House

Certainly we do not want to share our homes with common household pests, whether they be fruitflies, ants, roaches, mice, wasps or whatever. Remember, these organisms are there because something is attracting them (find, dispose of and/or fix it) and they are getting in somehow (caulk, plug, screen, or block it).

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  IPM Tips for Preventing Pests in the Home
  (Adapted from NY IPM)

• Prevent their entrance. Keep pests from entering your living areas by sealing openings and cracks with wire mesh, caulking, door sweeps, netting, and screens.
  
• Be clean & tidy. Keep your home clean by wiping up spills, removing clutter that could provide pests a place to breed, and don't allow pet food to be exposed for long periods.
  
• Prevent access to food. Store all food, including pet food & birdseed, in tightly covered containers; plastic bags don't always exclude pests. Remove pest attractants, such as sweet and greasy foods (which attract ants).
  
• Eliminate water sources. Fix leaky pipes and faucets and promote ventilation, as insects often seek wet areas.

  
  For more pest specific information, see our House Pest Problem Solver

  Resources: Help Yourself to a Healthy Home: Protect Your Children's Health

  Identifiying Common Household Pests

  Cornell IPM for Homes
  
  Less Toxic Home & Garden