Along with spring’s pleasant weather and blooming flowers also comes the return of unwanted pests. With the temperatures going back up, bugs and rodents that lay low in winter will be starting to emerge in full force. To avoid things getting out of hand, you’ll need proper spring pest control.
Why Spring Pest Control Is Crucial
When you say pest control, it doesn’t settle at just getting rid of what’s already there. It also involves stopping them from becoming a big problem.
Having an uncontrolled pest infestations pose health and safety risks to you and your family. They can damage your home, sometimes to the point that it may compromise structural integrity. Pests also carry dangerous viruses and bacteria that can contaminate your food or even just the surfaces in your home.
Springtime is the prime time for bugs to breed. If they find their way into your house, expect them to grow in numbers rapidly. Given their size, pests can easily enter your home. Therefore, you will need to be observant and watch out for these pests before they grow in number.
Spring Pest Control: How to Do It
Ready to have a pest-free spring season? Here’s some steps you can follow:
Start with a Deep Spring Cleaning
Having a clean home helps keep more pests away. Before you dive into and try out spring pest control strategies, you should thoroughly clean your home. Get rid of any crumbs, grease, and clutter that all offer food and hiding places for unwanted visitors.
Start with your kitchen, pantry, and any storage areas. Wipe down all surfaces, vacuum behind appliances, and dispose of expired or open food. Clear out storage closets and garages, and donate or toss out anything you don’t need. Less clutter means fewer places for pests to hide or build nests.
Seal Up Entry Points
Pests are small. Many of them can easily squeeze through small holes.
Part of pest-proofing your home is sealing these entryways. Go around your property and look for any small cracks or holes. If you find ones that bugs or rodents can use as entry points to your home, seal them up with weatherproof caulk or expandable foam.
In addition to these holes, you should inspect areas where plumbing and electrical lines enter your home. Even small gaps can be access points. Install door sweeps under exterior doors and repair or replace damaged window screens.
Deal with Ants in Spring Before They Multiply
Ants show up everywhere during the spring season. In this season, they start looking for food after laying low during winter. One of their prime foraging locations is usually a home.
If you keep finding ants in spring, follow their trail and see where they’re coming from. Once you find this, try using bait traps and natural deterrents like vinegar or citrus peels along common ant trails. Addressing the problem early prevents colonies from forming and keeps spring pest control manageable.
Keep Your Kitchen Pest-Free
Your kitchen is a popular hotspot for pests. After all, it’s where they can find everything they want. So, make this area a priority when it comes to spring pest control. Make sure to keep the area clean and sealed off.
Additionally, here’s a checklist of what to do to keep your kitchen pest free:
- Wipe your counters and clean the floor every day.
- Wash your dishes as soon as you use them. Avoid letting them stand overnight.
- Choose a sealed can for your trash. Make sure to take your trash out regularly.
- Choose air-tight food storage, even for pet food.
- If you find any, seal around leaky plumbing.
If you consistently find ants in the kitchen in spring, it may be time to find a better pest-proofing strategy. Use borax-based bait traps and refresh any barriers you’ve created with vinegar, pepper, or essential oils.
Inspect and Maintain Your Yard
Pest control doesn’t stop at your doorstep. If you have a messy yard, you’re more likely to attract pests that eventually find their way inside. Tall grass, standing water, mulch piles, and overgrown vegetation, these all create amazing conditions for insects and rodents to thrive.
As part of your spring pest control routine, spend some time tidying up the yard:
- Trim bushes and branches that touch your house.
- Prevent having standing water by cleaning gutters and downspouts.
- Keep grass short and remove leaf litter or wood piles.
- Don’t let mulch touch your house’s foundation.
- Look for signs of rodent burrows or insect nests.
You should also pay attention to areas where moisture collects. Damp environments are magnets for termites, mosquitoes, and earwigs.
Protect Against Rodents
Rodents like mice and rats are destructive and carriers of unwanted diseases. Unfortunately, they also start looking for nesting spots and food sources in the spring.
To avoid having them invade your home, you need to act fast. You can easily point out if you have them in your house when you hear scratching noises at night or find droppings in cupboards or attics. If you find early signs of rodent activity, you can set some traps near suspected entry points. You should also use steel wool or metal mesh to block off holes, as rats and mice can’t chew through them.
Keep your garage door closed as much as possible, and avoid leaving pet food out overnight. Even birdseed in the garage can attract unwanted visitors.
Don’t Forget the Basement and Attic
In most homes, basements and attics usually are the least-used areas. Since they’re rarely touched, pests tend to stay there. It’s dark, damp, and undisturbed, a perfect dwelling place for many insects and rodents.
As part of your spring pest control checklist, inspect these areas thoroughly. Look for signs of moisture, cracks in walls or flooring, and any droppings or nesting material. Use a dehumidifier to reduce moisture levels, and store items in sealed plastic bins instead of cardboard boxes.
Make sure there’s adequate ventilation in both spaces, and seal any potential entry points with caulk, foam, or wire mesh.
Stay Consistent Through the Season
Pest control doesn’t end when spring ends. It’s only a starting point for the year. As much as possible, you should regularly maintain your home to keep it pest free.
RELATED KEYWORDS:
- From Farm To Table: Easy Ways To Support Local Farmers This Spring
- Winter Gardening: How To Prepare Your Garden For The Cold
- Spring Maintenance Checklist: What To Do This Season
