How to Use Spring Cleaning to Help Avoid Pests

 

How to Use Spring Cleaning to Help Avoid Pests

Spring Cleaning

Spring has sprung, and many of us are beginning to clean out our homes in this yearly tradition. While it can just feel nice to purge unneeded items and surround yourself in a clean and tidy atmosphere, it can also greatly reduce your risk of pest infestations this season.

Tidy Up

This is probably the easiest of all the categories of spring cleaning, but it can also make a massive impact in pest prevention. Try these quick and easy steps towards a cleaner and pest-free spring:

• Vacuum and sweep regularly
• Reduce clutter and purge unneeded items
• Place storage in plastic containers (pests tend to hide in cardboard boxes)
• Clean out closets
• Scrub down all surfaces
• Be sure to dust furniture and fixtures both high and low (some pests eat dust particles)
• Reorganize your pantry and fridge, being sure that all food is stored in airtight containers and that nothing spoiled or rotten is being kept
• Be sure to dispose of all garbage outside of the home

General Repairs

Lots of pests make their way into homes through the smallest of openings and many are also drawn to moisture, which is why some general repairs and maintenance can go a long way protecting you against pests. Try doing a brief inspection of your home to see if you need to make any of the following repairs.

• Sealing any cracks or crevices in and around your home
• Securing and repairing any torn window or door screens
• Reinforce caulking and edges
• Ensure there are no gaps under doors and install door sweeps if there is to seal off the entry point
• Check for any leaky pipes or drains that aren’t working properly both in and around the home
• Install a dehumidifier in areas that may be extra humid

Yard Maintenance

Lots of pests can be drawn to the conditions in your yard, whether that’s excessive foliage that provides them shade/shelter, collected water that can draw mosquitos, etc. Come springtime, it’s important to do some yard maintenance to ensure that your yard is not attracting pests.

• Trim back trees and bushes, making sure they are not too close to your home
• Clean out gutters
• Make sure there are no flowerpots, bird baths, pet bowls, etc. with unclean standing water
• Clean up any pet droppings (disgustingly, this can attract rats)
• Make sure birdfeeders are not spilling seeds
• Try planting some plants that repel pests around your yard such as citronella, lavender, basil, etc.

Deep Cleaning

If you find yourself really in the “cleaning-zone,” and/or you are very passionate about taking all the steps you can to prevent pest problems, you can go the extra mile by doing these deep cleaning tasks.

• Clean under and behind appliances
• Wipe down baseboards
• Have carpets shampooed
• Flip mattresses (this provides a moment to check each bed meticulously for bed bugs)
• Clean out garbage cans (if any food residue has attached onto the sides of the garbage bin, this could be attracting pests)
• Wipe down the walls in the kitchen (grease can sometimes collect there from frequent cooking)
• Clean under and around large furniture that is not often moved