As spring approaches, bringing sunshine and blossoms, it’s not just humans who are excited – spring bugs in house are gearing up too. From ants and mosquitoes to termites, spiders, and rats, these critters are ready to join the springtime party. Fear not! We’ve got your back with practical tips to ensure your home remains a pest-free haven.
Why Pests Love Spring?
As the temperatures rise, pests like ants, mosquitoes, termites, spiders, and rats awaken from their winter slumber. Spring provides the perfect combo of warmth and moisture, enticing these creatures to seek new nesting spots and abundant food sources. The mating season also kicks in, elevating their activity levels and potentially causing a nuisance.
Carpenter Ants:
When the sun emerges, carpenter ants follow, seeking food and shelter. These pests are no picnic – they nest in walls, causing structural damage. Listen for rustling sounds and keep an eye out for wood shavings under wooden items. Lookout Pest Control offers expert solutions to identify, eliminate, and prevent ant infestations.
Entry Points for Carpenter Ants:
- Piping
- Foundation
- Cracks in your home
- Attic Vents
- Telephone Lines
- Electrical Wires
Mosquitoes:
Mosquito bites can be a real bother, but the diseases they carry are far worse. Spring is the time to combat mosquitoes and reclaim your yard. Remove standing water, trim shrubs, and keep your lawn mower. Lookout Pest Control provides professional mosquito treatments tailored to your home.
Termites:
Termites, with their insatiable appetites, swarm at the beginning of spring. These wood-eating insects can wreak havoc quickly. Lookout Pest Control offers Sentricon® Termite Baiting Systems and Liquid Barrier Treatments to detect and eliminate termite populations.
Signs of Termite Infestation:
- Termite mounds
- Hollow-sounding wood
- Bits of debris
- Sagging floors or ceilings
- Mud tubes on exterior walls
- Crumbling wood
- Cracked or distorted paint
- Groups of winged insects or discarded wings (“swarmers”)
Rats:
Rats are active year-round, with breeding peaking in spring. They’re not just off-putting; they can transmit serious diseases. Stay vigilant by checking for entry points, installing metal weather stripping, covering garbage cans, and following additional rat control tips.
Spiders:
Spring is a spider’s favourite time. While most spiders in Georgia are harmless, the Brown Recluse and Black Widow are poisonous. Seal cracks, eradicate moisture sites, store food properly, and implement spider control tips to keep your home spider-free.
Spider Control Tips:
- Seal cracks and crevices
- Eliminate moisture sites
- Store food in airtight containers
- Dispose of trash regularly
Tips to Control Pests in Spring:
As spring ushers in rapid insect reproduction, it’s essential to fortify your home against invaders. With a few simple steps, you can maintain a critter-free kingdom.
Store Food Properly:
Keep snacks in sealed containers, and avoid leaving pet food out for long periods. A clean kitchen with no crumbs on the floor is a pest-free zone.
Eliminate Standing Water:
Mosquitoes love standing water for laying eggs. Regularly drain puddles, empty and refresh pools, and fix any leaks around the house to discourage pests.
Seal Cracks, Holes, and Gaps:
A thorough inspection of your home’s exterior ensures no tiny openings for pests. Patch up any cracks or holes promptly and use screens to keep bugs out while letting fresh air in.
Keep a Clean House:
Regular sweeping, eating only in the kitchen, and prompt cleanup after meals prevent pests from being drawn by food waste. A spotless home is a pest-resistant home.
Treat Your Perimeter:
Spray insecticide around your house and property edges to deter insects. Professional pest control companies, like Lookout Pest Control, offer effective treatments tailored to your needs.
Keep Rubbish Bins Clean and Sealed:
Possums, crows, and scavengers love digging into rubbish bins. Use tight-fitting lids and regularly clean bins to keep pests at bay.
Stay on Top of Landscape Maintenance:
Trim shrubs, remove dead leaves and branches, and avoid excessive mulch. A well-maintained landscape minimizes hiding spots and breeding grounds for pests.
Power Wash Everything:
Give your home and sidewalks an annual power wash to remove dirt and discourage nests. Clean siding, and walls, and remove any potential nesting materials.
Clean Your Gutters:
Pests love hiding in damp gutters. Regular cleaning prevents mould growth and deters insects, ensuring your gutters stay pest-free.
Declutter Indoors and Out:
Pests thrive in clutter. Get rid of unnecessary items both indoors and outdoors to discourage unwanted guests from making themselves at home.
When to Call a Professional?
Implementing these tips collectively reduces the likelihood of pest invasions. However, if the critters persist, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. Certified pest control services, like Pestico, provide comprehensive solutions for effective pest removal.
With a little effort and these simple steps, you can enjoy a spring free from unwanted pests. Say goodbye to critters and welcome the season with open arms, knowing your home is a fortress against any potential insect invasion.