How to Prepare for Pesky Pests This Spring

When the weather warms up, pests wake up from their winter hibernation and start to come out. There are some preventative measures you can take to keep these critters at bay this spring. Follow these tips and you’ll be on your way to a pest-free home.

Spring is a great time to check for moisture issues in the home. This is because pests, such as cockroaches, mosquitoes, termites, and other pesky insects, are looking for sources of water to feed on. Using a moisture meter, you can easily determine how much moisture there is in your walls and ceilings without even opening them. Look for signs of mold, mildew, or rot. Another key indicator of a moisture problem is the presence of strong musty odors. These are usually a sign that bacteria or mold has formed in an area that isn’t being properly ventilated. In addition to the potential health dangers of moldy conditions, excess moisture can cause rot and structural damage to your home. This can result in costly repairs. It’s best to address these problems before they become a serious issue. To avoid mold in the first place, make sure that your home is properly ventilated and properly sealed.

If your trees and shrubs are overgrown, you may need to trim them. Pruning helps plants produce more flowers and ward off pests, as well as maintain a healthy appearance. Pruning is usually done in late winter or early spring when the plants are dormant. This makes it easier to see what you’re doing and allows the wounds to heal before they’re exposed to active growth in spring. Most deciduous trees should be pruned every two or three years. The frequency varies by type and climate conditions. Shrubs, on the other hand, should be trimmed annually to maintain their shape. Using loppers or hand pruners, remove dead, damaged and crossing branches back to the base of the plant. Then, focus on the weaker limbs that form at a narrow angle (45 degrees or less). These limbs are most likely to break easily in wind or snow and ice.

One of the best things you can do to prepare for pesky pests this spring is to clean up your clutter. Clutter is everywhere and it provides an ideal environment for bugs to thrive. This includes boxes, paper and other supplies, dirty dishes, open food containers and other debris. It’s a great idea to sort through these items and donate, sell, store, or put away any that are no longer needed. A cluttered basement, closet, attic or even under your bed are hot spots for many pests. They have ample hiding places, moisture, and food for breeding. When cleaning these areas, remove all stored items and inspect them for bugs or signs of damage like holes, stains, or tears before putting them back. Also, seal cracks that pests may use as entry points to your home. This will help keep pests out all year round.

Inspect your home for any entry points that may be allowing pests to enter. These include cracks and gaps around windows, doors, pipes, utility lines, foundations, and any other areas that could be an entrance point. The best way to prevent pests from entering your home is to seal all these places. You can do this by using materials that are hard for rodents to chew through. This includes steel wool, metal sheeting, aluminum mesh, and caulk. Typically, a mix of caulk and wire mesh works well for sealing holes in the home. If you see any signs of pests in your home, be sure to call a professional pest control company such as Crist Termite and Pest Solutions, Inc. for help. They will know how to find these entry points and seal them so you can avoid a future infestation. Once you’ve done this, it will be much easier to keep your home pest-free! Don’t forget to check for gnaw marks, droppings, or stains as you inspect your home!