How To Prevent A Spring Insect Invasion

Spring is here, which means spring insects are also arriving (if they haven’t already). Why do they always come in the spring? The answer is simple: Spring is when most insects move from the larvae (baby) and pupal (teenage) stage to adult. They emerge from their winter hiding spaces searching for food and water and possibly shelter. That means that your home is a prime target for these young adult insects.

Luckily, there are a few things you can do to prevent a massive invasion this spring. Here are some tips to keep your home pest-free (without having to call the professionals).

Remove the Rubbish

Many common household pests love damp places with lots of nooks and crannies. That means that the first step in protecting your home this spring is to focus on cleaning up the yard surrounding your home. That includes:

• Trimming bushes and trees
• Clearing any brush or debris that’s accumulated over the winter
• Clearing out gutters of leaves and twigs
• Raking up dead leaves
• Mowing the lawn and clearing the trimmings

If you have a shed or garage, this is also an excellent time to give it a good sweeping. Be sure to clear out any debris, piles of paper, or other random junk you may be accumulating. These are all places where bugs love to hang out, and reducing or eliminating them will go a long way to prevent them from making a home in your yard and potentially in your home.

Seal the Gaps

Spring is a great time to inspect your home’s foundation, windows, and doorways for any cracks. These often occur after winter due to materials contracting and expanding because of temperature shifts. These are prime targets for insects seeking shelter and food. Be sure to seal any cracks or gaps you find with either caulk or similar sealant. Luckily, this can also reduce your heating and cooling bills, as the seals will better insulate your home.

Indoor Spring Cleaning

Lastly, to prevent insect infestations inside your home, it’s a good idea to conduct a thorough spring cleaning. Cleaning should include sweeping up or vacuuming any dust and debris collecting in hard-to-reach spaces, such as behind furniture. It’s a good idea to also wash any curtains and steam clean your carpets or rugs. If you have a basement, it’s a good idea to clear up any clutter, checking internally for pipe leaks or cracks in the foundation that will attract bugs. You should also check pipes for leaks in your kitchen and bathrooms. Also, clean out pantry shelves of any crumbs or loose tidbits that might make a tasty meal for many insects.