Spring has sprung! Spring brings us longer days, birdsong, greener grass, beautiful blooms… and bugs. Don’t forget the spiders! We can’t prevent the seasons from changing, but we can be prepared for what the seasons bring.
Bugs to Look For
We see an uptick of almost all pest presence during springtime, with ants and termites being the primary concern for most homeowners. Mosquitos and flies return, bringing with them diseases and bacteria. Rodents also become more active in warmer weather as they prepare for their breeding season. You’ll see more spiders as the temperatures rise as well, and, although the vast majority of them pose no threats to humans, you should proceed cautiously when entering the dark, undisturbed environments that recluses and black widows like to call home. All forms of wildlife become more active, and you can bet your normal nuisance animals will shortly begin returning to their trademark meddling.
Preparing Your Property for Bug Season
A bit of routine maintenance and preparation goes a long way. Spring is a great time to do checkups on your home’s exterior, watching for cracks in the foundation, and holes or gaps in siding, eaves, doors, and windows. Check sprinkler systems and yard hydrants for leaks. While you’re at it, check the screens and weather stripping for tears or bends. Survey your property for standing water, and piles of leaves, and trim back trees and shrubbery away from structures. If you can safely access your roof, it’s a good idea to survey it for missing shingles, flashing, and fascia – as any exposed wood is a welcome mat for many types of pests–including termites.
The sooner you can rectify these sorts of problems the better, and doing so will leave you less likely to be dealing with pests and problems in the future. Keeping your lawn well trimmed will also help keep pests at bay, especially as we move into the warmer months. A well-maintained yard can help prevent chiggers, ticks, and fleas from having as much of a habitat on your property.
Preparing Your Home for Bug Season
Spring cleaning – some people love it, and some people dread the thought of it. However you feel about it, spring is a great season to deep clean all the nooks and crannies of your home. Go through your kitchen and pantry, removing and discarding things that are out of date or no longer needed. Clean the spaces that may get overlooked in your regular cleaning schedule. Many of the pests that start showing up in spring will be looking for crumbs and residue.
Check for leaks around your toilet, and sink, bugs prefer moisture and access to water. As you clean, watch for gaps, cracks, and crevices in baseboards and joints – seal them with silicone. These are areas you may consider consulting a professional for advice on.
If you live in an area prone to rodents like mice and rats, it’s a good idea to completely clean out closets and storage areas with an eye for the small droppings they leave behind. If you do find them, be careful when cleaning up afterward. You don’t want to come into direct contact or inhale air put off from vacuums you may use to suck them up. If you store anything in cardboard boxes, think about replacing them with sealed plastic totes, as many bugs and even mice like to feed from and make homes out of them.
How 855Bugs Can Help
This all may sound like a lot of work, and it can be–but, generally speaking, preventative measures like this pay off in dividends of avoiding future problems. The best way to protect your home this bug season is to contact 855Bugs. We offer a free inspection and affordable services to keep your home pest-free year-round. Don’t forget to ask about our Don’t Bug Me Plan.
