Spring Cleaning: Your Spring Pest Checklist for a Bug-Free Home

We’ve all heard of spring cleaning. It gives us a fresh start and allows us to enjoy the rest of the year without worrying about clutter or mess.

But have you heard about spring cleaning for pests?

While you may be prioritizing your home, it’s important to remember that spring also brings increased pest activity. And if you don’t act, you could be facing a spring season fighting ants, wasps, and termites rather than enjoying the new warm weather.

But with our spring pest checklist, you can be prepared for whatever pests may come your way. We’ll help you understand the most common spring pests and what actions you can take to keep your home and yard a beautiful spring paradise this season.

What Pests Emerge in the Spring?

In North Carolina, spring means warmer temperatures, so many of our common and most nuisance pests begin to emerge. The most common spring pests include:

For all three species, spring is the season when their colonies begin waking up from winter and enter survival mode. They need to gather food, build nests, and reproduce, so many homeowners notice increased pest activity, especially around easily accessible food sources, blooming flowers, and even inside their homes.

During the spring, you may also see the first few signs of mosquitoes and roaches, as the warmer, more humid air attracts them to your home and yard.

Your Spring Pest Checklist

So with reemerging pests, how can you keep your home pest-free this spring? With this easy homeowner pest control checklist, you protect your family and house from any spring pests looking to make their nest near your home.

1. Pick Up a Good Wasp Spray

While honey and bumble bees are typically harmless and will only sting when provoked, their cousins—wasps, hornets, and yellow jackets—are the opposite. These stinging pests can be quite territorial and can sting “unprovoked” if they feel you are too close to their nest. Worse, they can sting multiple times, unlike honey bees, which only have one shot at stinging you.

So, as wasps and hornets are making their nests this spring season, you’ll want to have protection against them. Most hardware stores sell wasp- and hornet-killing sprays, which are often effective as soon as they touch the pest. They also have a long range, allowing you to spray the pest safely from a distance.

While we wouldn’t recommend using these sprays on a well-established nest, they do work to eliminate a rogue pest that’s flying into your porch, patio, shed, or even your home. Just make sure to handle the foam with caution as it is a harsh pesticide that could be dangerous if ingested, gets in the eyes, or comes into contact with pets and children.

If you see or hear an active nest of any stinging pest, call in a professional to safely remove it, especially if you suspect carpenter bee activity, as they can cause structural damage to your home.

2. Inspect Home for Damaged/Rotting Wood

The two home destroyers you need to look out for in the spring are termites, carpenter bees, and carpenter ants. These pests use the wood in your home as either nesting material or food, which can damage your furniture and even the wooden framing of your home.

Other than professional preventative pest control, the best way to protect your home is to inspect your wood for damage or “frass,” the wooden dust termites, carpenter bees, and carpenter ants leave behind. Also, keep an eye out for any “musty” smells, as this can be the first sign of rotting wood behind your walls. If you notice signs of termite, carpenter bee, or carpenter ant activity, call a professional as soon as possible to avoid further damage.

3. Deep Clean the House

Spring cleaning is more than just a way to declutter. It can actually be an important step in keeping your home pest-free. Pests tend to hide out of sight, so crowded, dark rooms that haven’t been cleaned in a while are often the perfect hiding spot for them.

By deep-cleaning your home and tidying up dark, forgotten corners, you push pests away and eliminate any spots they might have been considering for a nest. Plus, research shows that a clean home can improve your overall mood and mental well-being, so you can enjoy a range of benefits with just a few hours of hard work.

4. Eliminate & Seal Away Food Sources

The number one rule in pest prevention is to eliminate food and water sources. Without access to these resources, pests will move on, unable to survive in your home. The biggest culprits in your home are usually the trash and unsealed foods in cabinets or the fridge (yes, ants can get into your fridge if they smell food).

Make sure your trash is properly sealed and disposed of each week. And store open food in airtight containers to avoid uninvited guests from finding a feast in your home.

5. Schedule a Pest Inspection & Service

And the absolute best way to keep pests out of your home? Professional pest inspections and service are the only way to find infestations and treat them permanently. As pests begin to wake up this spring, we recommend scheduling a pest service to ensure your home is protected and remains pest-free so that you can enjoy the spring in peace.

Stay on Top of Pests with Clint Miller Exterminating

With Clint Miller Exterminating, you can soak up the sun, smell the flowers, and enjoy the season of spring without worrying about pests in your home or yard. We’ll inspect your home for any signs of termites or other pests and create a personalized treatment plan that works for you and your family. From one-time treatments to recurring services, we handle the pests for you, no matter the season. Get in touch with our team today to enjoy a peaceful spring season.

 

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