Our neighbor was not so lucky. He had to tear out and replace an entire kitchen wall.

This summer we saw a few Carpenter Ants in the house. We didn’t know at the time that these were scouts out looking for a new home. In the following days there were a few more, and then a few more. Suddenly there were masses of ants marching into the back of our freezer.

They seem to have found paradise. There was a large, easy supply of food. Dry cat food had been spilled behind the freezer. The ants were hauling in eggs and nesting material, sage and wood chewed from the structure of our house. They worked frantically to build a nest on top of the constantly warm freezer motor.

They broke through the concrete foundation at a seam where they had built up a mound of dirt that went from the ground to the bottom of the wooden siding. The dirt presumably protected the eggs during transit. Termites build mud highways, or tubes, to protect themselves as they move from underground into a building.

Ants were invading our home by the thousands at an amazing pace. I am not a fan of insecticides, but lacking an anteater, or flock of chickens, to deal the problem I sprayed them with a commercial ant killer. I removed their access mound outside and sprayed the entry hole. The next step is to seal the hole and all other points of possible entry for pests.

Timely maintenance is the key to keeping your home pest free. Most pests require a constant source of food and water. Chronic moisture in your home will attract pests which attract predators to eat them. These types of pest require the same conditions that allow mold and wood rot to grow. Keep your entire home dry and very few pest will find a friendly environment to live. An added benefit is that a dry, well sealed house is healthier and more energy efficient.

 Pest Entry Check List

1. Prevent Access to Your House

ROOF & GUTTERS
O Check roof flashings
O Clean insect and bird nests from roof eaves and soffits   
O Clean debris from roof and gutters
O Make sure gutters drain properly and are in good repair     
O Make sure downspouts are in good repair and directed away from foundation  

CHIMNEY
O Clean, maintain and repair chimney
O Install spark arrestor and/or damper if needed     
O Make sure chimney is water tight

LANDSCAPE
O Remove access to siding and roof from trees and other plants too close to building  
O Make sure the earth is no closer than 6” to your siding
O Watch for mounds of dirt or mud tubes that provide safe passage for ants and termite 
O Remove decaying plant material from around building

DRAINAGE
O Make sure all runoff, including from dripping hose faucets, is directed away from foundation  
O Make sure runoff drains from your property to an appropriate place

KITCHEN
O Check for ventilation kitchen, baths and laundry     
O Check caulking and grout in baths, and kitchen
O Check for plumbing leaks under sinks  

INDOOR PLANTS
O Does condensation form on windows after watering plants?