Spring is the perfect time to not only refresh your home but also to take proactive steps to prevent pest problems. As the weather warms up, pests like ants, spiders, and rodents become more active and start seeking food and shelter. Pinkston’s Pest Control is here to guide you through a spring cleaning routine that will help keep your home pest-free.
Inside Your Home: A Pest Prevention Checklist
- Kitchen:
- Pantry: Remove all food items, discard expired products, and wipe down shelves. Store dry goods in airtight containers.
- Refrigerator: Clean out the refrigerator, removing any spoiled or expired food.
- Stove and Oven: Deep clean your stove and oven to eliminate food residue.
- Cabinets: Wipe down all cabinets, inside and out. Check under the sink for leaks and repair any damage.
- Dishwasher: Clean your dishwasher regularly.
- Garbage Cans: Wipe down garbage cans regularly and ensure they have tight-fitting lids.
- Floors: Mop kitchen floors to remove crumbs and spills.
- Bathrooms:
- Sinks, Showers, and Tubs: Deep clean all surfaces and use a drain cleaner to prevent clogs and eliminate potential food sources for pests.
- Toilets: Deep clean toilets.
- Counters: Wipe down counters.
- Floors and Walls: Clean floors and walls.
- Leaks: Check around the toilet, shower, and tub for any leakages or water damage, and make sure they seal well against the floor. Repair any damage you find. Check under all bathroom sinks for leakages, damage, and stains.
- Storage: Organize shelves.
- Living Areas and Bedrooms:
- Floors: Vacuum or mop all floors.
- Furniture: Clean under couch cushions and wipe down furniture.
- Dusting: Dust curtain rods, blinds, and furniture.
- Bedding: Wash all bedding.
- Closets and Drawers: Declutter closets and drawers.
- Under Beds: Clean under beds.
- Mattresses: Rotate mattresses.
- Laundry Room:
- Clean behind the washer and dryer.
- Wipe down the outside of the washer and dryer.
- Organize linen closets.
- Run washer on sanitize cycle.
- Storage Areas:
- Organize shelves.
- Store items in plastic bins.
- Donate or discard unused items.
- Keep clutter off the floor when possible.
Outside Your Home: Creating a Pest-Resistant Yard
- Seal Entry Points: Inspect the perimeter of your home for any cracks or openings, especially around pipes, windows, and doors. Seal any gaps with caulk.
- Eliminate Standing Water: Remove any sources of standing water, such as bird baths, flower pots, or clogged gutters. Mosquitoes breed in standing water.
- Yard Maintenance:
- Mow the lawn regularly.
- Remove piles of debris, such as leaves or branches.
- Trim shrubs and bushes at least one foot away from the house siding and two feet away from each other.
- Keep grass trimmed two feet away from the home foundation.
- Ensure tree branches do not hang over the roof or touch the house.
- Woodpiles: Store woodpiles at least 20 feet away from your home and elevate them off the ground.
- Mulch: Rake the mulch beds to keep them dry and shallow.
- Window Wells: Clear your window wells of debris. Consider placing netting over your window wells.
Pinkston’s Pest Control: Your Partner in Pest Prevention
Spring cleaning is a crucial step in preventing pest problems. By following these tips and partnering with Pinkston’s Pest Control, you can enjoy a pest-free home all season long. Contact us today for a consultation and let us help you protect your home and family.