Bugs are a fact of life, but they don’t have to be part of your living space. With the right prevention strategies, you can stop them before they become a problem and avoid the frustration of dealing with a full-blown infestation.

Identify the culprit
The first step is figuring out what you’re dealing with. Set an indoor trap near where you’ve found the pests, and take a clear photo when you’ve captured one. Use a tool like Google Lens or your phone’s photos app to help identify it. Once you know what you’re up against, you can address what’s attracting them, such as a porch light left on at night or a food source.

Maintain your exterior
Your yard could also be attracting pests—anything around your exterior can shelter insects or, worse, serve as a welcome mat into your home. To help prevent this, trim your trees and shrubs so they don’t touch your home, and keep firewood, leaves, and yard debris at least twenty feet away.

Seal your home
Next, block off their entry points. Even tiny gaps around doors, windows, vents, and baseboards can let critters in. Inspect your home carefully inside and out, and use caulk, weatherstripping, or mesh screens to seal openings. Keep in mind that seasonal changes can shift your home and create new cracks, so check back every few months.

Keep it clean
A tidy home is one of your best defenses against bugs since regular cleaning helps eliminate what they’re after. Regularly vacuum under furniture and in corners, wipe up spills immediately, store pantry items in airtight containers once you’ve opened the original box or bag, and clear out expired food ASAP.

Call in the pros
If you’ve done your best and pests are still sticking around, it might be time to hire a professional. They can identify hidden trouble spots, treat your home effectively, and provide tips for preventing future problems.