It’s almost spring, which means the weather will start to warm up. And when that happens, you know it’s also the time of year when insects start coming back! The best way to stop a bug infestation is to prevent it from happening in the first place. That’s why this spring, take the necessary steps to ensure you don’t end up with a massive insect invasion later on. Here are some tips and preventative home maintenance for keeping your house bug-free.
Observe
Not only is it important to take steps to prevent bug infestations, but it’s also important to take the right steps for the right bugs. Depending on where you live, different types of insects may wish to make your home theirs, and it’s a good idea to get a sense of what you’re potentially dealing with before doing any work. After all, why spend time and money taking preventative measures against an insect that isn’t even where you live?
So, what do you look for? First, if you have a yard and trees, be sure to walk around and look for obvious nesting areas such as old bee nests and ant hills. You may also look at trees for signs of termites, such as holes.
Check around the exterior of your house for any unusual-looking holes. Look for small wood piles that look like sawdust around holes that may indicate a critter (or critters) have chewed their way into your home.
Finally, check inside your house, paying particular attention to nooks and crannies. Again, look for unusual holes and small piles of wood or sawdust. Also be on the lookout for mouse or rat droppings, sure signs that you have some furry “friends” staying with you!
Keep It Clean
Of course, spring cleaning is a popular activity, especially when the weather gets nice enough to open the windows a bit. Here’s the great thing about spring cleaning: It can also go a long way to prevent bugs from getting into your home! That means spending some time to do a little extra deep cleaning, particularly in areas where bugs like to congregate—damp areas in the kitchen or laundry room, but also places you don’t always clean like window sills, the tops of doorways, etc. If you have an attic, it’s also a good time to give it a quick sweep.
Plug Those Holes
Spring is the best time to reseal your home. If you’ve found any unusual holes (as mentioned above), now’s the time to fill them. This will prevent new bugs from getting in, and if there are any ones already in, they’ll have a hard time getting out, which means they could starve or be cut off from things they need to survive (depending on the type of bug). Be sure to also re-caulk around windows and doors, as these are common entry places. Not only will you potentially prevent a bug infestation, but you’ll also save money on your heating and A/C bills!
Seal Those Pipes
Leaky pipes can cause standing water, which many bugs are attracted to. That’s why it’s essential to find and seal any leaky pipes you may have. Be sure to use the appropriate type of pipe sealant, caulk or even polyeurethane foam.
If you want more preventative tips or if you think you may have already an insect infestation, call us. We’re happy to come and take a look and advise of the best course of action.