Spring pest hotspots

Spring is just around the corner and we can’t wait to open the windows and pack away the heavy winter jackets! And let’s not forget to mention the rising temperatures and plants peeking through the soil.

Spring is also a time for insects and wildlife to crawl out of their winter hiding spaces. Unfortunately, these critters get a little too close for comfort and come into our homes. Termites, ants, bed bugs and flies are just a few of the pests that can make their way into your home this spring.

The pest expert at Western Exterminator are prepared for the influx of springtime pests and we want to make sure homeowners are too. We’ve prepared pest control tips for each room in your house.

Spring pest prevention tips

Roofs

Roofs are one of the most important components of a home. Damaged roofs due to pests can be expensive and create an unsafe living environment for your family. Pests like termites, wasps and bees can make their way through a damaged roof. If you notice roof damage due to pests, it’s important to promptly make these fixes. Depending on the damage, some repairs we suggest doing are:

• Repair damaged roof tiles
• Fill cracks with roofing cement
• Check the overhang of the roof and in between roof tiles for nests

Air vents

Air vents are easy to ignore and they’re designed that way. They are camouflaged into homes so that you only know they're working when you’ve adjusted your thermostat. A simple way to protect your air vents and ventilation systems from pest infestations is by installing mesh airbrick ventilation covers.

Attic

Attics are another place homeowners neglect to regularly maintain. If your attic has exposed wood or contains cardboard boxes, it may become a hotspot for pests such as hornets and termites. To avoid any serious pest issues, we suggest storing items in plastic bins and scheduling crawl space inspections every two to three years to ensure your housing infrastructure is safe and sound.

Bedrooms

It’s an unsettling fact, but pests are sometimes found in bedrooms. Many homeowners think bed bugs are the only pest they need to worry about, but flies, mosquitoes and even ants can make their way into your bedroom. Vacuuming regularly and keeping windows and doors shut are simple, daily tasks you can do to reduce the likelihood of a pest infestation. Other tips we suggest are:

• Keep furniture away from the walls
• Check beds, bed frames and mattresses for signs of bed bugs
• Reduce the amount of wooden furniture

Windows

One of the most obvious ways pests can enter your home is through windows. Flying insects like mosquitoes, flies, wasps and hornets, can easily be kept out by fly screens or by simply keeping your window shut during swarming seasons.

Garden

As beautiful as gardens are, they are a hotbed for pests! Ants, ticks, wasps and bees can all be found in or near gardens. To reduce the likelihood of pests invading your garden, we suggest doing the following:

• Remove standing water
• Trim shrubbery regularly
• Keep compost in a bit with a tight lid
• Keep piles of wood at least 20 feet away from your home

Garage and trash bins

Rodents, ants and stinging insect nests like hornet and wasp nests are some of the many pests that make their way into garages. Especially if garages are connected to your home, it’s imperative that pest control issues be resolved swiftly before pests make their way into your home. Keep pests out by:

• Repair damages regularly
• Keep garage moisture-free
• Store items in sealed, plastic bins

Trash bins are often placed near garages and attract pests, like flies. Make sure trash is taken out regularly and ensure they have tight-fitting lids.

Kitchen

Kitchens are one of pests' favorite places in your home. Food and food scraps tempt pests and give them no reason to leave your home. Luckily, there are things you can do each day to keep your kitchen clean and pest free:

• Empty garbage cans when full
• Don’t leave pet food out during the warmer months
• Throw away food scraps on counters and in kitchen sinks

Say goodbye to pest infestations today!

If a pest infestation has become too much for you to handle on your own, your local Western Exterminator pest specialist is just a phone call away. For more information on how you can schedule your free initial pest inspection, call 888-444-6138 or contact us online.