Just like you, bugs and insects look forward to warmer weather arriving in the spring. You might not think that these pests will come out right after winter, but as soon as the weather gets warmer they are active. They spend the wintertime being dormant and hiding in warm areas. When they finally come out in the spring it can seem like there is a large abundance of them.
Some of the most common springtime pests in New England include ants, bees, wasps, spiders, stink bugs, and termites. There are several ways that you can minimize the presence of pests in warmer weather. Many of the tips listed below are also good maintenance items to work through as spring approaches.
Getting Ahead of Springtime Pests
Keep Your Home Clutter-Free
Pests thrive in areas where they can find shelter and moisture. Going through your home and getting rid of anything that you do not need or use is a great step to prevent pests from becoming uncontrollable in the spring.
Getting rid of clutter is one of the big tasks associated with spring cleaning. Go through your closets and get rid of any unwanted items. Get rid of any boxes, old newspapers, and cans that pests could potentially hide out in. If there are items that you wish to save but won’t get much use make sure they are packed away to stop pests from making a home inside them.
Keep up With Exterior Maintenance 
One of the most common ways that pests enter homes is through small cracks and crevices on the outside. When you are able to walk around the exterior of your home looking for any cracks or crevices. Any that you find should be sealed up to prevent easy access to the home.
If you have any shrubs or trees on your property make sure they are not coming into contact with your home. The limbs and branches can act as a bridge from the outside world to the exterior of the home. Having plants close to the home can also weaken these areas of the home making a perfect spot for insects to get inside. Keep these trees and shrubs trimmed back and away from your exterior.
As you are walking around the exterior of your home, look for any areas where wood is damaged. This could be the sill on the window or the frame around the door. This could be a sign of previous pest damage or a new entry point into your home. If any damage is found take the steps to get it fixed before pests start arriving.
Clean the Interior of Your Home Regularly
As mentioned previously pests thrive in areas that provide shelter and moisture. As spring gets underway it is important to not forget that because pests will take advantage of any food, shelter, or moisture left around.
Even though you have decluttered and filled in any entry points it is important to keep the inside of your home clean. Make sure you are cleaning your windows and window screens. Window screens have holes small enough that pests can get through and potentially make a home in them.
Clean up after bringing groceries inside the house. Groceries, believe it or not, are a great way to transport unwanted insects and bugs into your home. Make sure you put your food away completely and throw away any old food. Many of you know that ants are attracted to areas where food is left out or kitchens are not cleaned. It will save you a headache to properly take care of your food in the first place.
Also, make sure that garbage is disposed of properly and as soon as it gets full. A garbage can is heaven for pests because it can provide food and moisture.
If you have done all the above-mentioned tasks and pests are still invading your home, reach out to a local pest control company. They will be able to come in and spray for pests and set out traps to prevent pests from getting into the home.
Stay tuned in to our blog for other home maintenance tips and all of the home care needs you need to know!