Seal cracks around windows and baseboards using silicone caulking–before anything else. It’s surprisingly common to overlook tiny gaps, especially near dryer vents or under the kitchen sink. Those narrow openings are like open doors to insects and rodents. Don’t trust foam insulation alone–it breaks down in cold weather. Use steel wool behind caulking in basement areas for extra defence against gnawing intruders.

Next, stop leaving food in easy reach. This goes beyond just putting leftovers in the fridge. Check the back of pantry shelves. Even dry goods like flour or cereal can attract ants and mice if the packaging isn’t airtight. Switch to glass or thick plastic containers with snap-lock lids. Pet food should be sealed the same way–never left out overnight.

In damp spots like laundry rooms or crawlspaces, install a dehumidifier. Many unwanted creatures are drawn to moisture, not just food. I didn’t believe this until we fixed a leaking laundry pipe and, a week later, saw a sudden drop in activity. Moisture meters help spot trouble spots early, especially in older homes with unpredictable airflow or insulation gaps.

Outdoors matters too. Trim vegetation back at least half a metre from exterior walls. Overhanging branches, especially from spruce or poplar, create bridges straight onto your roof. I once found a squirrel nest tucked behind a gable vent–clearly built using material pulled from a nearby cedar hedge. It’s easy to forget how persistent some animals are when they’re already halfway in.

Identifying Common Canadian Household Pests by Season

Start by watching for seasonal patterns. In spring, carpenter ants show up early–especially after mild winters. They’re drawn to damp wood, often near kitchens, basements, or window sills. If you hear a faint rustling in the walls, it could be them tunnelling through softened timber.

By summer, wasps become more aggressive. Nests under eaves or inside attic spaces grow fast, especially in southern Alberta. Yellowjackets are the worst offenders, often nesting in the ground near patios or sheds. Don’t block an entrance if you spot one–wait until evening and then treat or call in help.

In fall, cluster flies move indoors. They squeeze into attic vents, wall voids, and around window frames. They don’t breed inside, but their numbers can be disturbing. Around the same time, mice also begin showing up. Look for droppings along baseboards or shredded materials near appliances. Mice usually get in through gaps smaller than a dime.

Winter doesn’t mean rest. Cockroaches (mostly German species) become more noticeable indoors with heating systems running. They love moisture and warmth, so bathrooms and kitchens are ideal hideouts. If you see even one, assume more are nearby.

More Than Just an Inconvenience

Seasonal intruders aren’t just annoying–they’re often tied to deeper structural issues. Moisture damage, poor insulation, or gaps in siding can all make a home more vulnerable. For example, many Calgary residents face recurring problems–see how pest control is a problem within Calgary.

If you’re a tenant, responsibilities can get murky. It’s worth checking out what landlords are expected to do–there’s a good explanation here: Do landlords need to offer pest control in Calgary?

What to Watch by Season

• Spring: Carpenter ants, sowbugs, spiders
• Summer: Wasps, hornets, ants, fleas
• Fall: Cluster flies, mice, boxelder bugs
• Winter: Cockroaches, silverfish, rodents

Patterns may shift slightly depending on the region, but the cycle tends to repeat each year. If something shows up off-season, it’s usually a sign there’s a deeper issue indoors.

Choosing Safe DIY Pest Control Products for Indoor Use

Always check the label for Health Canada’s PCP registration number. If it doesn’t have one, skip it. That number means the product meets federal safety standards. No exceptions here – if you’re spraying it around your kitchen or where your kids crawl, you want that number.

Go with baits or gels instead of sprays whenever you can. They stay put, which means less risk of airborne particles or unexpected exposure. Boric acid in gel form, for example, can work against ants or cockroaches without creating fumes or sticky residues.

For flying insects, those plug-in traps with UV light and sticky pads are surprisingly decent. Not perfect, but better than foggers, which fill the air with chemicals and coat everything in your home, including food surfaces – even if you’re careful.

Watch Out for Pyrethroids

They’re common in over-the-counter sprays and seem safe at a glance. But they linger. On furniture, floors, bedding – places you don’t want them building up. If you do use them, air out the room for a few hours and wipe down surfaces after. Not ideal, honestly.

Read the Fine Print – Twice

Some products say they’re safe for indoor use but only in “well-ventilated, unoccupied rooms.” That basically rules out bedrooms or basements in winter. If a product can’t be used without leaving the house, it’s not really indoor-friendly, is it?

Lastly, keep everything stored high and locked up – even those herbal sprays with “natural” on the label. Doesn’t mean harmless. And remember, what’s safe for adults might still be risky for pets or toddlers. Or even your sinuses, if you’re sensitive like I am.

Sealing Entry Points to Prevent Insect and Rodent Intrusion

Start with the basement windows. If there’s even a hairline crack in the frame or a small gap around the casing, that’s enough space for ants or even mice to squeeze through. Use a silicone-based caulking–nothing water-soluble–so it won’t shrink or break down over time. You want it to flex a little with seasonal changes.

Check where utility lines enter the building. Around pipes, cables, vents–those gaps are common, and rodents know it. Expanding foam works, but it’s better to backfill with steel wool first, especially if you’re dealing with rats or squirrels. Foam alone won’t stop chewing. Steel wool adds the abrasion they hate.

