When people move into a new home, they usually look forward to inviting their friends and family to show off their new place. But one thing they don't look forward to is uninvited guests invading their personal space. Our agents have assembled a few tips to keep your home safe from wildlife intrusions.

• Lock them out
  Unwanted creatures seek fortuitous opportunities such as cracks and holes in the walls. It's amazing how small a gap along the roof can accommodate a rodent, much fewer insects and spiders. Inspect the house regularly to locate cracks and gaps around doors, windows, conduits, and vents. Seal them with caulking to block pests, stuffing larger spaces with steel wool before applying sealant. Install or replace old door sweeps to eliminate their most common pathways.
  
  
• Starve them out
  Insects and other pests are on the constant hunt for food sources, so don't give them any. Keep counters clean from grease and food debris, following up with a spritz of white vinegar, which insects hate, where possible. Unfortunately, acids will etch granite and marble, so if you have stone countertops, soak a cotton ball with cinnamon oil and dab around the edges to discourage pests. Store dry goods in sealable containers like jars, plastic ware, or glass.
  
  
• Landscape thoughtfully
  Summertime in Bakersfield can mean slithering creatures searching for places to shield themselves from the sun. Don't give them places to hide. Tall grasses, rocks, and shrubbery may be pretty, but they can also be attractive to snakes. Keep the greenery trimmed closely, and don't allow leaves and other debris to accumulate. They attract insects, which in turn, attract rodents, which then attract snakes. If you store firewood, make sure it's in a sealed container a significant distance from the house and garage. 
  
  
• Install barrier screens
  Chimneys and vents are open invitations to snakes and rodents. Install protective screens on all openings and crawl spaces to refuse entry. Pay close attention to small openings near the roof, which are favorite hideouts for opportunists like wasps and bees. You'll find a variety of sizes of premade screens at any home maintenance store and supplies for custom-made options.
  
  
• Clean attics, basements, and storage sheds
  It's easy to put things away for storage and not think about them until you need them next year, but since you don't go into these areas often, they are also inviting homes for pests. Avoid storing in cardboard as this is the perfect food source for many insects. Investing in sealable storage tubs for holiday decorations is not only the best way to make sure they stay beautiful from one year to the next, it is also the best way to prevent pest invasions.
  
  
• Schedule pet feeding
  Although it may be more convenient to allow your pets to feed freely, it also creates an entire host of other problems. Most vets will tell you that scheduled feeding is the healthier option to help them maintain an appropriate weight, but that's another story. Allowing pet food to sit out overnight is begging for an ant invasion. A single morsel of dog food can feed an entire colony of insects. Feeding on schedule can eliminate this issue. Pet food should be stored in a sealable container and water dishes checked and cleaned regularly. Be sure to clean up any food debris when your pets have finished eating. 

If some of our beautiful Bakersfield homes for sale have caught your eye, or if you are ready to take advantage of this seller's market, our realty professionals can help. Contact us today for assistance.