While it is true that pest control is a year-round need for Worcester property owners, there are certain seasons when pests become more active which means you need to be even more alert. Springtime pests are just that, too. Pests that become particularly active come springtime, threatening both our property and our health. Unfortunately, we are often caught off guard by spring pests as we are coming out of winter when threats from pests seem to diminish. Given how destructive and dangerous spring pests can be, you need to stay alert or you could find yourself dealing with property damage or health concerns. This means taking the proper precautions to protect you and your property from these unwanted pests.
Area Pests That Become More Active In Spring
Here in Worcester, there are many pests that seem to dip in numbers over the winter, only to come back with a vengeance in the spring. Some of the most common include carpenter ants, termites, rats, spiders, and mosquitoes.
One of the biggest issues with spring pests is that they each pose their own threats. For instance, pests like carpenter ants and termites can be extremely destructive to properties as they build their nests in wood and feed on wood, respectively. In doing so, they can destroy the structural wood inside of homes along with flooring, furniture, and antiques.
Other pests, such as mosquitoes and rodents, are threats to our health. While mosquitoes can transmit many harmful bloodborne diseases, rodents spread harmful bacteria and pathogens throughout homes. Some diseases that can be transmitted and spread by pests like mosquitoes and rodents include the Zika virus, West Nile virus, dengue, malaria, encephalitis, salmonellosis, leptospirosis, tularemia, plague, LCM, and rat-bite fever.
Furthermore, although mostly nuisance pests, there are spiders that will bite, some with harmful venom. The truth is, it doesn’t matter whether a pest is a threat or not, you don’t want pests living in your Worcester home.
Four Tips For Removing Items That Attract Spring Pests Inside
Given the breadth of spring pests that could invade your home, several factors might attract them inside. However, the most common attractors for pests are potential food and water sources, as well as the availability of places in which they can live and hide. Therefore, you need to be sure to take away all potential food sources and keep all areas free of debris in which pests might hide. This means:
- Store all food in airtight containers or in the refrigerator.
- Take out the trash regularly, and store trash in bins with tight-fitting lids.
- Keep home clean especially around oft-forgotten areas such as under heavy appliances and in storage areas.
- Install dehumidifiers to address moisture issues in the home.
Four Tips For Sealing Off Entry Points
In addition to removing factors that attract pests inside, you should also do your best to seal off any potential entry points. This includes:
- Seal cracks in the foundation of your home.
- Install weatherstripping and screens in windows and exterior doors.
- Install door sweeps under exterior doors.
- Cover any holes or openings around vents, pipes, and utility lines around your home’s exterior.
The Best Tip For Year-Round Pest Prevention
You can and should take every preventative measure at your disposal. However, the best method of pest protection for your Worcester home is with ongoing assistance from the pest professionals here at Big Blue Bug Solutions.
With over 80 years of experience, we know what it takes to keep pests out of your home. That’s why you can count on Big Blue Bug Solutions to effectively eliminate any infestation with which you are dealing. Moreover, we will work with you to better protect your Worcester home from any and all spring pests. So, don’t delay. Give us a call today.