September 21, 2000
Los Angeles [articles]So you've accomplished the American
Dream: you've created a cozy and inviting home for you and your family.The
bad news is that bugs and critters feel the same way, and they want to make your nest their own. "As any homeowner knows, keeping nature outside your walls, where it belongs, is apt to be a lifelong effort," says Kathy Price-Robinson, a home-improvement expert and a frequent contributor to Farmers Insurance Group's Friendly Exchange magazine. "But," Price-Robinson adds, "considering that your homeowners policy does not cover damages caused by such pests, your efforts to prevent them from invading and harming your home will be worthwhile. What can you do to discourage pests from entering your house in the first place?Price-Robinson and Farmers Insurance Group recommend defending against some of the most common home-wreckers the following ways:
Termites: While just the word "termites" strikes fear in most homeowners' minds, some types are less harmful than others. Prevention is really the key when it comes to termites. Store firewood away from your house and remove any wood scraps from the crawl space. Fix leaky roofs and skylights and repair leaking pipes. Outside, make sure your yard slopes away from the house, to keep excess moisture away. But before you go out to buy a gallon of poison or a giant fumigation tent, beware that fighting an infestation is usually not a do-it-yourself job. Look in the Yellow Pages under "pest control" to find an expert.
Carpenter Ants: These large black ants nest in damp wood, and if you provide that environment around your home, they will come. Again, move your woodpile away from your house and fix any leaks. On the plus side, carpenter ants can alert you to a problem. Investigating and then eliminating the cause of the leak will help rid you of the ants, and could save you from more expensive long-term water damage, as well. Andy Jones, a Farmers claim manager in Columbus, Ohio, also suggests thinning the brush around your house every couple of years so that the ground gets more sun and dries out.
Roaches, Spiders and Flies: Even though they are more of a nuisance than a danger to your family and home, these insects are not welcome guests in your residence. In the Northeast, cluster flies and ladybugs seek out the warmth of homes. Keep them out by sealing up your house as much as possible. Dan Hatch, a Farmers claims adjuster in Phoenix, recommends using silicone caulk, which seems to repel insects. But be aware that it can mildew, increasing water damage. Polyurethane caulk is a good substitute.
Mice and Rats: "You should not live with rats and mice," says Andrea Kitay, a wildlife biologist in Camarillo, Calif. "They can harbor a wide range of diseases, including plague, hantavirus and salmonellosis, to mention a few. Do not tolerate them." To prevent mice from entering your home, Kitay suggests blocking all potential entrance points by plugging holes larger than a quarter of an inch with cement mortar or heavy-gauge hardware cloth. Steel wool or copper gauze can be stuffed tightly into openings for a temporary patch.
Squirrels and skunks: It's not hard to imagine the kind of damage a skunk could do in your crawl space -- the stinky kind. And while squirrels prefer the cozier upper regions of your house, especially the attic, they can cost you a lot of money in repairs if they happen to travel down the chimney and into your house. The best defense is to seal up any places on your house where skunks, squirrels and even snakes can get inside. Inspect tile roofs around the eaves and look for missing shingles or gaps around attic vents. Repair as needed, being careful on slippery roofs, and call in a roofer when necessary. Check around the perimeter and seal up any openings.
No matter what type of pests you're dealing with, it's far easier to prevent them from entering your house than to get rid of them once they've made themselves at home there.
Contact: Kitty Miller of Farmers Insurance Group, 323-932-3662