Top 5 Spring Cleaning Tips to Keep Pests Away
Spring is a time of rebirth and renewal, a time to create fresh starts, and for a lot of us, a time to do chores around the house we’ve been putting off during the colder months. Spring cleaning is an opportunity to tidy up your home, take inventory, and get rid of unnecessary clutter.
As you clean your home, it can also be a terrific opportunity to pay attention to potential problem areas and prevent pests from invading your home. It’s a good feeling when your home is immaculate and tidy. It will be an even better feeling knowing your living space is free of pests.
We want to share some pest prevention tips to help you this season as you make your new start. Here are 5 best practices for keeping pests away.
1. Avoid Standing Water
Many pests, from mosquitoes to cockroaches are attracted to moisture. Inside your home, wipe down kitchen countertops and bathroom sinks. Insects, like spiders, silverfish, and ants are known to find their way in your home through your pipes. Ensure that you don’t have any leaky faucets or plumbing that can cause water to collect, especially in dark and cold areas of your home, such as your basement or attic. If parts of your home are particularly humid or damp during the warmer months, consider purchasing a dehumidifier to get rid of the excess moisture.
The outside of your home and your backyard is also ripe for pests to reproduce and feed. If at all possible, avoid containers or receptacles that could collect rainwater, as this is the ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes. There is nothing worse than entertaining your family or friends in a backyard barbecue while these opportunistic insects feed on your guests.
2. Proper Storage of Food
Despite your best efforts, sometimes storing food in cardboard boxes or loose jars just isn’t enough. In areas like your basement or attic, opt for sealable plastic containers to store your food. Dry food items like dog or cat food, grains, rice, or seed can be an open invitation for pests to contaminate your food supply.
While cleaning your basement or attic, inspect your food for signs of existing insect damage or spoiled foods. This a great time to get rid of old food and ensure your family’s meals aren’t contaminated by pests. The health of your family is vital and taking extra care in the storage of your food can make all the difference.
3. Inspect Your Bedrooms
Areas in your bedroom that aren’t visited often, such as closets, the underside of your bed and dresser drawers are ideal places for pests like bedbugs, beetles, or moths to congregate. During your cleaning make sure not to leave any stone unturned. Appearances of egg sacs, spiderwebs, or holes in your linen are indications of the presence of pests.
Dust and clean every inch of your room and whenever possible and maximize storage by using plastic totes or containers that can keep insects out. Areas like window sills, dresser drawers, and behind appliances are common areas for pests to breed and lay eggs.
4. Eliminate Clutter
The more objects you have in your house, the greater the chance for insects and other pests to hide out. This is especially true for garages or basements. Stay organized and keep pests at bay by getting rid of junk or unnecessary items and properly storing valuables or items you don’t use often.
Sweeping inside your home and out is also another great way to find and address areas where pests are likely to hide. When it comes to the value you get from your home and pest prevention, sometimes having less is more.
5. Seal Cracks Or Openings
During your cleaning and inspection, be on the lookout for places where pests can enter your home. Your house is filled with food, water, and warmth; all things that pests need to survive. Keep them out by sealing any cracks along weather stripping on your doors or windows, covering non-essential vents or openings on the sides of your house, and repairing openings in walls or plumbing.
One of the best ways to stay on top of intrusive pests is through professional year-round pest control. Contact the experts at Moxie Pest Control for friendly, reliable service you can count on. Get your free quote today!
