There are many pests that are dormant in the winter and arouse in the spring. Even with year round pests, most are highly active during the spring months. As these pests search for food, water, safety and reproduction, a lot of them might wander into your home. In an effort to help spare your home of pest infestations, we at Stewart Termite and Pest Control would like to offer some tips and advice on how you can avoid or significantly minimize the risks of pest infestations.
Tips to Avoid Spring Bug & Insect Infestations
1) Kitchen Pests. Just as the kitchen is the heart of many homes, it is often where insects and rodents are lingering. Both food and water are conveniently located and readily available in the kitchen. Pull out the appliances that are movable and remove all food and debris that might have slipped through the cracks when you tackle your spring cleaning. When going through the cabinets, drawers, and pantry; ensure all the crumbs that have spilt are thoroughly cleaned up. Put all perishables and dry goods in pest free, approved sealed containers. Original packaging including cardboard, paper, and flimsy plastic is not adequate when a determined pest is hungry! Common pests such as mice, rats, ants, cockroaches, and other insects will move on when there is no food to be found. Pests are not only prone to human food, but will happily devour pet food as well. Storing your pet’s food in approved seal-able containers contributes to pest population decreases. Also, whenever possible, avoid leaving large quantities of food and water available for your pets, as uninvited creepers will frequent the pet’s dishes, contaminating them in the process.
2) Basement Bugs & Spiders. Basements or garages are also a common nesting ground for the pests that favor the climate it provides. The dark, moist, secluded, and often cluttered environment is appealing to pests, especially spiders. Clutter attracts many species of bugs and rodents; offering materials for nesting and protection from predators. Include in your spring cleaning the basement and garage. Focus on clearing away the clutter. When tending to the clutter simply keep in mind that you want to get rid of anything you haven’t used in a year. Yard sales, donation centers, recycling facilities and trashing it are a good ways to dispose of the clutter.
3) Bugs & Pests in Bathrooms. Few living things can survive without water for an extended time period. Bathrooms house plenty of water and pests soon learn that. Diligently avoid allowing water to stand, even in small volumes. For example; wipe down the shower curtains after use and mop water puddles on the floor if any water lands there. Keeping drains clog free is also recommended to keep angel fish and cockroaches clear.
4) Garden & Outside Pests. Pests come into your because they are in close proximity to your home. Piles of firewood, building materials and vegetation need to be properly disposed of. If you have such materials you want to hang on to, neatly organize them as far from the house as possible. Keep landscaping well manicured; grass mowed, bushes trimmed, and trees pruned away from the house. Periodically clean out trash cans and store them as far from the house as possible. Keep lids tightly sealed in between use.
Pest Exclusion Techniques
Following the spring cleaning project, tackle home improvements by starting on blocking and sealing any holes, cracks, crevices and entry points pests can slip through. Replace worn weather stripping around the windows and doors if necessary. Seal any holes or cracks around service pipes and ventilation. Repair any dripping faucets or piping.
Pest Management for All Seasons
If you are preparing your home for keeping spring pest infestations out, contact Stewart Termite & Pest Control and let our experts safeguard your home from the common pests localized in your area with custom maintenance sprays to minimize pest populations.