Tips On Insects and Pests

When it comes to insects and pests a thing often overlooked is that the design of a home. It is of great importance in effective control and elimination of these unwanted guests through design. If roaches like warm moist areas then it would only be reasonable to not give them access to these places. So I have come up with a few ideas to keep in mind when designing, remodeling and repairing areas of a home to keep these unwanted guests from taking over...

Tips

Buy lots of caulking!!!
Roaches and other small insects can get behind paneling and breed. Before you attach paneling to a wall put a bead of caulking around the edges to seal out any insects.
Many times people like to use strips to hide the joints that are formed when joining paneling. You can attach them with caulking.
Use thicker and stiffer paneling will help to keep air spaces from developing behind them. When insects get behind the lighter paneling they push it out from the wall and create larger living spaces.
Try to avoid the use of some glues as roaches will eat it.
If using glue or caulking make sure to use as much pressure as possible to spread it out. Don't beat the wall as this will cause gaping and loosen nails or break wallboard.
If using paneling make sure that the walls are as flat as possible. Ensure that the walls are properly finished before applying paneling.
Wash-ability is very important for keeping insects at bay. Cooking causes steam and this steam can carry small particles of food in it this food will stick to surfaces and attract insects. So make sure you can thoroughly clean any surface you create. Try thinking of the cleaning that will need to be done in the design faze will also allow you to provide more space for cleaning supplies. You may even be able to design into each room a space for storing cleaning items that are used just for that room. I am trying to design wainscoting with narrow vertical doors to store power cords and cables that will be right next to outlets. The same idea might work for cleaning supplies.