Join Our Team Today! View Career Portal

Our Family Protecting Families Since 1969 Call Us Today! (425) 318-7912

Top Pest Proofing Tips: How to Protect Your Seattle Home in 5 Steps

Mon, 05/05/2025

With seven distinct physiographic regions across Washington, the Greater Seattle area experiences diverse and dynamic climates. Unfortunately, these unique conditions also make the region a hotspot for pests.

Whether you’re dealing with rodents, roaches, or something in between, pest proofing your home is essential—not only to avoid costly property damage but to protect your health and peace of mind.

At Eastside Exterminators, we’re here to help. Below, we break down five practical, proven steps to pest-proof your home and prevent infestations before they start.


Quick Summary: 5 Pest Proofing Tips

Identify pests vs. beneficial species

Clean and declutter regularly

Seal cracks and entry points

Store food properly

Consider professional pest services


1. Know How to Distinguish Pests From Friends

Not all bugs are bad. Proper pest identification is crucial for safe, effective pest control. Acting too quickly—or targeting the wrong species—can backfire, harming helpful insects or simply missing the real threat.

Take ladybugs, for example. They’re great for gardens because they eat aphids that damage plants. According to National Geographic, a single ladybug can eat up to 5,000 aphids in its lifetime!

But many Seattle homeowners mistake pests for ladybugs. Carpet beetles, for instance, look similar but feed on fabrics. The Asian lady beetle is another doppelganger—it’s helpful outdoors, but indoors, it can bite, swarm in groups, and release a foul-smelling yellow liquid.

Learning to tell pests from beneficial species is one of the most important steps in any pest prevention strategy. Want help identifying pests in your home? Check out our pest library for photos, facts, and prevention tips.


2. Clean and Declutter Regularly

Even a few crumbs or spills can invite a pest party. That’s why regular cleaning is one of the most powerful tools in preventing pest infestations.

Be sure to:

  • Wipe down kitchen counters and dining tables after every meal

  • Clean up food spills and crumbs right away

  • Avoid leaving dirty dishes in the sink

  • Vacuum under appliances and in hidden corners

  • Keep pet dishes clean and dry when not in use

Just as important: keep clutter to a minimum. Pests love dark, undisturbed spaces, so reducing hiding spots makes your home less inviting.

Cleaning also helps you spot early warning signs like droppings or gnaw marks. If you notice anything unusual, don’t wait—schedule an inspection and act quickly.


3. Seal Entry Points

Pests don’t need much space to squeeze in. In fact, cockroaches can compress their bodies to fit through cracks smaller than their width. According to WebMD, they also spread more than 30 types of bacteria and multiple parasites.

Here’s where to check for gaps or cracks:

  • Windows and doors

  • Pipes and utility lines

  • Crawl spaces and basements

  • Attics and chimneys

  • Behind appliances and cabinets

Use weatherstripping, caulk, or mesh screens to block these access points. This step alone can dramatically reduce your risk of infestation.


4. Practice Proper Food Storage

If pests can smell it, they’ll come find it. Proper food storage is one of the most effective and low-cost ways to pest-proof your home.

Make sure to:

  • Use airtight containers for dry goods

  • Avoid leaving food uncovered

  • Clean up crumbs and spills from pantries and cupboards

  • Rinse and store pet dishes after each use

  • Dump standing water indoors or outdoors

Even a water-filled pet bowl on the porch can attract mosquitoes or other pests—so be proactive, especially in warmer months.


5. Invest in Professional Pest Control Services

While DIY steps help, there’s no substitute for expert eyes and tools. A professional pest control company can inspect your home, identify risks, and put long-term protections in place.

At Eastside Exterminators, we offer:

  • Comprehensive home inspections

  • Pest identification and removal

  • Entry point sealing and exclusion techniques

  • Customized treatment and prevention plans

  • Ongoing service and monitoring programs

We’re proud to use an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach—an eco-friendly, sustainable method designed to reduce pesticide use while keeping your home safe.


Ready to Pest Proof Your Home?

Your home is your sanctuary—and pests shouldn’t get a say in that. Whether you’re dealing with a current issue or just want to be proactive, following these five tips can make a big difference.

If you’re in the Greater Seattle area and ready to protect your home, we’re here to help. Eastside Exterminators has served the community since 1969, combining decades of experience with modern, eco-conscious solutions.

Contact us today for a free, no-obligation quote. Let’s keep your home protected—now and in every season ahead.

What Our Customers Are Saying

“EE did some dirty work beneath the house and did it thoroughly and effectively. Problem solved. Staff were courteous, careful, and neat.”

Michael B.

Lake Stevens

“We had a thorough inspection and a whole lot of work done by Eastside Exterminators, both under the house and in the attic. All the work was thorough, on time, per their estimate, etc. They were just terrific.”

Catherine C..

Mercer Island

"We used to have rodent issues many years ago and Eastside Exterminators came to the rescue. We continue to use their services and recommend others use it."

Michael F.

Mill Creek