Mouse Shield Foam Sealant & Blocker
Pest Control
How to Pest Proof Your Home and Keep Bugs and Mice Out
Learn how to pest proof your home by sealing gaps, cracks, and entry points to keep mice, spiders, and insects out for good
Mice, spiders, ants, and insects don’t need an open door to get inside your home. Tiny gaps, cracks, and penetrations around doors, pipes, foundations, and siding are all it takes. While sprays and pesticides offer short-term relief, pestproofing your home by sealing entry points is the most effective long-term solution.
This step-by-step guide shows you how to identify common pest entry points and permanently seal them to keep pests outside where they belong.
TL;DR: How to pest proof your home
- Pests enter through small gaps around doors, pipes, and foundations
- Fix screens and weatherstripping first
- Seal plumbing and electrical penetrations indoors
- Fill foundation cracks and exterior gaps
- Reduce outdoor conditions that attract pests
RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS
EXTREME STRETCH Acrylic Urethane Premium Elastomeric Sealant
Sealing Gaps
Mouse Shield Foam Sealant & Blocker
Pest Control
EXTREME STRETCH Acrylic Urethane Premium Elastomeric Sealant
Sealing Gaps
TOOLS
- Caulk gun
- Putty knife
- Utility knife
- Screwdriver
- Backer rod (for deep cracks)
- Small brush
- Damp rag
MATERIALS
- DAP Mouse Shield Foam Sealant
- DAP Extreme Stretch Acrylic Urethane Sealant
Why pests get inside homes
Pests are usually looking for:
- Shelter
- Moisture
- Food
They commonly enter through:
- Gaps around doors and windows
- Plumbing and electrical penetrations
- Cracks in foundations
- Exterior siding, trim, and soffit joints
Step 1: Fix screens and close door gaps
Even small openings in screens or doors are an invitation for pests.
What to do:- Repair or replace torn window and door screens
- Replace worn weatherstripping
- Adjust door thresholds so no daylight shows underneath
Step 2: Seal plumbing and electrical penetrations indoors
Moist areas around plumbing attract pests like cockroaches, ants, and spiders.
What to do:- Seal gaps around sinks, tubs, toilets, and showers
- Fill openings around pipes and electrical boxes
- Use pest-blocking foam that expands to fill voids
- Apply foam about ⅓ full and let it expand
This method also works between floors, in basements, and in attics.
Step 3: Fill cracks and holes in foundations
Small foundation cracks can become major entry points.
What to do:- Clean loose debris from cracks
- Insert backer rod for gaps deeper than ½ inch
- Apply a flexible, waterproof sealant
- Tool smooth and flush with the surface
A flexible sealant prevents future cracking as materials expand and contract.
Step 4: Seal exterior gaps and joints
Inspect the exterior of your home for visible gaps, including:
- Around windows and doors
- Dryer and exhaust vent penetrations
- Where siding meets trim, soffits, or foundations
- Seal gaps with a weatherproof, paintable exterior sealant
- Allow proper cure time before painting
Step 5: Reduce outdoor pest attractants
Even a sealed home can attract pests if conditions are right.
What to do:- Trim shrubs and plants away from the house
- Remove clutter near the foundation
- Fix leaking hoses
- Aim sprinklers away from the house
- Keep birdbaths away from exterior walls
Frequently Asked Questions
Sealing gaps, cracks, and penetrations
is the most effective long-term way to
keep pests out.
Yes. Blocking entry points removes access to shelter and food, preventing pests from getting inside
Focus on doors, windows, plumbing and electrical penetrations, foundations, siding joints, and vents
Yes. Pest-blocking foam sealants are designed for indoor use and expand to fill hidden voids.
Often no. Pest proofing addresses the root cause, while pesticides typically provide only temporary relief.