Back-to-School, Not Back-to-Pests: How to Keep Your Home Bug-Free During Routine Changes

The back-to-school season brings more than just lunchboxes and backpacks—it can also bring a few unexpected visitors into your home. When schedules shift and life gets hectic, routine changes can attract unwanted guests like ants, spiders, and even mice. Forgotten food in backpacks, open doors during rushed mornings, and less time for home maintenance all create the perfect environment for pests.

If you’re a busy homeowner, pest control is probably the last thing you want to think about right now. You want structure, convenience, and peace of mind—not another chore on your list. The good news? Keeping pests out doesn’t have to add stress to your routine.

Why Back-to-School is Prime Time for Pests

Back-to-school brings a mix of excitement and chaos, but it also brings opportunities for pests to sneak inside. Common culprits this time of year include ants, spiders, fruit flies, pantry pests, cluster flies, ticks, and even bed bugs.

Here’s what makes this season so inviting for them:

• Food sources: Leftover snacks in backpacks or crumbs in the car? That’s a buffet for ants and fruit flies.
  
  
• Open doors and windows: Rush out for the bus and forget to shut the door? Hello, spiders and mice.
  
  
• Sports gear and outdoor activities: Fall sports like soccer, cross-country, and hiking can introduce ticks into the home.
  
  
• Travel and luggage: Weekend trips or school events can bring back more than souvenirs—bed bugs love to hitch a ride. (Check out our bed bug guide here for more tips.)

5 Back-to-School Pest Prevention Tips for Busy Households

1. Create a "Drop Zone" for Shoes, Bags & Lunchboxes
   Set up a designated spot near the door for shoes, sports gear, and backpacks. This keeps outdoor pests from spreading inside—and makes your mornings less chaotic.
   
   
2. Inspect & Clean Backpacks Weekly
   Forgotten snacks are an open invitation to pests. A quick weekly check can prevent Monday morning surprises—like a fruit fly covered apple.
   
   
3. Stick to a Quick Nightly Kitchen Routine
   A five-minute wipe-down can make a big difference. Clear counters, rinse dishes, check sinks for crumbs, and seal any open food containers. Pests thrive on leftovers—don’t give them a reason to stick around.
   
   
4. Close the Door on Entry Points
   Remind kids to shut doors behind them. Check weather stripping, install door sweeps, and repair torn screens to block pest entry points.
   
   
5. Make Trash and Recycling Pest-Proof
   Keep trash bins tightly sealed and take them out regularly. Pests love easy access to food scraps, so don’t let your garbage become a buffet.
   
   

Bonus Tip: Don’t Let Late Summer & Fall Travel Bring Home Hitchhikers
If you’re heading out for Labor Day or a school trip, inspect luggage for bed bugs and other pests before unpacking. Use plastic bins instead of cardboard for seasonal clothes and supplies. And keep an eye out during bed-making—early detection is key.

The Smartest Move for Busy Families: Year-Round Pest Protection

When life gets busy, the last thing you need is a pest problem on top of everything else. That’s where the Thomas Pest Services Complete Care Program comes in.

• Set-it-and-forget-it convenience: Timely treatments, expert inspections, and zero scheduling stress.
• Peace of mind: It’s like insurance for your home—when you need it, you’ll be glad you have it.
• Proactive protection: Don’t wait for pests to become a problem. Stay ahead year-round.
  
  

With one simple call, you can take pest control off your to-do list—permanently.

Pest Control That Fits Your Life—So You Can Focus on What Matters

Life doesn’t slow down during back-to-school season—and neither do pests. The last thing you need is another item on your to-do list. That’s why Thomas Pest Services makes pest control simple and stress-free. With a few smart habits and our year-round Complete Care Plan, you can keep your home pest-free without the extra mental load.

Book your year-round pest protection today and reclaim your time and peace of mind. When your schedule gets busier, we make sure your home stays protected—every season, every time.