Spring is a great time to start thinking about how to prepare your home for summer pest activity. There are many pests that seem to start causing problems once again as the weather begins to warm in the spring. By the time summer rolls around, pests like mosquitoes and ants seem to be everywhere. The reality is that there are several types of pests that can cause problems during the summer. There are a few steps you can take this spring to protect your home from a summer pest infestation.
Get and keep your yard under control
Overgrown grass, weeds, and dead branches in your yard are all factors that can make a summer pest infestation more likely. An unkempt yard can make it easy for pests to make their way toward your home unnoticed. In addition, dead wood in the yard and near the house can draw termite swarmers to your property as they search for a place to establish a new colony. Getting your yard mowed and cleaned up during the spring is a practical step you can take to help prevent a summer pest infestation.
Make repairs to your home
Making repairs to your home this spring can help prevent a summer pest infestation. Pests do not require a lot of space to get into your home. If there are areas around your doors or windows where the weather stripping is damaged or the caulk has shrunk, pests have a way inside. Take a walk around your house this spring and examine it for areas that need repair. Making those repairs in the spring can help keep pests out of your home this summer.
Deal with water issues
Excess water in your soil and leaks inside your house can attract pests to your home. Dealing with those water issues this spring can protect your house from pests during the summer. Common water issues include improperly functioning downspouts, leaking air conditioning unit, and leaking pipes under sinks and in the crawl space. Deal with water issues this spring and enjoy the results of your efforts all summer long.
Get a professional pest inspection
An important part of protecting against a summer pest infestation is finding out if you currently have an infestation. If you have a current infestation, the pests that are bothering you now will continue to bother you in the summer. A professional pest inspection is the best way to determine if you have an active infestation. The inspector will examine your home for signs of pests and pest activity. After the inspection the inspector will go over the results with you to determine if your home needs treatment.
Being proactive in the spring can help you protect your home from a pest infestation in the summer. Many people are inspired to complete home projects and do some cleaning in the spring. If you already have spring cleaning on your list, it should be simple to add on the tasks outlined above so you can keep your home free from pests.
