When spring arrives, bugs begin leaving their winter hiding spots. Their search for food and moisture often leads these spring pests to your yard or home. Taking the time to prepare for their arrival can help you avoid an infestation. Check out a few tips to prevent springtime pests.
Seal Entry Points
To keep pests from invading your home, you’ll want to make sure they can’t find a way inside.
- Inspect your home for holes where pests could enter, especially around doors and windows.
- Seal gaps near areas where wires or pipes enter your home.
- Seal cracks or gaps with caulk or steel wool.
- Repair or replace torn window and door screens.
- Make sure weather stripping and door sweeps are in good condition.
Remove Food Sources
When pests emerge in spring, they need to find something to eat. Removing food sources can help you avoid attracting pests.
- Regularly sweep, vacuum, and mop to remove crumbs and spills.
- Wipe down counters to clean up sticky residues.
- Keep your sink free of dirty dishes.
- Store your food and your pet’s food in sealed containers.
- Keep your pet’s food area clean.
- Make sure your trash bin has a tight-fitting lid, and remove trash regularly.
- Store your produce in the refrigerator to avoid attracting fruit flies.
Minimize Standing Water
Water keeps bugs hydrated and serves as a breeding spot for mosquitoes. Keeping your space as dry as possible will help to deter pests.
- Check for and repair leaking pipes and dripping faucets.
- Use a dehumidifier in areas of your home prone to dampness.
- Make sure the drains in your sink and shower work properly.
- Keep your gutters clean and ensure they’re working correctly.
- Minimize standing water in your yard by emptying items that collect water.
- Replace the water in birdbaths, kiddie pools, and pet water bowls regularly so it doesn’t become stagnant.
Keep Your Space Organized
Clutter in your home provides bugs with places to hide. You’ll want to keep your space tidy to help prevent a pest problem.
- Keep areas where pests are likely to hide, including attics, basements, and garages, organized.
- Go through your items and donate or discard things you don’t need anymore.
- Avoid leaving your items, like piles of clothes or towels, on the ground.
- Store your items in sealed plastic bins instead of cardboard boxes since pests can easily slip into the boxes.
Take Care of Your Yard
To prepare for spring pests, you’ll want to make your yard as unwelcoming as possible.
- Ticks and other pests like to hang out in tall grass. Mow your lawn regularly to avoid attracting them.
- Trim your trees and bushes so they aren’t touching the side of your house. This will prevent pests from using vegetation as a bridge into your home.
- Remove yard debris, like leaves and grass clippings, to minimize sheltering spots for pests.
- Clean up any trash in your yard. This will help to prevent hungry bugs and deter animals that could be carrying ticks from entering your yard.
Use Pest Control Products
Pest control products can help to prevent a bug problem before it begins. Depending on the pests you’re dealing with, insecticide sprays, baits, or traps can help.
- Spray the Perimeter: To create a repellent barrier, you can spray the perimeter of your home and yard with our Yard Bug Spray. It kills pests on contact and provides residual repellency, helping to create a protective barrier that will keep pests out.
- Spray Common Entry Points: To deter pests from slipping into your home, you can spray common entry points with our Home Bug Spray. It kills on contact and the repellent properties will help to keep bugs away.
- Use an Ant Bait: If ants are notorious for invading your home in spring, you can set up a perimeter defense system with our No Spill Ant Kill bait stations. Place the stations around the perimeter of your home, spacing them every 5 to 10 feet. If you use an ant bait, don’t use insecticide sprays with repellent properties. This will discourage ants from going to the bait.
- Use a Spider & Insect Trap: Our Spider & Insect Trap can also help to keep your home free of pests. Place the trap on level surfaces close to where you are likely to see insect activity and where pests typically enter homes.
Bugs may emerge in springtime, but that doesn’t mean you have to welcome them into your space. Preparing for their arrival can help you avoid a run-in with these pests. If you’re dealing with a spring pest problem, we have your back! For a more environmentally and family-friendly solution, check out our Maggie’s Farm Simply Effective™ Pest Control products.