Effective pest and mold control starts with prevention. By prioritizing safer methods that limit chemical use, you can manage pests and mold while protecting people, pets, and the environment – creating a healthier environment for all.

Pest Prevention

Like you, pests need water, food, and shelter to live. Here’s what you and your property owner can do to get rid of them and prevent them from invading your home.

1. Inside your home: take away pests’ food, water, and shelter

• Eliminate Food Sources
  • Clean grease, crumbs, and spills
  • Don’t leave dishes in the sink. Throw away food wrappers and food packaging
  • Store food in sealed containers (pests can chew through paper, cardboard, and some plastics)
  • Rinse empty food containers before recycling them
  • At night, cover or put a lid on your pet’s food and water
• Remove Water Sources
  • Fix leaks and check for water under sinks
  • Keep areas dry – pests thrive in dark, damp spaces
• Reduce Shelter and Hiding Places
  • Remove clutter from floors and surfaces
  • Store extra clothing and items in sealed plastic containers
• Manage Waste Properly
  • Take out garbage frequently
  • Use bins with tight-fitting lids when possible
  • Store food scraps/compost in a container with a lid
• Avoid Harmful Methods
  • Avoid sprays, foggers, or bug bombs as they don’t reach where pests hide and can push pests deeper into walls
  • Sprays, foggers or bombs must be disposed of as household hazardous waste
  • Keep your home clean using less-toxic products. Read More

2. Reduce moisture to prevent mold and pests

• Open curtains and windows, and use ventilation fans when cooking and bathing. 
• Fans should be free of grease, and reported to management if not operating effectively.
• Separate furniture and appliances, including refrigerator, from walls.
• Dry moisture from windows and walls after bathing.
• Report drips or leaks for repair to property management.
• Check the seal around the sink - ensure it’s sealed up and does not allow water to leak below the sink. Use escutcheon plates to seal gaps around pipes.

3. In and around your home: ask property management to seal out pests

• Install door sweeps or other barriers.
• Screen all vents and windows and repair broken screens.
• Seal all cracks, crevices, and holes in walls and ceilings, and around electrical outlets, pipes, and gas/utility connections.
• Keep carports and garages free of clutter. Safely dispose of unwanted and leftover chemicals for free through San Mateo County’s Household Hazardous Waste Program and visit recyclestuff.org for recycling options for other items
• Thin out dense trees and overgrown plants. Trim branches and leaves that come close to gutters and roofs.
• Maintain interior and exterior water, drainage (including gutters and downspouts), and sewage systems.
• Screen all exterior foundation wall openings to prevent pests from nesting under the building.
• Rinse common garbage and recycling bins as needed to reduce grime.
• Consider hiring a safer pest control expert certified in Integrated Pest Management (IPM): Ecowise Certified, GreenPro Certified, or Green Shield Certified.

Pest Prevention

Resources for Families
3 Steps to a Healthy Home
3 Pasos y Fuera Plagas
Asma y las Plagas en el Hogar
Para que se Vayan las Cucarachas

Resources for Property Owners and Managers on Effective Pest Control

Learn more about Integrated Pest Management (IPM) from National Center for Healthy Housing.

Mold and Moisture: Keep it Dry

Reducing moisture prevents and reduces mold growth. Your first action is to address the source of the moisture, which causes mold. Read more about preventing mold and other healthy homes actions from the California Department of Public Health 

Resources for Families
CDPH Mold Guidance Booklet
Mold in the Home Video Series
Mold or Moisture in My Home: What Do I Do?
Moho o Humedad en Mi Hogar: ¿Qué Hago?

Resources for Property Owners and Managers
EPA: Mold and Moisture in Your Home

Safer Cleaning for Your Home

Vea este video en Español

Choose less toxic products to reduce exposure to hazardous chemicals and generate less household hazardous waste. The Safer Choice Label can help you identify and learn more about consumer products made with safer ingredients.

Looking for simple alternatives? Explore  Safer Cleaning at Home Recipes for easy, effective ways to clean using less toxic ingredients.