Inspect Entry Points Around the Home

Pests don’t always need an open door to move in—even the smallest cracks, gaps, or unsealed openings can be an invitation for rodents, ants, or spiders to seek shelter inside. During Vancouver’s cool, damp winters, pests look for warmth and easy access to food and nesting spaces. Conducting a detailed inspection at the start of the year helps you spot vulnerabilities before they turn into infestations.

Step-by-Step Entry Point Inspection

1. Check Doors and Window Frames

Doors and windows are among the most common entryways for pests, especially when seals wear down over time.

• Look for light leaks: At night, turn off the lights inside and shine a flashlight around the door or window frame—if light passes through, so can pests.

• Inspect weather stripping: Replace cracked or worn-out rubber or foam seals to maintain a tight fit.

• Examine door sweeps: Ensure exterior doors have proper sweeps to close gaps along the bottom edge.

• Check window screens: Repair or replace torn mesh that could allow flying insects inside.

2. Examine Exterior Walls and Foundations

Even minor damage to your home’s structure can provide a perfect entry point for pests.

• Inspect foundation lines: Look for cracks, gaps, or shifting mortar joints that may have developed during winter freezes.

• Check siding and brickwork: Loose panels, warped boards, or missing caulking around joints can conceal hidden openings.

• Inspect soffits and fascia boards: Birds and squirrels often exploit gaps here to enter attics.

• Seal expansion joints: Use silicone or weather-resistant caulk to seal around windows, door frames, and exterior seams.

3. Inspect Utility Openings and Service Lines

Utilities that enter your home—like water pipes, electrical cables, and gas lines—often leave unsealed gaps that pests can easily exploit.

• Locate all entry points: Check behind appliances, in basements, and near water heaters where pipes or wires penetrate walls.

• Seal with durable materials: Fill openings using steel wool or copper mesh before applying silicone sealant. These materials deter gnawing rodents.

• Inspect HVAC and plumbing penetrations: Look for condensation or gaps around ductwork and vents that can attract moisture-seeking insects.

• Secure outdoor access points: Ensure hose bibs, spigots, and conduit openings are tightly sealed and well-maintained.

4. Check Attic, Roof, and Dryer Vents

Upper levels and rooflines are often overlooked, yet they’re common access points for rodents, birds, and insects.

• Inspect attic vents: Ensure vents are covered with fine-grade metal mesh, not plastic screens that pests can chew through.

• Examine roof edges and eaves: Look for gaps between shingles, fascia boards, or soffit panels.

• Clean dryer vents: Lint buildup not only restricts airflow but also attracts pests seeking warmth and nesting material.

• Check chimney caps: Install or repair chimney covers to prevent entry by birds, squirrels, and raccoons.

Audit Moisture-Prone Areas

In Vancouver’s famously damp climate, moisture is one of the leading causes of pest infestations. Pests such as silverfish, cockroaches, ants, termites, and centipedes all thrive in humid, dark environments where condensation and leaks go unchecked. Conducting a moisture audit at the start of the year helps you identify problem areas before they attract unwanted guests.

Even small amounts of water—like a slow drip or a patch of condensation—can sustain pest colonies throughout the winter.

Step-by-Step Moisture Inspection

1. Check Basements and Crawl Spaces

These are the most common moisture traps in Vancouver homes, especially during rainy months when groundwater levels rise.

• Inspect for leaks and dampness: Look for water stains, condensation on walls, or soft spots in flooring.

• Examine foundations and corners: Cracks or porous concrete can allow groundwater to seep in.

• Monitor for musty odors: A lingering smell often indicates mold growth or standing water.

• Evaluate insulation: Wet insulation loses effectiveness and creates perfect shelter for pests.

• Install proper ventilation: Use vent fans or air-circulation systems to keep humidity under control.

2. Inspect Bathrooms and Laundry Rooms

These high-humidity zones are hotspots for pest activity, especially when ventilation is poor.

• Look under sinks and behind toilets: Even minor pipe leaks can create moisture pockets that attract cockroaches or silverfish.

• Check caulking and grout: Cracked seals around tubs, showers, and tiles allow water to seep behind surfaces.

• Clean exhaust fans: Dust and lint buildup reduces airflow and traps humidity inside.

• Inspect washing machines and dryer connections: Ensure hoses are tight and free from drips or condensation.

• Avoid storing damp towels or fabrics: These can harbor mildew and attract pests that feed on organic fibers.

3. Evaluate Kitchen Areas

Your kitchen combines food, water, and warmth—three things pests love. Moisture problems here often go unnoticed because they’re hidden behind or under appliances.

• Check under sinks and around faucets: Tighten loose fittings and replace worn seals.

• Look behind dishwashers and refrigerators: Condensation from water lines can create hidden damp spots.

• Inspect cabinets: Water rings, discoloration, or soft wood indicate leaks.

• Clean slow drains: Standing water and debris in sinks provide a breeding ground for fruit flies and cockroaches.

• Check for plumbing condensation: Insulate exposed pipes to prevent drips in cold months.

4. Review Other Hidden Moisture Zones

Some problem areas are easy to forget but can become major pest attractors over time:

• Attics: Poor insulation can cause condensation buildup under the roof during cold spells.

• Windowsills and sliding doors: Condensation often pools along tracks—wipe them regularly.

• Under appliances: Pull out stoves, washers, or freezers occasionally to check for hidden leaks or spills.

• Storage closets: Moist cardboard boxes absorb humidity, becoming a favorite nesting spot for silverfish and mold.

At Knockout Pest Control, we’re proud to serve homeowners across Vancouver and the Lower Mainland, offering proven, eco-friendly solutions that keep your home pest-free year-round. Kick off 2026 with confidence—schedule your professional pest audit today and let Knockout Pest Control help you start the year strong, safe, and pest-free.

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