securing vents: Adding vent covers keeps out birds, squirrels, and rodents looking for warmth.
These small repairs make a home far less inviting to pests.
common northeast ohio pests and when they appear
Homeowners in northeast Ohio often see certain pests at specific times of year:
- mice and rats look for warmth indoors from late fall through winter.
- ants show up in early spring when the ground thaws and food becomes scarce outside.
- spiders become more noticeable in late summer and fall as they search for shelter.
- flies and mosquitoes peak in warm months, especially near standing water or after heavy rains.
- stink bugs invade in early fall as temperatures drop, trying to overwinter in attics and walls.
Knowing the patterns helps you stay ahead of the problem — and sealing entry points before these seasons hit keeps pests out instead of battling them after they’ve moved in.
peace of mind year-round
Once the entry points are sealed, homeowners don’t have to worry as much about infestations. It’s a one-time effort that pays off season after season. Instead of reacting to problems with traps or sprays, you’re preventing pests from getting in at all.