Did you know that one of the best ways to prevent pest problems in your home this spring and summer is to get through that spring cleaning list that you have been making for the last few weeks’ sooner than later? That’s right; spring cleaning not only lets you tidy up your home and finally get to those chores you have been procrastinating on all winter, but also allows you to take care of the things that may attract pests to your home this spring and summer. So get that list out, stop procrastinating, and start spring cleaning!
Spring cleaning usually involves both the inside and outside of your home which is a perfect approach to the war against pests. The pros at Thomas Pest want to help by providing you with a list a spring cleaning tasks for the interior and exterior of your home, that will not only tidy up your home after a long winter, but will also protect it against those pesky pests.
Interior spring cleaning and pest prevention tips:
Take the time to declutter storage areas like pantries, closets, basements and attics. Cluttered spaces give pests like rodents, spiders, silverfish, ants and many others places to hide and forage for food in. Get rid of items that you no longer need or want and organize the rest; preferably in plastic containers with tight fitting lids instead of cardboard boxes.
Move large appliances like refrigerators and stoves, and large pieces of furniture from against the wall, clean up the debris and crumbs that have gathered behind or under them. Crumbs, dirt, dust and debris can all attract pests.
Go through your pantry and all other cabinets in your kitchen; wipe down the shelves and get rid of old or expired items. This helps to reduce the chances of mice and pantry pests trespassing and staying in your home.
Deep clean all floors and carpets in your home.
Inspect screens before placing them into your home’s windows and doors. Make sure that they are completely intact and if they are not, then repair or replace them.
Exterior spring cleaning and pest prevention tips:
Inspect the foundation of your home and seal up any cracks that rodents and insects may be able to use to gain access inside.
As you are washing your home’s windows caulk voids around them, along with the spaces around exterior doors.
Remove leaves, tree branches and other debris that may have gathered on your lawn over the winter. Piles of organic debris make excellent hiding spots for insects and rodents.
Inspect shrubs, bushes and other landscaping that is planted near your home, trim back any trees or branches that are close to or touching any building’s exterior.
Rake out garden areas; make sure there is a barrier between grass or mulch and your buildings foundation.
Inspect your home’s roof, repair any loose or missing shingles and make sure that any chimneys have tight fitting caps on them.
Check your home’s gutters and remove any debris from them to insure that rain water can flow freely through them. Water pooling in gutters attracts many pests, including those dreaded mosquitoes.
These spring cleaning tips should help you to keep your home pest free for the upcoming spring and summer seasons. For information how Thomas Pest Services can help you to maintain a pest free home year round through our residential pest control services, call us today!