8 Simple Tips to Pest-Proof Your Home from the Outside In This Spring
Spring on Long Island brings warmer weather, blooming landscapes—and unfortunately, a major uptick in pest activity. As insects and rodents wake up from winter, they start looking for food, water, and shelter—and your home is the perfect target if you don’t take action. The key to stopping spring pests? Start from the outside in.
At Knockout Pest Control, we don’t wait for pests to invade your living space before taking action. Our proven approach focuses on creating a protective perimeter around your home to stop pests before they ever get inside. It’s part of our integrated pest management strategy and it works—especially when paired with smart homeowner habits.
Here are 8 simple tips to pest-proof your home from the outside in this spring, and how Knockout can help keep your home protected.
1. Create a pest-proof perimeter with a professional barrier treatment.
Your home’s exterior is your first line of defense—and Knockout Pest Control reinforces it. Our technicians apply targeted treatments around the outside of your home that form an invisible shield. This perimeter barrier is specially designed to keep out ants, spiders, cockroaches, and other seasonal pests common on Long Island.
Rather than relying on interior treatments after pests are already inside, we focus on proactive protection. It’s safer, more effective, and fits into our eco-conscious approach to pest control.
2. Keep mulch away from your foundation.
Mulch helps retain moisture and gives your landscaping a polished look—but it also creates the ideal environment for pests like termites, ants, and earwigs. To reduce risk, keep mulch at least 12–18 inches away from your home’s foundation and avoid piling it more than two to three inches deep.
Consider using alternative ground covers like gravel or crushed stone around your home’s perimeter to reduce moisture buildup and deter pests.
3. Trim trees and shrubs away from the house.
Branches that touch or hang too close to your siding or roof can act like highways for pests—especially carpenter ants and rodents. Trim back all trees and shrubs to keep them at least one to two feet away from your home.
This simple step reduces shaded, moist areas that attract pests and limits their ability to access your gutters, siding, or attic vents.
4. Eliminate standing water sources.
Spring rains can create puddles and moisture buildup around your yard—and pests like cockroaches, ants, and spiders love a damp environment. Check your property for areas where water collects: clogged gutters, low spots in your lawn, birdbaths, plant saucers, or poorly draining soil.
Make sure your gutters are clean and direct water away from your home’s foundation. Knockout can also assess moisture-prone areas during your inspection and recommend next steps to reduce attraction.
5. Seal cracks and gaps in your foundation and exterior.
Insects don’t need much of an opening to get inside—many pests can slip through gaps as small as 1/16 of an inch. Inspect your home’s siding, foundation, and around utility lines for small cracks or holes and seal them with weather-resistant caulk or expandable foam.
Our technicians are trained to identify potential entry points during our initial service and apply targeted treatments and sealing strategies to keep pests out for good.
6. Keep firewood and debris away from your home.
Stacking firewood or storing yard debris near your home’s exterior creates the perfect environment for termites, carpenter ants, and rodents. Always store firewood at least 20 feet away from your house and elevate it off the ground if possible.
Clear away leaf piles, fallen branches, and leftover winter clutter from around your foundation. A clean yard means fewer hiding spots and fewer reasons for pests to settle in!
7. Maintain your lawn and landscaping.
Overgrown grass and thick ground cover can trap moisture and give pests plenty of places to hide. Mow your lawn regularly, edge around your foundation, and keep bushes well-pruned.
Weeds and invasive plants can also harbor insects and rodents, so it’s important to keep your landscaping neat and healthy.
8. Schedule a professional pest inspection with Knockout Pest Control.
Even if you’ve done all the right things, there’s no substitute for an expert’s eye. Knockout Pest Control provides thorough exterior inspections, identifying pest activity, entry points, and environmental factors that could lead to infestations later in the season.
Our team is trained in integrated pest management, which means we don’t rely on one-size-fits-all solutions. We combine inspection, monitoring, prevention, and targeted treatment to protect your home from the outside in.
Request your spring pest control service today!
Spring is a critical time for pest control—especially in areas like Long Island where fluctuating temperatures and humidity create ideal conditions for termites, carpenter ants, spiders, and more. If you wait until pests show up inside, the problem is already harder to control.
By starting early and taking a perimeter-first approach, you set the tone for a pest-free season. Knockout’s team is standing by to help you take the first step. We’ve been serving Long Island homeowners for over 50 years with trusted, environmentally responsible solutions. Whether you’re already seeing signs of pest activity or want to take preventive action, our team is here to help.
Request your free estimate today and ask about our perimeter protection services designed to knock pests out before they can get in. Let Knockout help you enjoy your home—inside and out—all spring long!
