What Do I Need to Prevent Insects & Snakes From Coming Into Homes?

Snake Exclusion

• Sealing holes and cracks can help prevent snakes from entering. Start by checking your home's foundation for cracks or holes large enough to admit a snake -- an opening of 0.25 inches or larger in diameter is big enough. Plug these cracks with mortar if your foundation is made from brick or concrete and hardware cloth or sheet metal if the building is made from wood. Caulking compound is another option for small openings.

Other Locations

• Once you've checked the foundation, move on to the rest of the house. Look for holes or cracks near windows, water pipes, electrical lines, doors or other entry routes; all these can potentially serve as a conduit for snakes or insects. Keep the lawn well-mowed, and remove boards, rocks and junk; snakes find these hiding places attractive and are more likely to visit gardens that feature this kind of debris.

Insect Exclusion

• Windows and screens are your most important barrier against insects. Check your screens, windows and vent covers for holes or cracks, and replace them if necessary. Your door should have a weatherproof sweep at the base so there is no gap between the door and the sill. Check this sweep, and repair any cracks around doors and windows with caulking as needed. Cover air intake and exhaust vents with screens to stop insects from gaining access via the air conditioning or ventilation system. Also, examine all the same places you would check to prevent snakes from entering -- the foundation and points where electrical wires enter.

Lures

• Avoid inviting snakes and insects by getting rid of items that attract them. Snakes sometimes come in search of rodents, so if you have a large mouse or rat population, you can use traps to bring the issue under control. Insects like ants and cockroaches are more likely to come if you leave sugary foods or trash to accumulate. Always clean up spills, keep trash in closed receptacles, and change your trash regularly.