Outdoor Pest Prevention Tips

With Spring just around the corner insects and pests of varying species will begin emerging from their winter hibernation and start the search for food and water. Which happens to be two of the core reasons pests invade our homes, to begin with. With the weather warming up the experts at the National Pest Management Association are encouraging homeowners to begin pest-prevention and pest-proofing their homes by adding these roles into the yearly spring cleaning routine.

 By following these tips, many homeowners will be able to prevent common household pests from entering their home. Many pests include ants, termites, ticks, bed bugs, and stinging insects such as wasps. Include these quick and easy tasks in your cleanup routine to help prevent these pesky pests from making your home their home as well.

 

Take A Look Outside

 As the weather warms up it’s time to do a walk around your home. Pay attention to areas that may provide easy access to pests, including utility pipe entrances, cracks or crevices, and window seals. You can easily seal up many of these with a silicone-based caulk, and steel wool for the larger gaps and holes. Most pets dislike the steel within the steel wool and will avoid contact with these.

 

Monitor For Termites

 Spotting termites early is the best way to prevent damage to your home. Signs of these wood burrowing insect pests include mud tubes, cracked or bubbling paint, and soft wood that sounds hollow when you tap on it. If you notice any of these signs, be sure to call a professional immediately to take care of this infestation before it has a chance to cause extensive damage to your home.

 

Do Some Landscaping

 You would be surprised by how much landscaping your yard helps in the prevention of insects and pests alike. Keeping your yard trimmed and neat with the removal of dead branches and shrubbery will discourage pests from entering your yard and then migrating into your home. Removing dead debris from your gutters such as leaves and sticks will help prevent standing water for pests such as mosquitoes to lay their eggs in.

 

Ensure Your Roof Is In Good Order

 When it comes to your roof, make sure the shingles are all in good shape. Insects will take advantage of any open space and even more so of any deteriorating materials.

 

Check All Weather Stripping and Screens

 Weather stripping is one of the most common methods for insects to enter the home. Be sure to check and replace as needed, weather stripping and screens around windows, attic vents, and chimney openings.

 

Ensure Direct Water Lines Are Functioning

 It may be surprising to hear, but insects are attracted to moisture and water. They need to drink as well, so if you have any leaky pipes or downspouts then be sure to get them fixed right away. AC units can also provide moisture for insects along with giving them another way into your home.

 

Final Thoughts

 These outdoor prevention tips will help prevent and discourage pests from entering your home. However, if you do find yourself with an indoor pest problem, be sure to give our talented team a call right here at Total Pest Solution. Not only can we help you with your indoor pests but your outdoor pests as well!