Things You Can Do Now to Prevent Spring Pests Later

The best defense is always a good offense. This is especially true when dealing with pests in and around your home. Trying to get rid of pests after you have a full blown invasion is far more work than eliminating their chance of invading in the first place. But how do you prevent pests from making a home out of your home? Being proactive is all about understanding pest behavior. Where they come from, how they get in and what environments they like are all things to consider in the fight against creepy crawlers. To prep your home for the influx of pests that come with warmer weather, read on for some of the best tips for preventing spring pests.

Seal All Doors and Windows

You’d be surprised at what spaces pests can crawl, squirm and wiggle their way through. Obvious openings like doors and windows, and even less obvious ones like holes for electric and plumbing lines, attic and crawl space vents, foundational cracks and even chimneys are all potential entryways. Seal off these openings with caulking for smaller cracks. Use steel wool, foam and wire mesh to create barriers for larger gaps.

Clear Out Any Clutter

Clutter can come in many forms. A messy garage. A box-filled attic. A backyard that hasn’t been tended to since last spring. Old mulch piles. Rotting logs. Pests love hiding in dark, damp, cluttered corners and even the smallest messes can serve as a cozy place for them to thrive. Do some spring cleaning — both indoors and outdoors — and eliminate any potential hiding spots.

No Standing Water

Water is one of the best breeding grounds for insects like flies, mosquitoes and cockroaches. Stay on top of maintenance and make sure there are no stagnant pools of water around your home. Refresh birdbath water every ten days, clear out clogged gutters and repair any leaky pipes to cut off their water sources. For good measure, throw away any debris that might be collecting rainwater in or around your home.

Keep Food Out of Reach

Stray bits of food are a surefire way to welcome pests into your home. Forgetting to clean up after cooking, leaving dirty dishes out for too long, keeping pet food out in the open — these are all ways to inadvertently feed spring pests. By securing all food and disposing of food waste immediately, you’ll be cutting off their food supply and sending pests elsewhere for their meals.

Give Us a Call

Already got a pest invasion on your hands? Don’t panic. Give Hughes a call today — we’re here to help!