Are pests sneaking into your Albany or Capital Region home? Whether it’s mosquitoes, ticks, termites, or ants, pests are not only a nuisance—they can cause serious damage if not controlled. Routine home maintenance can prevent infestations and protect your family, pets, and property. Discover the best DIY pest control tips to keep your home safe and pest-free this season.

Key Home Maintenance Tips to Prevent Pests

Pests are often drawn to homes with easy access to food, water, and shelter. Regular upkeep and preventive measures can make your property less appealing to unwanted guests. Follow these tips to deter common pests from invading your Albany home.

Mosquito Control: Stop Them Before They Start

Mosquitoes are more than a seasonal annoyance; they can breed in small amounts of standing water, making proactive maintenance essential.

• Remove Standing Water: Regularly check your property for any stagnant water, especially in gutters, buckets, and old tires.
• Maintain Gutters: Clogged gutters create pools of water, perfect for breeding mosquitoes. Clean your gutters regularly and ensure downspouts direct water away from your foundation.

Ticks and Rodents: Keep Your Yard Clear

Ticks and rodents are attracted to overgrown yards, which provide shelter and nesting spots. Simple yard maintenance can deter them from entering your home.

• Trim Grass and Weeds: Keep your lawn trimmed and clear out weeds to reduce hiding spots for ticks.
• Remove Pet Waste: Pet feces can attract rodents, so regularly clean your yard.
• Prune Trees and Shrubs: Overhanging limbs can act as bridges for pests, so keep branches trimmed away from your home.

Wood-Destroying Pests: Termites and Carpenter Ants

Termites and carpenter ants can cause significant structural damage. Protect your home by identifying these pests early and taking action.

• Store Firewood Properly: Keep firewood stored away from your home and off the ground to prevent attracting termites.
• Look for Warning Signs: Check for mud tubes, sawdust piles, or channels in wood—these are telltale signs of termites and carpenter ants.
• Inspect Regularly: Routinely check for insect damage on exposed wood and remove any old, decaying wood before it becomes a problem.

Sugar Ants: Prevention Starts in the Kitchen

Sugar ants are drawn to food sources in kitchens and dining areas. Prevent infestations by keeping food stored and surfaces clean.

• Clean All Surfaces: Wipe down counters and don’t leave food out. Proper sanitation is key to deterring sugar ants.
• Avoid Ant Sprays: Over-the-counter ant sprays may kill visible ants, but they won’t eliminate the colony. Focus on removing food and water sources instead.

When to Call a Pest Control Professional

Common Albany pests include termites, ants, roaches, and spiders. While DIY methods can be effective for prevention, professional help is often necessary for active infestations. Over-the-counter products may be risky and ineffective, potentially harming people, pets, or plants.

Call us at 518-861-4921 or contact Thomas Pest Services for a free inspection and personalized pest control plan! Our team is committed to keeping your Albany home pest-free and safe for you and your loved ones.