Spring: A time for picnics, gardening, outdoor activities, and unfortunately.. pests! As the weather warms up, creepy crawlers emerge from their winter dwellings to build nests, forage for food and breed, right in your own backyard. So, before you embark on your warm weather adventures, make sure that your home is in tip-top shape to remain pest-free this spring. We’ve compiled a list of the top five prevention tips for keeping the pests out, so that you and your family can feel safe in!
Tip 1: Seal it up! Make sure to inspect your home for any cracks or holes that critters can potentially enter through. Seal up all openings, including any entry points for utilities and pipes. Pay special attention to your windows, making sure that they close and seal properly, and that there are no tears in the screens.
Tip 2: Keep your food contained. Make sure to seal up any and all food items in your pantry. Pet food, cereal, bread and all other dry food items are a tasty snack for potential pantry pests. We recommend sealing any open products in air-tight tupperware containers or ziploc bags.
Tip 3: Watch out for standing water. Standing water is a breeding ground for mosquitoes, so you’ll want to eliminate any stagnant puddles that you find. Not only are mosquitoes an itchy nuisance, but they are capable of carrying diseases that can be harmful to your family. Be sure to check the runoff from your gutters, as it can sometimes pool in gardens or flower beds. Some garden decorations, such as bird baths, lend themselves to be a perfect host for standing water as well.
Tip 4: Clear the brush. Spring is a time for pruning! Make sure to trim your shrubs and dispose of the clippings immediately to eliminate opportunities for nesting. If you have to store brush or firewood, keep it bundled tightly and away from your home or shed. Stored wood can be an attractive new home for termites, beetles, bees and wasps.
Tip 5: Dehumidify! Basements tend to get pretty damp in the warm weather, which attracts pests of all kinds. If you have a basement, invest in a dehumidifier that will eliminate excess water from the air to keep the space nice and dry, and of course bug-free. Crawl spaces and attics should be kept ventilated and dry as well.
Pests are called pests for a reason, and although you may try your hardest to keep them out, sometimes they will still find their way in. If you suspect an infestation, don’t panic. Give us a call at 888-649-9919 and let the experts at Pest Control Unlimited take it from there. You’ll be out picnicking with peace of mind in no time!
