With the weather starting to warm and spring approaching, many people are going through a spring cleaning process. In addition to removing dust and clutter from around your home, the refresh of spring cleaning can also include several steps to help prevent bugs during the spring and summer.
Spring cleaning can be a great way to make your house feel more refreshed indoors and out, but it can also be effective for preventing unwanted pests as they become more active in warmer weather. Whether or not you are already cleaning your home this season, try to make a point to include these bug prevention measures this spring.
Preventing Pests with Spring Cleaning
Spring cleaning to prevent pests involves a few steps inside and outside to make your home less attractive for pests This is also a good time to perform an inspection of your home to be aware of any potential pest issues and make a plan for how you will continue to manage bugs and wildlife throughout the rest of the year:
- Tidy Up the Yard – Now that leaves are done falling, use a warm day to tidy up any debris left over from fall and winter that may have collected in your yard. Rake up leaves, get rid of old branches, and clear away any dead plants, all of which can provide a habitat for pests that is uncomfortably close to your home.
- Cleanup Clutter – Spring cleaning is a great time to get rid of anything you no longer need. This also includes any trash around your home or yard that could provide a hiding spot for pests. Remove old toys, unnecessary gardening tools, and any items you have been storing.
- Repair Any Leaks – Look at outdoor and indoor pipes for signs of leaking water. Moisture is attractive to several different kinds of pests like rodents, ants, roaches, and centipedes, and taking steps to eliminate extra moisture can deter pests from moving in.
- Remove Standing Water – Outdoors, also remove anything that could collect standing water as this can be a breeding ground for mosquitoes. If you have water features you cannot remove, remember to empty them weekly once the weather reaches 70 degrees to prevent mosquitoes.
- Patch Holes – During your inspection of the exterior of your home, look for any small cracks, holes, or potential entrances for rodents and bugs. Make the necessary repairs to close them off.
- Check Your Electrical Components – Check in your electrical box for any animals that may have moved in during cold months since this is a favorite spot for animals to stay warm. Also look at wiring around your home to be sure that wires are still in good condition and have not been chewed by rodents.
- Bi-Monthly Pest Control – Even with cleaning, pests can be aggressive as the weather gets warmer. Starting bi-monthly pest control from ADAPT Pest can provide additional pest prevention that works alongside your cleaning to keep pests away no matter what the weather is.
Getting started on these cleaning solutions during your spring cleaning routine gives you a good
basis for pest prevention as the weather gets warmer. For the best results, you should continue to practice cleaning and maintenance strategies around your home throughout the spring and summer to prevent any clutter or maintenance issues around your home from attracting pests later on. To learn more about how bi-monthly pest control can help reduce the chance of a pest infestation, call ADAPT Pest Management, today.