Simple Steps for a Cleaner, Healthier Home in Johnson City, TN

Here’s how Appalachian families can get ahead of pest problems as the new school year kicks off.

• Look for visible gaps where light shines through.

• Close each door or window and feel for airflow—this could indicate an unsealed crack.

• Pay extra attention to sliding glass doors, which often have worn-out seals.

1. Apply or Replace Weather Stripping:

• Install weather stripping around doors and windows to block tiny entry points.

• Ensure existing weather stripping is not cracked, brittle, or peeling.

• A tight seal not only deters pests but also improves energy efficiency.

2. Install or Replace Door Sweeps:

• Add door sweeps to exterior doors, especially garage doors and back entries.

• Choose a durable material that fully seals the gap between the door and threshold.

• This prevents crawling pests like ants, spiders, and even small rodents from sneaking inside.

3. Seal Utility Line Openings and Pipe Gaps:

• Use caulk or expanding foam to seal gaps around exterior plumbing and electrical entries.

• Inspect areas where HVAC lines, water pipes, and dryer vents enter your home.

• These areas are often overlooked but are common pest highways.

Declutter High-Traffic Zones

As families in Johnson City, TN gear up for a new school year, the hustle and bustle of daily routines can create opportunities for pests to slip into your home. From early morning exits to afternoon arrivals, doors are opened and closed more frequently, and garage use increases—inviting everything from ants and spiders to mice and other rodents.

Taking the time to properly inspect and secure your home’s entry points can go a long way in keeping pests out during this busy season. Here’s how to do it:

Step-by-Step Checklist to Seal Common Pest Entry Points:

1. Inspect Exterior Doors and Windows:

school year, it’s easy for high-traffic areas like mudrooms, hallways, and kitchen corners to become clutter magnets. Backpacks get tossed aside, shoes pile up, and leftover snacks or wrappers may go unnoticed—all of which create prime hiding and feeding spots for common pests like silverfish, cockroaches, and spiders.

Keeping these zones tidy isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s a vital part of pest prevention.

Why Clutter Attracts Pests:

• Silverfish are drawn to paper, fabric, and crumbs tucked into piles of clothes or bags.

• Cockroaches love dark, undisturbed spaces near food sources.

• Spiders spin webs in corners and behind clutter where they can remain hidden.

Proactive Action Plan for a Pest-Free Home:

1. Establish Drop Zones for Daily Gear:

• Create a designated space for backpacks, shoes, and sports gear.

• Use cubbies, hooks, or bins to keep belongings off the floor and neatly organized.

• Encourage kids to place items in their spot as part of the after-school routine.

2. Empty and Clean Lunchboxes Daily:

• Always unpack lunch boxes as soon as kids get home.

• Throw away food wrappers, clean out crumbs, and wipe down the inside.

• Leaving snacks or spills overnight invites ants, roaches, and other pests.

3. Vacuum High-Traffic Areas Frequently:

• Pay special attention to baseboards, corners, and under furniture where pests hide.

• Make a habit of vacuuming entryways, mudrooms, and hallways at least twice a week.

• A quick sweep goes a long way in removing food particles and potential nesting material.

4. Sanitize Common Touchpoints Weekly:

• Wipe down door knobs, cabinet handles, and entry benches regularly.

• Spills, smudges, and food residue on these surfaces can attract pests looking for a food source.

Stay on Top of Kitchen Hygiene

When school is back in full swing, your kitchen sees non-stop action—from hurried breakfasts and packed lunches to after-school snacks and dinner prep. But with all that traffic comes an increased risk of pest activity. Ants, fruit flies, cockroaches, and even rodents are all drawn to crumbs, spills, and accessible food sources.

Keeping the kitchen clean and organized doesn’t have to be a chore. A few simple routines can go a long way in keeping pests out of your pantry and off your countertops.

Why Kitchen Cleanliness Matters:

• Ants and cockroaches are attracted to food residue and crumbs.

• Fruit flies breed in overripe produce or food scraps in trash bins.

• Rodents can sneak in to chew through food packaging or snack on leftovers.

Kitchen Hygiene Checklist for Appalachian Families:

1. Clean Surfaces Daily

• Wipe down counters, stovetops, and tables after every meal to eliminate food residue.

• Use disinfectant sprays or natural cleaners like vinegar to remove sticky spots that can attract pests.

• Don’t forget appliance surfaces like microwaves, toasters, and fridge handles.

2. Sweep and Mop the Floors

• Crumbs and spills on the floor are a pest buffet.

• Sweep floors at least once a day—especially under the kitchen table and chairs.

• Mop weekly to catch anything missed by sweeping and prevent buildup.

3. Store Food in Pest-Proof Containers

• Transfer dry goods like cereal, rice, flour, and snacks into sealed, airtight containers.

• Avoid leaving open bags or boxes in the pantry where pests can easily chew through.

• Label and rotate pantry items to keep older goods in check and prevent spoilage.

4. Take Out the Trash Promptly

• Empty the kitchen garbage bin at least once a day, especially if it contains food waste.

• Always use bins with tight-fitting lids to prevent pests from accessing the contents.

• Rinse recyclables before disposal to avoid attracting ants and flies.

Pest control doesn’t have to be complicated. By implementing these simple steps and partnering with the local experts at Shield Pest Appalachia, you can set your family up for a healthy, stress-free school year.Start the semester right—call Shield Pest Appalachia today and schedule your fall home pest inspection.
Because the only thing your kids should bring home from school is homework—not pests.

Proudly serving Johnson City, TN and surrounding Appalachian communities.

[ https://shieldpesttn.com/ ]