You can probably find anything that the typical homeowner requires at your local big box outlet or garden center. There is absolutely zero reason for anyone to have an arsenal of pesticides (insecticides, miticides, fungicides, herbicides, whatever) .

Some pest control needs, such as termite protection or eradication, require professional care.

What kinds of pest problems are you experiencing?

I just want to prevent insects entering the home. Any and all. I am picking up any information that I can.

This post was edited by bugman101 on Fri, Jul 5, 13 at 9:26

The best method of prevention is exclusion. Make sure that door and windows are properly sealed, for example. After that, other means of prevention depends on the 'pest '.

The worst thing to do is to adopt an annihilation attitude.

I just want to prevent insects entering the home. Any and all. I am picking up any information that I can.

It's easy, and it's mostly physical, not chemical.

Exclusion:
* Window screens, door screens, weatherstripping on windows and doors.
* Caulk cracks around window and door trim, inside and outside.
* Caulk all cracks around the base of siding.
* Caulk all cracks where pipes and wires enter the house, inside and outside.

Habitat Removal:
* Remove ALL debris piles and dead vegetation near the base of the house, and from all porches and patios.
* Trim back all vegetation that brushes the house. A 12-18 inch band of raked bare dirt or gravel or non-plant-based paving at the base of the wall, with no way to cross it on a plant's branches.
* Clean up all material that attracts vermin ... garbage cans, pet feces, recycling bins with old soda cans, etc.

NOTE: You can expect a brief period of higher intrusions after you do the cleanup, because you just wiped out habitat and they will be seeking new homes. Seal cracks first, clean up later.

Interior Habitat:
* CLEAN HOUSE
* Do not leave pet food out overnight
* Do not leave dirty dishes overnight
* Do not leave accumulated clutter, such as collections of shopping bags or piles of dirty laundry.

Excellent answer! You hit all of the steps. We had an annual invasion of ladybugs until we installed a new storm door....no more after that!