7 Ways to Prevent Pests from Invading Your Tennessee Home This Spring

Spring is here in Tennesee! Warmer temperatures will be arriving soon, and that means one thing, so are the insects. It’s best to get a leg up on the problem and start early. Right now is the perfect time to start preventing those spring and summer pests from wreaking havoc on your outdoor fun and gaining access to the inside of your home. We’ve put together a list of tips and ideas to help you prepare for this upcoming pest season and put bugs in their place before it’s too late.

Clean the Area Outside Your Tennessee Home

Stagnant water and firewood are two of the most common objects insects live in, shelter, and breed. Keep containers such as empty flower pots, kiddie pools, and wheelbarrows away from your home. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water where, within 7-10 days, they will hatch and develop into a new generation of mosquitoes. Disrupt the breeding cycle of mosquitoes by changing the water in your birdbaths and water bowls every week and treat any swimming pools, water features, or ponds around your property.

Clean up any debris gathered around the outside of your property, such as grass clippings, leaves, mulch piles, and woodpiles. All of these make an attractive shelter for both wildlife and pests. The further these items are away from your home, the less chance the critters living inside them will gain access.

If you keep firewood, try to store it away from your house. Firewood is one of the most common ways insects obtain access to our dwellings. Never store firewood inside your home unless you plan to burn it immediately.

Trim Trees and Shrubs

Overwintering insects are now emerging from your trees and shrubs as new spring pests begin to arrive. As beautiful and tranquil as they are, your trees and shrubs are a haven for a variety of wildlife and insects. Trim all trees and shrubs so that they are not touching the sides of your home or your windows where these buggers can get better access.

Clean Out Gutters

While gutters are great and serve a tremendous purpose, clogged gutters full of water are a magnet for insects. Bugs love the added privacy gutters give, and any leaves or other debris build-up makes a perfect home for bugs and critters.  Keeping them clean will help prevent pests from using them as a refuge and less chance of gaining access into your home.

Look for Visible Gaps and Holes Around Your Home’s Foundation

If there’s a hole, regardless of the size, ants, spiders, and other pests will find a way in. Take a walk around the outside of your home and look for any cracks, gaps, openings, or vulnerabilities in your foundation. Use caulk and repair any holes or weak points as soon as you see them and help prevent pests from gaining access.

Check Your Doors and Windows

Make sure your doors and windows are properly sealed, and there are no gaps around them. Fix or replace screens with holes, rips, or tears to stop small unseen insects from getting through.

Give Your Tennessee Home a Thorough Spring Cleaning

Food left unattended is fair game. During this year’s spring cleaning, sweep crumbs from hard-to-see places such as under the fridge, stove, or bed and behind couches. Properly seal all food containers and discard old boxes, newspapers, and items collecting dust that may seem like a good place for critters to live. Clean out your closets and donate old clothes.

Focus on the following areas of your home for the most time and cost-efficient means:

Eliminate Leaks or Moisture

Fix indoor plumbing and leaky pipes. Many insects are attracted to damp areas of your home, so making sure any broken or damaged pipes are fixed right away can help keep one problem from turning into two.

For the Ultimate Protection Against Pests, Contact the Pros at Okeena Pest Control

To truly protect your family and friends from pesky insects this spring, you need help from the professionals at Okeena Termite & Pest Control. We offer three different pest control packages on a bi-monthly, quarterly, and monthly basis. Contact us today to get same-day scheduling or service on Saturdays!