Proactive Steps to Take to Prevent Pest Infestations
Spring is here. That means, unfortunately, so are a lot of unwanted pests … and these insects are not only in the air. They are in your walls, on your countertops, and trying to sneak into every nook and cranny in your home. But, don’t panic. There is a lot you can do to eliminate unwanted pests before they get a stronghold in the first place.
April is National Pest Management Month. The Pest Management Association, also known as the NPMA, has dedicated the month of April to raising public awareness about issues of pest control and disease prevention. This time of observance has been in place for more than 30 years. During this time, the NPMA has strived to inform homeowners about preventing disease and keeping all kinds of pesky critters at bay during the spring and summer.
In addition to a general spring cleaning, of course, there is a lot you can do to protect structures and people from unwanted pests. It is important to be early in this endeavor — April is an ideal time — and vigilant in your actions, since pests, such as ants, cockroaches, and termites, can do a lot of damage if they enter your home.
As winter ends, the ground warms up in anticipation of spring. As the gradual warming commences, all kinds of things come to life in the soil. Luckily, some simple actions on your part right now will make sure that you don’t end up with creepy-crawlies.
Perform A Visual Inspection
Performing a visual inspection of your home is important. An adequate inspection includes:
— Checking screens in windows that might have holes in them.
— Checking around windows and doors to make sure there are no holes that could serve as entry points for rodents.
— Check your space for clutter. Do you have old boxes in the basement? They are favorite hiding places for cockroaches.
— Inspect shrubs, trees, and other plants surrounding your home. Microscopic mites love to hide in old bird nests. It might not sound like a big deal, but if a tree branch falls on your house, the result could be a bird mite infestation. Bites from bird mites can cause serious disease in humans.
Deep Cleaning
Once your visual inspection is complete, you will want to act. Perform a deep cleaning around kitchen appliances, such as the refrigerator and stove, where food crumbs might fall. Slugs, roaches, ants, and flour moths are just a few of the pests that like to eat your lunch leftovers.
While you are deep cleaning your home, don’t forget to also clean your pets. Give Fido or Kitty a good flea treatment from your veterinarian and vacuum frequently. Use an extension wand to suction out dust and cobwebs in every corner of your home. Spiders, such as the black widow or brown recluse, love to hide in corners or under things. A thorough vacuuming job is a key to breaking up their cycle of breeding. Be sure to empty out the vacuum cleaner bag and put it in the trash. You don’t want spiders multiplying in the bag, then springing out at you later when you least expect it!
DIY tips, such as these, provide protection. However, it is also a good idea to secure the help of a professional. NJ Pest Control offers comprehensive control and prevention. Being proactive in the spring months means you’ll have the best chance of avoiding an infestation, plus you’ll have to use fewer chemicals around your home in the long run. Early prevention equals fewer chemicals, which is better for you and the environment.
Contact NJ Pest Control to help prepare and protect your home from unwanted pest infestations.
