The Surprising Design Changes That Keep Pests Away From Your Home

Windows are your home’s first line of defense against both weather and pests. “Flaws in window design or installation can create air leaks, attracting pests and their predators,” explains Paigh Bumgarner, senior product manager for Cornerstone Building Brands.

If your screens or windows are past their prime, it’s time for an upgrade. She says to look for lab-tested windows with fusion-welded corners and durable weatherstripping.

Sealing entry points—thus, blocking small gaps that pests use to enter—is a must. But you don’t have to be stuck looking at eyesore sealants. “Many bugs can squeeze through tiny cracks, so closing these with the right materials makes a big difference,” says Adham Perriseau, licensed pest management professional at Dr. Killigan’s. Rather than leaving behind visible caulk or foam, conceal these fixes with decorative trim, baseboards, or facade details.

Bright white light bulbs notoriously attract bugs while warm-toned options (including LEDs) are less likely to create a buggy bonanza. Swap in warm lighting for light fixtures on your doorstep, entryway, garage, and other entry points. You can also choose solar-powered or motion-sensor versions for patios and gardens to limit continuous light and keep your ambiance cozy.

Along with sealing gaps with caulk (for small gaps) or foam (for larger gaps), Perriseau recommends using weather stripping and door sweeps to create barriers around windows and doors.

An ultra-low-profile door sweep in a finish that matches your threshold or flooring—like brushed brass or matte black—looks good while telling pests, “you’re not welcome here.”

Carpet has a nice feel under your feet, but it tends to harbor crumbs, dust, moisture, and pet dander. This not only affects your indoor air quality, but can also attract bugs, dust mites, carpet beetles, and other insects.

Ace Hardware’s home expert, Lou Manfredini, recommends prioritizing hardwood flooring, which is easier to clean and lasts for decades. For a less expensive option, you can also use luxury plank or tile. Rugs can be incorporated for that soft underfoot feel, but be sure to deep clean them seasonally.

What’s happening on the exterior of your home (especially right against your walls) has a huge impact on critter activity on the inside. “When you place mulch or other vegetation right next to your house, you are creating ideal conditions for pests to flourish, right next to the building,” explains Jim Fredericks, MD, a board-certified entomologist. Trim back tree branches and don’t store firewood close to the home.

Houseplants are a lovely addition to the household, but they can also attract gnats and ants if they are waterlogged. Opt for planters with built-in drainage trays, avoid clustering too many in dark corners, and display them on elevated plant stands to keep excess moisture off shelves and floors. Grouping plants in balanced arrangements (versus crowded clusters) can also help improve airflow to reduce excess soil moisture.

Gutters aren’t exactly a glamorous detail to think about, but they are integral when it comes to a pest-free home. Professional handyperson Roy Neely says to give your gutters a thorough inspection to ensure they’re clean and draining properly. If anything’s amiss, it’s time for an overhaul.

“Ensuring proper drainage design—which can include French drains, gutters, and downspout extensions—can dramatically reduce pest pressure around the home,” Neely explains. “In addition, incorporating a gravel perimeter trench around the foundation (also known as a dry moat) can help discourage burrowing pests like moles and insects by creating a dry buffer zone.”

By Wendy Rose Gould