Spring is here, which means we will (hopefully!) be seeing more sunshine, birds, and beautiful flowers in bloom.
If we’re not careful, though, we might also be seeing more pests in our homes.
Nobody wants to have to deal with inconvenient and unsanitary critters in our homes, but unless we take action to stop them from making themselves at home, it could happen – especially in spring when many of the most problematic pests come out in full force. With that in mind, here’s what you need to do to prevent the presence of these common pests.
Ants
When temperatures start to rise, the carpet ants decide to come out in search of new places to live and eat. In order to make your home a less inviting destination for them, ensure that you clean up any food regularly, and that all foodstuffs are locked safely away in tightly sealed containers stored in the fridge, pantry, or cabinet. Also, if there are any things in or around your property that ants might like to make a home under, such as stones, boards, or wood, remove them from the property too, if possible.
Wasps
Wasps often make their home inside your home’s walls when the weather is cold, so when spring rolls around it is not unusual for them to wake up and look for someplace to lay their eggs and build a new colony. Your house is the obvious place to start. In order to avoid that (or should you see a wasp emerging from your wall), treat the area with something that will kill them. If you see that you do not have wasps, but they are actually bees, call in a professional to remove them instead of killing them. Bees are a vital part of our ecosystem and, in some cases, are even protected. Feel free to kill your wasps, but please save the bees!
Termites
Termites tend to start swarming in the spring, and it’s typical to be dealing with an infestation during this season. Applying a termite treatment to your property is the best way to avoid them. However, keeping mulch well away from your home, minimizing the amount of wood you have around, and cleaning and maintaining your gutters will all help to keep them at bay.
Mice and Rats
Mice and rats are a problem at any time of the year, but they are often very prevalent in spring. To keep them out of your house, block up any obvious holes and cracks that could allow them entry. You should always keep food cleaned up and in airtight containers when possible, and clear out any wood piles or neat hiding places in your garden to avoid them inhabiting your property completely. If you want to be extra sure, buy a rodent deterrent spray and use it liberally. And, as always, call in a professional pest control service if all else fails.
Keeping pests out of your home can be tricky, but if you are proactive now, you can decrease your chances of an infestation on your property significantly.
P.S. Got any tips for getting rid of or preventing pests? Share them in the comments below!