Under the siding, especially near corners, gaps can form. If the house has vinyl or aluminum siding, it may shift slightly over the years. Use flashing or mesh screening tucked underneath to block anything from crawling up behind. Most people don’t think to check this area unless something’s already gotten in.

Don’t Ignore the Roofline

Soffits and eaves are common entry zones. A loose vent cover or cracked soffit panel is a quiet invitation. Birds, wasps, even squirrels will exploit it. Secure vents with galvanized mesh. Avoid plastic–it warps. And if you’re patching holes near the roof, don’t skip the attic inspection. One raccoon in there and you’re into weeks of cleanup and damage control.

Garage and Door Frames

Weather stripping on the garage door might look fine at a glance, but press on it. If there’s light coming through or the rubber feels brittle, replace it. A young mouse can fit through a space the width of a pencil. Around exterior doors, use door sweeps that stay flush to the threshold. The kind with the metal frame holds up better than all-rubber versions.

It’s easy to miss something small until it becomes a bigger problem. I once found a wasp nest behind a loose dryer vent cap–never expected it, but there it was. A ten-minute fix months earlier could’ve saved hours. So if something looks off, assume it’s a possible entry and seal it. Better that than finding out the hard way.

Using Natural Repellents for Gardens and Outdoor Spaces

Plant marigolds along the borders of vegetable beds. Their distinct scent tends to drive away aphids, whiteflies, and even rabbits. It’s not perfect, but you’ll notice fewer chewed leaves, especially in early summer.

Scatter crushed garlic or chili flakes around entry points or freshly turned soil. These won’t last long in heavy rain, but they do buy a couple of dry days of peace. Reapply every few days or after watering.

A homemade spray with a blend of peppermint oil (10 drops), unscented dish soap (a teaspoon), and water (about a litre) helps deter ants, beetles, and some caterpillars. Mist it on the underside of leaves where you notice activity–but avoid flowering plants to protect pollinators.

Try mixing coffee grounds into the soil near hostas or lettuce. Slugs don’t like the texture or the acidity. You might still see a few, but they tend to move on.

Place a few citrus peels around garden beds. It sounds odd, but certain flying insects avoid the oils in the rinds. Not foolproof, and you’ll need to swap them out every few days before they go mouldy, but it’s simple and worth trying if you’re already eating oranges anyway.

If raccoons are digging around compost or planters, soak a rag in white vinegar and tuck it under a rock or brick near the spot. The smell fades fast, especially after rain, but it’s strong enough to discourage a return visit–at least temporarily.

Setting Up Non-Toxic Traps for Mice and Rats

Use a bucket trap with a spinning soda can to catch multiple rodents without poison. Skewer the can through its centre with a metal rod, stretch it across the top of a deep pail, then smear peanut butter around the can. Add a ramp – a piece of wood, a book, anything solid – so they can reach the top. Once they step onto the can, it spins, they fall, and can’t climb back out. Add a little water if you want them to drown, or leave it dry and check frequently.

Reusable Snap Alternatives

If the idea of killing them feels wrong, try a humane box-style trap. Some versions use a tilt mechanism that locks once the rodent enters. Bait it with sunflower seeds or hazelnut spread – surprisingly more attractive than cheese. Just be ready to release them at least 2 km away from your home, or they’ll be back the next evening. Learned that the hard way.

Monitor and Adjust

One trap isn’t enough. Place them in dark corners behind appliances, inside cabinets, or along walls where droppings show up. Use gloves when handling anything – even the bait – or they might avoid it. If nothing happens after two nights, switch locations. Mice are curious but cautious. It takes a bit of patience and a few tweaks to see results.

Cleaning Routines That Discourage Pest Infestations

Wiping down kitchen surfaces daily, especially after meal prep, significantly reduces food residues that attract unwelcome guests. Crumbs and sticky spots, even small ones, can be invitations to ants or cockroaches. Don’t overlook under appliances–areas beneath the fridge or stove often collect forgotten debris.

Emptying garbage regularly is critical. Garbage bins with tightly sealed lids help, but cleaning those bins periodically is just as important to prevent odors that lure critters. Consider lining trash containers with disposable bags and changing them before they get too full or damp.

Floors and Corners Matter

Vacuuming or sweeping floors every few days helps pick up stray food particles and dust that can attract insects. Pay special attention to corners, baseboards, and cracks along the walls. These nooks can become hiding spots for small invaders if neglected.

Bathroom Maintenance

Moisture control reduces attraction for many insects. Regularly dry sinks, tubs, and shower areas. Fix leaking pipes or faucets quickly. Mold and mildew buildup, often overlooked during cleaning, can be a magnet for some critters seeking damp environments.

Area	Cleaning Frequency	Key Actions
Kitchen counters and sink	Daily	Wipe spills, remove crumbs, clean under appliances weekly
Floors	Every 2-3 days	Sweep/vacuum thoroughly, focus on corners and edges
Trash bins	Weekly or more often	Empty, clean inside, use liners with tight lids
Bathroom fixtures	Weekly	Dry sinks and tubs, fix leaks, clean mold-prone spots