PAGE 1 OF 2

Step 1. If your chimney flue doesn’t have a cap, you are inviting birds, bats, and squirrels into the flue, especially if you never use the fireplace. A chimney cap with screening or mesh on the sides will keep all these pests out.

Step 2. Most roof vents come with screens installed to keep insects out of the house. If this screen is torn or missing, staple new screening (it’s actually called insect mesh at the store) to the backside of the vent with ¼”-long staples.

Step 3. Replace typical flap-type dryer vents (inset) with protected vent hoods. These keep out insects and small rodents, and are designed to be a universal replacement for standard vent hoods.

Step 4. Sill plates are supposed to be installed over a sealer material that keeps out insects. But some times the sealer is left off. If you see evidence that insects are coming through the joint, fill it with caulk outside and inside.