Spring is when the weather starts to warm up, and plants and flowers bloom. Unfortunately, it’s not just the beauty of nature that springs up; pests tend to make their presence known as well. To learn more about the common spring pests you may see this season, check out our blog, 6 Common Southern Indiana Spring Pests.
These pests are not just bothersome, but they can also cause damage to your home, yard, and even your health. That’s why it’s important to take preventative measures to keep them out before they become a bigger problem.
The good news is that you can take easy steps to keep pests away. In this blog, we’ve provided a helpful checklist to prepare your home for spring pests. You’ll find two sections below, one for the outside and one for the inside of your home, which outline the proper steps you need to take.
By following this checklist, you’ll be able to ensure that your home is ready to ward off any potential Southern Indiana pest problems that may arise during the spring season.
Outside Of Your Home
Let’s start with the outside of your home and work our way into the inside. When following the steps below, you should remember that your goal is to create an undesirable environment for spring insects, making it less likely for them to enter your home.
Spring pests will seek water, food, and place to mate and create colonies. Therefore, you should be working to remove those essentials from the pests.
Landscaping
Start by checking the landscaping around your home. Insects can hide in overgrown bushes, trees, and debris. Additionally, low-hanging branches can make it easy for pests to get inside your home.
Here are some things you can do to take care of your landscaping:
- Keep your yard clean by removing any debris.
- Mow and trim your lawn regularly.
- Cut down low-hanging tree branches.
- Shape up your shrubs by trimming them.
- Clean your gutters often to prevent build-up.
Seal Off Access Points
Next, check outside your home for any places where pests could get inside. Look for small cracks and gaps, and seal them up with caulk that’s made from silicone.
For larger holes, try using steel wool to fill them in. Larger pests, like rats and mice, don’t like the rough texture of the steel fibers, so this can help keep them out.
Check your window screens and door screens for any rips or tears. If you find any, they should be replaced immediately.
Sealing up any potential entry points can go a long way in keeping pests from invading your home.
Eliminate Standing Water
The next step in creating an unwelcoming environment for spring pests is eliminating any standing water on your property. Gnats, for example, breed in standing water, so removing any sources of stagnant water, such as old tires, flowerpots, or puddles in your yard is important.
Make sure water is directed away from your house by checking that your downspouts, gutters, and splash blocks are working correctly.
If you notice any leaks in your spigot, water pipes, or AC units, make sure to have them fixed as soon as possible. Redirecting water and repairing leaks can help prevent pests from being attracted to your home.
Firewood Pile
Firewood can be a great place for pests like termites to hide and find food. To help prevent this, it’s vital to keep your firewood stacks at least 20 feet away from your home and elevated off the ground.
Doing this will reduce the chances of pests making their way into your home from the firewood pile.
Inside Of Your Home
After discussing the outdoor measures to prevent pests, let’s focus on the inside of your home. We still have the same goal when focusing on the inside of the house: create an undesirable environment for spring insects. There are multiple ways you can do this.
Keep Clean
The main thing you can do to prevent Southern Indiana pests from taking over your home this spring is to keep your home clean and tidy. Pests are attracted to messes, crumbs, and clutter, as it provides them with food and shelter to create colonies.
Here is what you can do to maintain a clean home and create an unsuitable environment for pests.
- Wipe counters often.
- Don’t let dishes pile up.
- Clean up crumbs and spills.
- Vacuum and mop floors.
- Take out the trash regularly.
- Declutter newspapers and magazines.
Remove Standing Water and Humidity
It is crucial to fix any leaks in your home’s pipes, sinks, tubs, or toilets. Remember to check for any moisture or water damage signs, as these can also indicate leaks.
By repairing these leaks, you’re cutting off one of the main water sources for pests, which is vital for survival.
In addition to that, if your home is humid, you should invest in a dehumidifier. A dehumidifier will help reduce the moisture levels in the air and make your home a less appealing environment for pests.
Remember, eliminating easy access to water is a vital step in preventing pest infestations.
Seal Food Properly
The kitchen is one of the main areas in your home in which pests are attracted to. To prevent pests from accessing your food, you must take the necessary steps to seal your food properly.
This includes ensuring that all of your food items are stored in airtight containers that pests cannot get into. By keeping your food in airtight containers, you will be limiting the access that pests have to it, which will help prevent them from invading your home.
If you have any open food boxes, it is best to transfer them to storage bags or sealed containers. Open boxes can be an easy target for pests as they can penetrate through the cardboard and access the food inside.
Keep Pet Bowls Clean
It’s vital to keep your pet’s food and water area clean by wiping up any spilled food or water right away. Also, think about storing dry pet food in a sealed plastic container.
By keeping the pet’s feeding area clean and storing the food in a sealed container, you’re making it harder for pests to find a food source in your home.
Spring is a time to have fun and enjoy your home and yard with loved ones, but pesky insects can ruin the experience. Following the tips above, you can prevent spring bugs from invading your home and spoiling your fun this season.
However, remember that pests are not just a problem in the spring. To keep your home free from insects all year round, it’s best to have a pest control plan in place.
If you are dealing with an infestation or have questions about pest prevention, don’t hesitate to reach out to your Southern Indiana pest control experts at T & G Pest Control for assistance.