5 Tips for Spring Pest Prevention

Springtime = “Pest-time”

When the frost begins to melt and a breath of air stops feeling like a frigid gulp of ice and more like fresh Earth, you know that spring has finally come! We are slowly making our way into this beautiful time of year but, unfortunately, spring also comes with a substantial increase in pest activity. As such, it’s critical to begin taking preventative measures to avoid full-blown pest problems. Luckily, there are a few very easy things you can do yourself at home to help prevent pests:

1. Trim Back Trees and Bushes

As flowers begin to bloom and trees become flush with greenery once again, it is important to be aware of the proximity of this flourishing foliage to your home. Tree branches, overgrown shrubs, etc. can all act as highways for pests – leading them straight from your yard onto your roof, up to your windows, and into your home. By taking the time to trim back these potential problem-makers, you can avoid a myriad of pest problems.

2. Use Dehumidifiers

Water is a massive attractant for a variety of pests. This can include water that collects outside around your home as well as moisture inside the home. If you have any areas of high humidity in your home, whether that be in your laundry room or basement, you could be at risk of drawing in pests. As such, it is important to install dehumidifiers in areas that sustain excessive moisture in the air. You can also take the extra step to ensure that you do not have any leaking pipes, sinks, or showers that might be accumulating water.

3. Spring Cleaning

With every spring, comes some spring cleaning. This is one of the most important impacts you can make in the pest control process as cleaning and tidying up removes a lot of pest attractants from your home. Your cleaning checklist can include:

• Vacuuming, sweeping, and mopping
• Dusting
• Tidying up any areas of clutter
• Cleaning out closets
• Scrubbing down all surfaces
• Disposing of garbage outside of the home
• Pickup all pet food
• Make sure all food is sealed and not exposed

As it is “spring cleaning” you can even take this a step farther and do a truly deep clean:

• Cleaning out cupboards, pantries, fridges, and anywhere else food might be kept
• Clean in areas that are rarely cleaned: under couches, behind the fridge, under/behind the stove, any voids, inside storage containers, etc.
• Make sure to run your disposal machine so food is not trapped inside

4. Inspect Entry Points

Whether you are dealing with rodents, insects, or arachnids, all three of these types of pests can wriggle their way into homes in the smallest of gaps, cracks, and crevices. This is why it is important to inspect potential entry points as the weather begins to warm up. This inspection includes:

• Edges of windows and doors for any cracks
• Screens for tears or holes
• Any gaps under doors that can be sealed/covered with door sweeps

5. We’ve Got Your Back

By teaming up with a professional pest control company, you stand the best chance at avoiding any potential pest problems this spring. At Green Pest Services, we can help you inspect potential entry ways, identify any foliage that could be problematic and even point out other conducive conditions. We also utilize a variety of safe, effective, and environmentally friendly products to secure your home. If you want to make your home a fortress against pests this spring, give us a call today. We are standing by ready to help you achieve a pest-free life so you can enjoy the warm weather without worries.