Spring Bugs To Watch Out For

Spring is in the air. It is about time, so tired of this past winter.

With the onset of spring you can now anticipate spring bugs to be in the air, the kitchen, yard, garage, bedrooms, office,.. did we miss someplace?

So what is a good plan to go about pest proofing spring bugs?

Try going room by room.

Kitchen: The kitchen has food, which is one of those things that spring bugs are actively searching for. If you can eliminate food sources you can go a long way to get rid of spring bugs. You can expect ants, cockroaches and Indian meal moths which are some of the most common pests found in the kitchen. These pests can contaminate food and spread bacteria, so you want to prevent them or get rid of them quickly. A quick tip is to store all food in airtight plastic or glass containers, immediately wipe spills, vacuum often and empty the trash frequently. If you can keep those practices this spring the bugs will be at a minimum.

Bedrooms and Bathrooms: Moths might have taken up residence in your closets feeding on natural fibers like silk, cotton and wool. Silverfish are also commonly found in bedrooms and bathrooms and can damage synthetic fabrics, books and paper products. Washing, ironing or dry-cleaning winter garments before storing them for the summer helps to kill off any possible bugs taking up residence on your clothing. Using fans or dehumidifiers to eliminate damp conditions will also help to thwart bugs in your bedroom and closet areas. Ensure openings where pipes enter the bathroom are sealed. This keeps bugs from feeding on waste down the drains and then emerging in the bathroom.

Living Spaces: Common areas around the house are just as viable places to have spring bugs emerge. Pets bring fleas and ticks into the house often. Snacks that are discarded or left behind can provide an attractive food source and mice. Keeping all living areas crumb free by removing snacks and vacuuming often (even under the furniture) will go a long way to helping you keep a clean home and a pest free living space. Keeping the family pets groomed and their flea and tick prevention up to date will help to keep them from introducing bugs as well.

Garage: Stored boxes and sporting equipment in the garage provide the perfect winter harborage for pests like squirrels, mice and rats. When you are unpacking your spring and summer gear, look out for signs of nesting and rodent droppings (sometimes even dead animals). Using airtight plastic storage bins for seasonal items as well as storing items off the floor as possible will help to prevent spring pests from making a home out of your garage. Keeping the garage clean will also prevent pests from making a home our of your garage.

Outdoors: Cleaning and pest proofing around the exterior of the home goes a long way in keeping pests such as cockroaches and termites outside where they belong. Cleaning up standing water around the house will help control the population of pests like mosquitoes. Sealing cracks and small openings around the foundation of the home, including entry points, for wires and pipes will help make it difficult for spring pests to get into the home. Keeping garbage collection areas cleaned will ensure all receptacles are tightly closed will keep roaches from feeding near the home. Trimming back branches and shrubbery away from the house will take away an access point for pests to get into your home.

Pick a room this weekend and get started spring cleaning to prevent spring bugs from becoming a permanent resident.