Sealing entry points is the single most effective way to stop recurring pest infestations and save money on ongoing exterminator fees. Chemical treatments only kill the bugs already inside, while a properly sealed perimeter acts as a permanent barrier to prevent new ones from taking their place. [1, 2]
## Where to Seal (The High-Traffic Zones)* Plumbing Cutouts: Check under sinks where pipes enter the walls. Fill gaps around the pipes using expandable foam or steel wool.
* Baseboards and Corners: Apply silicone caulk along the gaps between your baseboards and floors.
* Doors and Windows: Install or replace worn weather stripping. Use door sweeps on external doors.
* Utility Lines: Seal the gaps around outdoor electrical wires, gas lines, or cable inputs entering the home. [1, 3, 4, 5, 6]
## The Right Tools for the Job* Silicone Caulk: Best for small gaps, baseboards, and windows.
* Expandable Foam: Ideal for large holes around pipes, but buy the pest-resistant variety so rodents cannot chew through it.
* Steel Wool: Pack this into gaps before foaming or caulking. Mice and rats cannot chew through steel mesh. [1, 7, 8, 9, 10] *
## Apartment vs. House Rules* If you rent an apartment: Check your lease before applying permanent caulking or foam. In most jurisdictions, landlords are legally required to provide and pay for pest control. If there is an active infestation, report the entry holes to management so their maintenance team can seal them safely.
* If you own a house: Sealing also provides a secondary benefit by improving your home’s insulation, reducing heat loss, and lowering your energy bills.
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Residents at Penn Mar Apartments in Forestville say they’re dealing with ongoing maintenance issues and deteriorating living conditions. One tenant shared her experience with CTV News, showing peeling paint, water damage from rain, and an air conditioning system that she says has repeatedly failed. The tenant has filed for rent escrow but says a judge instructed her to refile the case against Residential One, the owner of the apartment complex. She is now in the process of resubmitting the paperwork. CTV News reached out to both Penn Mar Apartments and Residential One for comment but had not received a response by the time this story was published.
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