Spring is a time of renewal and rejuvenation in Northern Ohio and Southeast Michigan, but it also marks the beginning of pest season. As the weather warms up and flowers start to bloom, pests of all kinds come out of hibernation or hiding, looking for food, water, and shelter. To keep your home pest free this spring, it’s essential, in your spring cleaning routine, to not only tidy up your living spaces but also to help prevent pests from invading. In this article, we’ll provide you with some spring cleaning tips for pest prevention, ensuring your home remains a pest free retreat.
Spring Cleaning Tips for Pest Prevention
As we have reviewed before, as the world awakens in the spring, so do pests and rodents, putting your home and business at a higher risk of infestation during this time of the year. There are some things you can pay closer attention to, when spring cleaning, that can help prevent your risk of a pest or rodent invasion. These include:
Decluttering Your Space: Pests and rodents love hiding spaces, and clutter provides the perfect place for them to create their own home, with numerous hiding spots and easy access to food crumbs and moisture. One of the first steps in your spring cleaning routine should be to declutter your living areas. Go through your closets, cabinets, and storage areas, and donate, recycle, or discard items you no longer need. The more you declutter, the fewer hiding spots pests will find in your home. Clean up piles of clothing or anywhere else that these critters could hide.
Thoroughly Clean Your Kitchen: One of the best things you can do throughout the year to prevent pests and rodents is to keep a clean kitchen; spring is the perfect time to make sure it is exceptionally clean. The kitchen is a primary target for pests due to the abundance of food sources. To prevent pests like ants, cockroaches, pantry pests, and rodents, follow these steps:
- Remove and clean all items from your pantry and cabinets.
- Check for expired food items and dispose of them.
- Look for any signs of pantry pests and if you see them, contact a local pest control professional.
- Wipe down shelves and containers to remove crumbs and spills.
- Use airtight containers to store dry goods.
- Clean appliances, including the stove, oven, and microwave, to remove food residues.
- Sweep and mop the kitchen floor regularly.
Seal Cracks and Gaps: Pests can enter your home or business through even the tiniest cracks and gaps in your walls, windows, and doors. When it comes to spring cleaning tips for pest prevention, while you may not think of it as cleaning, inspecting your home for any openings and sealing them with caulk, weather stripping, or screens, is a key step in the process. Pay special attention to areas where pipes, wires, and cables enter your home, as pests can easily use these as entry points.
Maintain Your Yard: We have reviewed before how maintaining your lawn and outdoor space is key in pest prevention, and this is especially true in the spring when things are going into bloom. Keep your yard well maintained by:
- Trimming overgrown bushes and trees.
- Removing standing water in gutters, flowerpots, and other containers.
- Regularly mowing your lawn to prevent tall grasses where pests can hide.
- Storing firewood away from structures.
Deep Clean Your Bathroom: When it comes to spring cleaning tips for pest prevention, another area of your home that cannot be overlooked is the bathroom. Bathrooms are often humid, making them attractive to several common bathroom bugs. Prevent these pests by:
- Repairing any leaks in faucets or pipes.
- Cleaning and disinfecting bathroom surfaces regularly.
- Removing excess moisture by using exhaust fans or opening windows during and after showering.
A thorough spring cleaning routine is not only about making your home or business look and feel fresh but also about pest prevention. By following the tips mentioned above, you can ensure that your living spaces remain pest free during the spring and beyond. Remember that regular maintenance and cleanliness are key to pest prevention, so make it a habit to keep your home or business in top shape throughout the year.
At Delving Pest Control, we specialize in providing comprehensive and effective pest control services to both residential and commercial clients. Our goal is to help you regain control of your property by eliminating pests and preventing future infestations. With our experienced team of professionals and tailored approach to pest management, we are committed to delivering exceptional results that exceed your expectations.
Contact us today to request a free pest control quote for your Northern Ohio or Southeast Michigan home or business.