Getting ready for a summer getaway? Whether it’s a weekend escape or a month-long vacation, an empty house is inviting to a variety of pests on the hunt for food, water and shelter. Without human activity to scare them off, pests like ants, roaches and scorpions tend to settle in while homeowners are elsewhere. Before hitting the road, take a few simple steps to protect your home from unwanted pests. From sealing entry points to removing food sources, this guide contains simple steps to ensure your home is a no-vacancy zone for bugs while your house is unattended.

Fool-Proof Ways to Keep Bugs Out

Seal Entry Points

Pests don’t need a wide-open door to sneak in — they’ll gladly crawl through even the smallest cracks and crevices. Before leaving town, take 15–20 minutes to walk the interior and perimeter of your home, inspecting key areas:

Window and door frames
Foundation cracks
Dryer vents and utility openings
Around pipes and outdoor faucets

Simple fixes like weatherstripping, silicone caulk or expandable foam can go a long way in blocking hidden entrances. Pay close attention to garage and sliding glass doors, as they’re common entry points often overlooked. Check for any light peeking through around doors — if light can get through, so can bugs.

Granule & Spray Barriers

Granules should be spread around the perimeter of any structures you want to keep pests out of. Granules can be applied anywhere they can soak into the ground — think gravel landscaping, grass, shrubs and soil. Granules are easily applied with a handheld sprayer. When applied properly, granules repel and kill any pests that come in contact with the area for up to three months.

In addition to granules, pest control sprays can be applied directly to the exterior of your home. Use a tank sprayer to apply a perimeter treatment around doors, windows and the base of walls, typically about two feet up from the ground. Different solutions work better for different pest problems, so it’s a good idea to chat with one of our experts to ensure you’re applying the right product for your specific needs.

Pest Prevention Checklist

Taking the time to check off these items before you head out will help prevent returning to a bug-infested home.

Take Out the Trash

Trash is one of the biggest pest magnets. Before you leave:

Empty all indoor trash bins and take the garbage out
Clean garbage cans with disinfectant or vinegar solution to remove lingering smells that could attract pests
Take the outdoor trash bin to the curb and ensure it is tightly sealed

Eliminate Food Sources

If pests can't find a meal, they’re much less likely to stick around, but even the smallest crumbs left behind can attract them. Be sure to:

Clean out perishables from the fridge and pantry
Always store dry goods in airtight containers
Wipe down counters and sweep floors
Run the garbage disposal with lemon and baking soda

Fix Leaks and Standing Water

Pests like roaches and mosquitoes love moisture. Eliminate standing water:

Check under sinks, toilets, and washing machines for leaks
Empty pet water bowls and turn off the water if your trip is long
Turn off the water at the main line if you’re gone for more than a few days Unplug humidifiers

Clean Up the Yard

Yards and gardens can be the perfect breeding ground for pests that might migrate indoors. Keep pests outside:

Trim shrubs and tree limbs near the home
Remove piles of leaves and debris
Empty kiddie pools, bird baths and anything else that can hold water

Place Indoor Traps

Even with all these steps, a few bugs may still sneak in. For peace of mind:

Place sticky traps or bait traps in problem-prone areas like the kitchen, pantry, laundry room and garage
Install motion-activated bug lights or ultrasonic pest repellers as additional deterrents

As you check items off that summer prep to-do list, make swinging by one of our Valley-wide Bug & Weed Mart locations an item on that list. Our knowledgeable team can help determine the right products granules, sprays, traps and more to protect your home from pests while you’re enjoying your well-earned vacation. We’ll happily walk you through how to apply it and determine when the best time to reapply for maximum protection is. Vacations are for relaxing, let’s ensure your return home is too.