Now that winter is over, it's time to pest-proof your home for the spring and summer. Once the weather starts to turn warm, the pests start coming out of the woodwork. Most of them will try to find their way right into your home. Once inside, they can be a real chore to get rid of. Luckily, there are some things you can do to preempt the invasion. Here are just four of the steps you can take right now to get the warm-weather pests out of your home.
Call the Exterminator
When it comes to keeping the pests away, the first thing you should do is call the exterminator. While it's possible to keep pests away using natural methods, it's best to leave the initial extermination to the experts. Proper pest control services will treat both the inside and the outside of your home, leaving you protected against those summertime nuisances. Once you've had the exterminator out, you'll be able to maintain control of the pest problem by taking a few additional steps around the house.
Clean the Yard
If you've got weeds growing up against your home, or piles of debris in the yard – especially wood products – you're providing an open invitation to all types of pests. Most pests are attracted to wood, moisture, and food. If you've got wood piles, leaky faucets, or dog food in your yard, it's time to get those items cleaned up, fixed, or removed from your yard.
Take Away the Shortcuts
Pests look for the easiest route into your home. Some pests, like mice and rats, will use access points like trees and rain gutters. If you have trees growing near your home, you should trim the branches that are resting up against the roof. This will prevent rodents from using your trees as a stairway to your home. If you have rain gutters, you should clean them out before spring. Clean rain gutters make it difficult for rodents to use them as nesting spaces.
Switch to Plastic
If you use cardboard boxes to store important papers, photographs, or clothing, you're looking for trouble with pests. First, the pests will be attracted to the cardboard. Second, they'll chew through the cardboard, destroying your belongings and using them for nesting space. To protect your belongings, and prevent pest infestations, switch from cardboard boxes to plastic storage bins. The pests won't be able to chew through the plastic, which will protect your belongings from pest damage.
Don't let pests take up residency in your home this summer. Use the tips discussed here to get keep the unwanted intruders away. For other tips on how to keep pests away, contact a pest control company, like Kettle Moraine Pest Control, near you.
Share