The summer months and warmer weather will be here before you know it, and with it comes a variety of pests that are looking for ways to thrive. Any potential for habitats or food sources could mean an infestation that you weren’t expecting. Here are five easy tips you can do in and around your home before the summer rolls around.

1. Check Your Exterior

Consider making a perimeter check for any cracks, openings, or holes in your foundation, siding, or near windows and doors. Also, climb a ladder and check out your roof. Examine it for entry points, as many pests and critters are willing to climb if needed to find shelter or a reliable food source. Any trees, shrubs, or bushes that are touching your home can be an easy hiding spot and access point to the warmth and food resources inside.

2. Update You Food Storage

Spring cleaning your cupboards and pantry is a great way to prepare for the summer months and prevent pests from enjoying your food. Clear out any crumbs or open packages, and consider moving boxed foods to secured containers (plastic or glass with a locking lid works great). If you store food in any areas outside of your kitchen (maybe in your garage), remember to also clean up and secure the food there. 

3. Clean Up Inside

Check the inside of your house for spots that might invite pests to stay a while. If you have family pets check where you store their food, a clean and secure food storage system will help here too. Also, check the areas inside your home that don’t get a lot of human traffic. Attic spaces, crawl spaces, garages, and basements are great places for pests to take up residence unnoticed.

4. Reduce Clutter

If you have cluttered spots inside or outside your home, they just might be the perfect home for a variety of pests. Any place that has piles of boxes, clothing, or fully obscures the walls is a potential hiding spot or highway for pests on a mission.

5. Remove Potential Habitats

Consider where these pests are interested in living and try any mitigate any potential new home for them. In your yard, recycle or dispose of leaf litter, building material debris, or piles of old potting planters. These along with river rocks are great homes for scorpions and other insects. Inside your home, consider screening in any soffit or attic vents to keep out bats or rodents.

Taking these steps will go a long way in pest prevention, yet sometimes an infestation does happen. For help with your home infestation, call Preventive Pest Control today!