If you've ever opened a kitchen cabinet and found ants scurrying around, you know the importance of controlling pests. Unfortunately, there are many pests that can become unwelcome guests in your home. The key to controlling pests is identifying the problem, then taking action.

Home Remodeling Can Draw Pests

There are many things that can draw pests to your house--food left outdoors, rotting wood, and even home remodeling--the disruption of home remodeling sometimes is a draw for pests because it disrupts the environment and can cause pests to scatter.

Among the common household pests are:

• Cockroaches
• Ants and carpenter ants (which are more troublesome)
• Crickets
• Mice

Carpenter ants, for example, like moist wood they can hollow out to create nests. If you see shredded bits of sawdust under wood, you may have this pest problem.

How to Control Pests

Pests often live in small spaces, even those smaller than an inch. To control pests, you need treatments that can be injected into such small spaces. Often the answer is to hire a qualified exterminator who has experience with the specific pests.

The exterminator should:

• Provide a detailed assessment of the pest problem
• Submit a written estimate and references
• Offer solutions for pest like spraying, trapping, and/or preventative measures, such as closing holes around your foundation where critters can enter
• Prepare a plan for treatment
• Determine whether ongoing maintenance is needed

Change Your Habits

Among the steps you can take to control pests are:

• Remove the food source--don't leave food out; keep pet food inside and in sealed containers
• Keep sand away from the house to deter ants
• Store firewood--which mice love to hide in--away from the house
• Cut back tree branches so they don't touch the house; carpenter ants use branches for traveling

During a home remodeling, unwanted pests may come to light. There are also many pests that come around more often in warmer weather.

By understanding what attracts pests and taking steps to minimize your exposure, you can help control pests. If your pest problem has already taken hold, it often pays to turn to a professional who has the expertise to fix the problem.

About the Author
Allison E. Beatty is a syndicated real estate writer who has been writing home improvement columns for 15 years.