• Fourth generation pest expert Sean Knox shares a do it yourself playbook for keeping pests out before they become a problem

Georgia, US, 9 Dec 2025, ZEX PR WIRE, Most pest problems do not start as disasters. They start as small, easy to miss details at the edge of a driveway, behind a water heater, or in a quiet corner of a pantry.

“By the time a family calls us in a panic, the pests have usually been there for a while,” said Sean Knox, Co-Owner and President of Knox Pest Control and Lawn Solutions. “The truth is, there is a lot homeowners can do on their own before it ever gets that far.”

Knox, a fourth-generation pest control leader based in Columbus, Georgia, is sharing a simple, practical checklist for families across Alabama, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, and Mississippi. The goal is not to turn people into technicians. It is to give them a clear routine that reduces risk month after month.

The 10 Minute Outside Check

Knox recommends a quick monthly walk around your home. No tools, just a sharp eye.

Look for:

• Gaps around pipes and cables

• Cracks in foundations and siding

• Torn screens on windows or vents

• Areas where wood touches soil

• Standing water near the house

“Most people are surprised how much they notice in ten minutes,” Knox said. “One loose screen or one rotting board can be an open door for pests.”

If you find something small, seal it if you can. Use caulk, weather stripping, or a simple screen repair kit. If the damage looks serious, note it and plan a repair.

The Kitchen and Pantry Audit

According to public health agencies, pests like roaches, ants, and rodents are strongly tied to food and water sources inside a home.

Knox suggests a short, focused kitchen check once a week.

Do this:

• Wipe crumbs from counters and under small appliances

• Rinse recycling before it goes in the bin

• Store grains, pet food, and snacks in sealed containers

• Take out trash regularly and use tight fitting lids

“You do not need a perfect kitchen,” Knox said. “You just need to make it harder for pests to find an easy meal.”

The Clutter Rule

Garages, basements, and attics are common trouble spots. Stacks of boxes and old items create shelter for insects and rodents.

Knox gives his customers one simple rule.

“If you have not opened a box in a year, either go through it or move it off the floor,” he said. “Pests love dark, quiet spaces that never move.”

Use shelves, clear bins, and labels when possible. Leave a little space between storage and walls so you can see behind and underneath.

Listen, Look, Smell

Not all signs of pests are easy to see. Some you hear or smell first.

Knox tells homeowners to pay attention to:

• Scratching or scurrying sounds in walls or ceilings at night

• Musty or strange odors in closed spaces

• Tiny droppings, wings, or sawdust like material near walls or furniture

“If something feels off, trust that feeling and check it,” he said. “Early warning signs are your best friend. They give you time to act before real damage happens.”

When to Call a Professional

Do it yourself measures can prevent many problems, but they are not a substitute for expert inspections. Termites alone cause billions of dollars in property damage in the United States every year, often without obvious early signs.

Knox recommends that homeowners in the Southeast:

• Get a professional termite inspection at least once a year

• Call a licensed company if they see swarmers, mud tubes, or wood damage

• Ask for a clear explanation of findings and a written plan if treatment is needed

“Think of professional inspections like a checkup,” Knox said. “You do not wait for a serious illness to see a doctor. You use checkups to stay ahead of problems.”

A Simple Seasonal Challenge

Knox is inviting homeowners to pick one season and use it to reset their pest prevention habits.

His suggested three step challenge:

1. Pick a Saturday morning and do a full inside and outside check using the tips above.

2. Write down three fixes you can handle yourself this month, such as sealing a gap, clearing clutter, or fixing a screen.

3. Schedule one inspection with a trusted local provider if you have not had one in the last year.

“Success in pest control is not about one big spray or one big visit,” Knox said. “It comes from small, steady habits that protect your home and the people inside it.”

He wants families to see pest control as part of normal home care, not just an emergency service.

“You do not have to know everything,” he added. “You just have to pay attention, act early, and ask for help when something does not look right. That alone can prevent many of the worst problems we see in the field.”

About Sean Knox

Sean Knox is a fourth-generation pest control leader and the Co-Owner and President of Knox Pest Control and Lawn Solutions in Columbus, Georgia. He grew up in the industry as a technician assistant and now helps lead a team of more than 225 people serving over 90,000 customers across the Southeast. Sean holds degrees from Georgia Southern University, Regent University, and Baylor University, and is active in community groups and leadership programs. He lives in Columbus with his wife, Crawford, and their three children, and enjoys running, skiing, mountaineering, golf, and time on the lake with family and friends.