You may have noticed that spring brings pests into your home. It’s at this time that you may end up with an overwhelming influx of pests, or even an infestation. But why does this happen, and what can you realistically do about it.
Awareness can be the secret to stopping pests
The reason why spring brings pests is pretty straightforward. During winter, many pests go into a type of hibernation or at least go into s more dormant, inactive state. Pests such as rats and mice become less active and hide away from the cold. Once it starts getting warmer, these pests reemerge. When this happens, they are usually desperate for food. Because your home is an easy source of food, they may end up gravitating there.
Another reason why spring brings pests and why insects will start invading now, is because many insects lay eggs that are programmed to hatch as soon as the warm weather hits. Thousands of new insects emerge, and it seems like all of a sudden you have a pest control issue.
Other pests, such as wasps, die off completely over winter. All that remains is the queen. When spring arrives, she begins producing a new colony. Her fresh offspring then begin to build up a nest and multiply.
Spring brings pests: what can you do about this
Once you are aware that pests are more active during spring you can take measures in advance of this and prepare your home for spring insects and rodents. Firstly, the best way to eliminate pests is by preventing them. The way to do this is by pest proofing your home before the spring pest influx kicks off. Make sure that all entrance points are blocked off. You can do this by sealing up all those cracks, crevices and holes that pests use to get in. Also pay attention to areas around pipes and check your drains. If you seal these up properly, then pests will have fewer ways of getting in.
At this time of year, it is also important to keep your home extra clean. One of the reasons people have traditionally carried out a big spring clean is due to the fact that spring brings pests. Mostly, this really means focusing on your kitchen, which are a magnet in spring for things like flies and the need for ant control. Pay extra special attention to hygiene during this period. Try to clean all counters (and your floor) at the end of every day.
Make sure that no dirty dishes are left in the sink. Also make sure that food is properly packed away. Do not leave things like fruit, or loaves of bread on your countertops. This can attract pests like mice. As for the rest of your house, vacuum frequently. If you eat in the lounge, for example, then crumbs that fall on the floor will also attract pests.