Spring has started and with warmer weather comes the unfortunate increase of creepy crawlies.
Whilst you may enjoy the springtime and might not be bothered by the occasional bee buzzing in your face, you still won’t want pests crawling into your home.
But why are pests such a concern? For every pretty butterfly, there’s a pest that can invade, bite, sting, nest, and even cause damage to your property. They also might be a sign something is wrong with your property that you should address as quickly as possible.
So, what can you do to lockdown your property from pest invasions? Well, the good news is that at least half of what you can do is tied to a good old-fashioned spring clean. So, you can kill two birds (or bugs in this case) with one stone, leaving yourself with a clean and tidy home that has the bonus of being protected from tiny pests.
Read on for our tips on keeping your home pest free this spring…
As mentioned, a general “spring clean” can help prevent, get rid of, and additionally help you catch signs of infestations early.
Spring cleaning can really be done any time of year, and just basically refers to maintaining a clean home. A clean and clutter-free home is less inviting to pests, so if you haven’t already, it’s time to make cleanliness a priority in your household.
Give your floors a good vacuum and start doing this more regularly in spring, you may want to invest in a cordless vacuum, or a small handheld hoover for quick easy cleaning of spills and crumbs when needed. That should minimise the risk of ants and other scavengers.
Wipe down tables and countertops and remove any clutter from storage areas to eliminate hiding spots for pests, including mice. You may discover signs of an infestation or invader whilst inspecting these areas. Look for clues such as small droppings or marks. If you have a cat, and you notice it sniffing around an area it doesn’t usually seem interested in, that’s also a big clue of a rodent stow away.
Speaking of cats, you may want to get a cat flap installed if you don’t already have one, this means you won’t have to open or leave the door open for it, potentially allowing unauthorised pests in the process.
When cleaning, pay special attention to areas where food crumbs and spills are common, such as the kitchen and dining areas.
Another good idea is to declutter your rooms and home as much as possible. Channel your minimalistic side and get rid of or store anything you don’t truly need. You may even be able to rearrange rooms and furniture to give you more space and leave it less cluttered.
Minimal clutter means any pest invaders, whether rodents or insects, have fewer places to hide, making it easier when you are hunting and trying to get rid of them.
You cleaned the inside of your home, now it’s time to focus on the outside. One of your first lines of defence against pests is to seal off potential entry points into your home.
Inspect your exterior walls, doors, windows, and foundation for cracks, gaps, and holes that pests could use to gain access. Seal any openings with caulk or weatherstripping to prevent pests from finding their way indoors.
Windows can be very important in preventing pests, as many people may have gaps or issues with windows that they might not notice or realise. Ensure your windows are in full working order, you can call our glazing or locksmithing team if you have any issues.
You want to be able to open and shut your windows easily whenever you need to, depending on the circumstances. It’s not just about going into lockdown mode and keeping your window shut all spring and summer to stop pests from entering - you need ventilation.
Ventilation helps prevent condensation from building up and mould from growing. This is especially good to do as mould and damp environments can be very attractive to pests, such as silverfish who feed off the starch, found in linens, curtains, and furniture. They also feed off cereal and pet food, so keep them stored and sealed away.
Whilst on the subject of sealing food and keeping things clean, pests are attracted to food sources, so it's important to store food properly and keep your kitchen clean.
Seal food in airtight containers, clean up spills promptly, and empty rubbish bins regularly to deprive pests of easy meals. Keep outdoor rubbish bins tightly sealed and away from the house to avoid attracting pests.
Stagnant water is a breeding ground for gnats and other pests, so it's essential to eliminate any sources of stagnant water around your home.
Check for clogged gutters, leaky outdoor faucets, and containers that collect rainwater, such as flowerpots and birdbaths. Empty and clean these areas regularly to discourage pest breeding.
Overgrown vegetation provides pests with hiding spots and easy access to your home, so it's crucial to keep your garden well-maintained.
Now that the weather is nicer, it’s time to get outside and refresh your garden. Trim back bushes, shrubs, and trees that are near your home, as these can serve as bridges for pests to climb up and enter.
Consider using natural pest repellents to deter pests from entering your home. For example, planting pest-repelling herbs like mint, lavender, and basil around your home can help keep pests at bay.
Additionally, essential oils like peppermint, citrus, and eucalyptus can be used to create DIY pest repellent sprays. Many creatures like spiders hate these kinds of smells, though effectiveness can vary, so try it out and see if you notice a difference.
Sometimes you may run into an issue you can’t solve alone, this may be due to things that are health and safety risks, such as a large infestation, a dead animal, or a bee or wasp nest found inside or near your home.
When preventive measures aren't enough to keep pests out, it may be time to enlist the help of our professional pest control services.
We can conduct a thorough inspection of your home, identify potential pest entry points, and implement targeted treatment methods to eradicate pests safely and effectively.
As experts in 7 different trades, we can help you with other issues to keep your home or business functioning smoothly, as well as keeping it pest free.
So, just give Able Group a call on 0330 108 4111.