Spring is a wonderful time of year. The weather is getting nicer, the flowers begin to bloom—and warm weather pests can start causing problems in and around your home. While spring insects are an unavoidable part of life, that doesn’t mean you have to live with them.
We put together a list of seven spring pest control tips so you can enjoy warmer temps without a pest infestation ruining your springtime high.
1. Look for signs of common spring pests
It’s hard to control spring pests if you don’t know what to look for in the first place. Some pests can infest your home year-round, but a few pests tend to be more active during the warmer months. Here are the signs to look out for to catch common springtime house pests before they get out of hand.
Signs of a rodent infestation
Rodents like mice and rats tend to be more active during the spring and summer. Keep an eye out for these signs to head off an infestation.
- Rodent droppings
- Chew marks on food or food packaging
- Nests inside walls, floors, old sleeping bags, slippers, or couch cushions
- Stale odors from hidden areas, like behind walls
Signs of a termite infestation
When the weather starts to warm up, many species of subterranean termites start looking for new locations to start colonies—this is called “swarming season.” Knowing the signs of a termite infestation can help you address the issue before it becomes severe.
- Wood damage
- Flying termites in or around your home
- Bubbling or peeling paint over wood fixtures
- Mud tubes around your home’s exterior
Signs of a beetle infestation
Carpet beetles and larder beetles are two common types of beetles you may find in your home. If you see adult beetles in your home, it likely means you have an active infestation. Here are more beetle infestation signs to watch out for.
Carpet beetle signs
- Thin areas on wool or wool-blend rugs and carpet
- Damage to wool fabrics like clothes and blankets
- Damage to fur coats or other fur garments
- Molted beetle skins
Larder beetle signs
- Holes inside cardboard boxes, bags of cat or dog food, and other types of food packaging
- Larvae inside potatoes, onions, or melons
- Molted beetle skins
2. Clean indoors
Spring pests like rodents, ants, and gnats tend to be attracted to food that’s been left out, spills, and water sources like drains. The good news is that a clean home can go a long way in preventing these pests from getting inside your house and causing issues.
Here are a few ways to keep your home clean and prevent bugs this spring:
- Clean up spills quickly
- Sweep regularly
- Take out the garbage daily
- Clean your drains weekly
- Wipe down your cupboards monthly
- Keep ripe or cut fruit in the fridge
3. Clean outdoors
If you’ve got pests outside of your home, there’s a possibility that they’ll find their way into your home. As spring comes around, check the perimeter of your house for spots that could use a little tidying up.
Some spots to look out for include:
- Prune foliage next to your house to reduce extra points of entry for pests
- Quickly clean any crumbs or leftover food from picnics or dinner on your patio
- Mow your lawn regularly to prevent pests from hiding in tall grass
4. Keep your trash cans clean and sealed
Outdoor trash cans and recycle bins are a hot spot for small insects like flies and gnats to larger pests like raccoons and possums. Because these creatures are more active during the spring and summer, keeping your trash cans clean and sealed as temperatures rise is imperative.
Here are a few tips to keep your can clean:
- Always put trash in tightly sealed trash bags before throwing them in your outdoor trash can.
- Rinse your trash can or recycling bin with soap and water bi-weekly or whenever there is residue inside.
- Ensure the lid of your trash can or recycling bin is tight-fitting and free from cracks.
- Clean plastic, glass, or tin containers thoroughly before placing them in your recycling bin.
This applies to compost bins, too. Make sure your compost bin has a tight-fitting lid, and cover any aeration vents with fine mesh to stop pests from climbing inside.
5. Seal your home
Walk around your house for possible entrances that pests can use. These include holes or gaps around the base of your home, loose window screens, or holes in the roof. Seal any areas you find. If you enjoy letting a breeze in during the spring and summer, ensure you have window screens in place. Mesh curtains with magnetic closures are a great idea for folks who like to leave their door open but don’t have a working screen door to keep pests out.
6. Remove standing water
Hotter temperatures often mean more mosquitoes. Mosquitoes lay eggs near water, so one of the best ways to stop mosquitoes from swarming your yard is to clean or remove standing water from your property regularly. Once every week, go around your yard and empty any accumulated standing water.
You can find standing water in items like:
- Flower pots and saucers
- Ponds
- Fountains
- Children’s swimming pools
- Children’s toys
- Buckets
- Bird baths
- Rain barrels
- Trash cans
Check out our guide to learn more about how to treat standing water to prevent mosquitoes.
7. Call the professionals for spring pest control
Hawx Pest Control has the right pest control equipment for the job, and our trained professionals can set up a plan to address your current pest problems and prevent future infestations before they happen.
For quality and effective pest control services, contact us today. Find a local Hawx Pest Control branch near you or book a pest control appointment to get your home ready for spring.
