As everyone’s attention turns to springtime, many people are focusing on getting their lawn in its best shape ever while others turn their attention to sprucing up indoors. But if you really want to be ahead of the curve, you should know that there are several common springtime and summertime pests that you can treat for now before they become a problem. Read on to learn about springtime pests and how you can prevent them in and around your home.
Termites
One of the bigger problems that homeowners face is termites. Termite damage and repair can become very costly very quickly, so it is important to act fast if you suspect termites may have invaded your home. Better still is to treat your home now before the termites arrive, then you will be protected and know that your home and belongings are safe from the damage they inflict.
If you want to prevent termites from treating your home like their personal buffet, take some time to seal any cracks or crevices around your home, particularly if they are near the foundation. If you have any leaky faucets or pipes, fix those as soon as possible. Once a termite has a food source, for instance your house, the only other thing they need is water, so be sure that those pipe leaks and any standing water is resolved. If there are any places around your home where wood and soil come into direct contact, those are the areas that you need to focus on and have professionals specifically treat to prevent termite infestation.
Ants
Along those same lines, ants will also come calling as springtime pests in search of food. Some ants will make colonies in the wood around your home like carpenter ants. Others will build colonies underground leaving mounds in your lawn like fire ants. In order to minimize the ant population around your home, it is best that you seal all food and put it away. Do not leave any crumbs or scraps out for them to find. If food is not in a sealed container, then it needs to be in the refrigerator where ants cannot get to it.
Spiders
Florida has a wide variety of spider species. Fortunately, only a very few of them are harmful to humans. However, to ensure that you do not have to worry about coming across one of these dangerous varieties, you need to seal any cracks or crevices around your home. Check the seals around your windows as well. As we have already said, you should immediately repair any leaking pipes or faucets. Spiders like black widows and brown recluses like dark, cool environments, so if you have a garage or shed, those are the places to focus on. Also check under eaves and in boxes. Do not reach into any boxes that have been in storage without checking them first.
Mice and Rats
Not only are these rodents unsightly, but they can also harbor diseases or even other pests like lice or fleas. To prevent rats and mice from making a nest around your home, be sure to keep your garbage cans covered with a tightly fitting lid at all times. Check around your home for any gaps that a rat or mouse could fit through. A good rule of thumb is if the hole is roughly the size of a quarter or more, then they can squeeze through. Include in your inspection the areas where the air conditioner electrical wiring comes into the house. If it is not properly sealed, this is a prime pathway into your home.
Final Tips
One of the best tips we can give is to check the seal around all doors and windows including the strip along the bottom of the garage door. install fresh weather stripping around doors, to ensure there are no gaps. Use metal stripping along the bottom of doors, if possible, to create a more durable barrier. In general, if you can see light coming through around doors or windows, then pests can come through as well.
