Pests don’t take time off. While you’re gone, they see your empty property as an invitation to move in. Whether it’s rodents nesting in your attic, ants marching through your kitchen, or spiders taking over corners, these unwanted guests can cause real problems.

Here are five practical ways to prevent pests and keep them out of your vacation property. 

1. Seal All Entry Points

Most pests get inside through small openings you might not notice. Mice only need a hole the size of a dime to squeeze through. Rats can fit through quarter-sized gaps. Insects need even less space.

Start by checking your vacation home’s exterior:

  • Look for cracks in the foundation
  • Check weatherstripping around doors and windows
  • Inspect areas where utilities enter the building
  • Examine vents, soffits, and chimney caps
  • Pay attention to garage doors (they often don’t seal flush to the ground)

Small investments here make a big difference. Use appropriate materials to fill gaps – not just any caulk will work for all situations. For larger openings around pipes, use steel wool as a temporary fix, since rodents can’t chew through it.

Seasonal changes cause materials to expand and contract, creating new openings over time. That’s why it’s smart to inspect entry points at least twice a year.

2. Remove Food Sources

Pests come looking for three things: food, water, and shelter. Your vacation home offers all three, but you can make food much harder to find.

Before leaving your property:

  • Clean all surfaces thoroughly, especially in the kitchen
  • Vacuum floors, furniture, and along baseboards
  • Empty and clean refrigerators (or leave them running with minimal contents)
  • Store any remaining food in airtight containers
  • Take out all trash and recycling
  • Check pet feeding areas for crumbs

People often miss hidden food sources. The space under your refrigerator might contain enough crumbs to feed mice for weeks. That half-empty box of cereal in the pantry becomes a feast for ants. Even that unopened pasta package can be chewed through by determined rodents.

One important point: pests need very little to survive. A few crumbs might seem insignificant to you, but they provide plenty for tiny invaders. Cockroaches can live for months on the food particles stuck to a dirty dish left in the sink.

Don’t forget about outside food sources, either. Bird feeders close to your home attract more than birds. Fallen fruit from trees becomes a buffet for all types of pests. Keep outdoor eating areas clean, and store grills properly after use.

3. Control Moisture

Water attracts pests as much as food does. Many insects, like cockroaches and silverfish, seek out damp environments. Rodents need water daily to survive.

Here’s how to reduce moisture problems:

  • Fix leaky faucets and pipes
  • Check under sinks for signs of water damage
  • Set your HVAC system to maintain minimal climate control
  • Use dehumidifiers in naturally damp areas like basements
  • Clear gutters so water flows away from the foundation
  • Empty standing water from planters, bird baths, and outdoor containers

Consider turning off the main water supply if you’ll be gone for an extended period. This prevents the disaster of a burst pipe while also eliminating water sources for pests.

Bathrooms deserve extra attention. Clean them thoroughly before leaving, making sure to dry all surfaces. Close toilet lids and consider placing plastic wrap under them to prevent evaporation while still blocking sewer gases.

In humid areas, moisture control becomes even more critical. Investing in a smart thermostat that maintains minimal climate control can prevent the high humidity levels that attract pests and cause mold problems.

4. Keep Things Clean and Uncluttered

Pests love hiding places. Clutter gives them perfect spots to nest, breed, and escape detection.

Before leaving your vacation home:

  • Reduce paper piles (magazines, newspapers, mail)
  • Store fabric items like linens in plastic containers
  • Keep furniture away from walls when possible
  • Remove items stored under beds
  • Organize storage areas, using plastic bins instead of cardboard boxes
  • Vacuum furniture, especially in crevices

5. Maintain the Exterior

Your vacation home’s exterior provides the first line of defense against pests. Good maintenance prevents problems before they start.

Here’s what to do outside:

  • Trim trees and bushes so they don’t touch the building
  • Keep firewood at least 20 feet from the house
  • Store outdoor furniture properly or cover it
  • Maintain the lawn at an appropriate height
  • Remove leaf piles and yard debris
  • Keep outdoor trash in sealed containers
  • Check the roof for damage or access points

Creating a buffer zone around your property, such as rodent proofing it and applying similar measures, makes it harder for pests to move inside. 

Prevention Beats Reaction

Dealing with a pest infestation after it’s established costs more and takes longer than preventing it in the first place. The tips above require some time and effort, but they’re much easier than tackling a full-blown infestation.

If you notice signs of pests despite your best efforts, don’t wait to address the problem. Early intervention makes control much easier. 

With consistent attention to these five areas and help from a pest control exterminator, your vacation home can remain your personal paradise.