Now that Daylight Saving Time has arrived a lot of people are getting into spring cleaning. Perhaps you’re one of them. Some folks really look forward to organizing and decluttering after the dark days of winter. Kudos if you are one!
But maybe you don’t find great joy in cleaning. That’s understandable. Chances are you do it anyway because you like the outcome. Sound familiar? If so, you have our respect for taking on the challenge even though it’s an unpleasant chore.
Humans aren’t the only creatures who get busy during the spring. Members of the animal kingdom are active, too. You don’t have to look hard to see bugs, birds, and animals building nests, reproducing, and gathering food.
This cycle of life is a wonderful thing to see in a natural setting. Unfortunately, certain creatures have a habit of moving into spaces where they can threaten people, pets, and property with disease, injury, and damage. When this happens, you need a plan to turn the tide and keep them at bay.
Professional pest management companies, including KC Pest Control, recommend taking defensive actions at the start of spring. Now is a great time to begin. By removing easy access to shelter, food, and water, most critters will pass by when looking for a new home. A few simple steps will go a long way toward creating effective pest barriers:
1. Seal gaps around doors, windows, pipes and vents
Check for cracks around windows and doors and fill them with proper material. Patch holes in window screens, especially near light fixtures where insects gather at night. Consider adding a mesh barrier under porches and decks to ward off four-legged friends. If you’re unsure where to begin, ask an expert at your preferred building supply company. They can recommend effective products and application techniques.
2. Keep food in airtight containers
Pet food, birdseed, and dry foods are irresistible to ants, weevils, and other pantry pests. Store food items in tightly sealed jars, bottles, or boxes, and refrigerate or freeze as necessary.
3. Eliminate standing water
Pooled water is a major attraction for unwanted insects and animals. Most creatures need daily hydration. During dry spells pests will go to great lengths to satisfy their thirst. Don’t make your property their oasis! Even worse, standing water is extremely attractive to mosquitoes as they breed in it. Drain containers where rain has collected, fill in low spots in your landscaping to prevent pools from forming, and make sure to replace water in pet dishes and birdbaths on a regular basis.
4. Move wood and brush away from structures
Organic materials like logs, lumber, mulch, and hay appeal to termites, wood-boring beetles, ants, bees, and wasps. Store these items away from your house, garage and shed. While you’re working outside, be sure to remove sticks and leaves that have blown against your buildings and fences.
5. Try a dehumidifier
Basements, storm shelters, and garages can become particularly damp in rainy months, enticing centipedes, silverfish, and other insects to move there. Removing excess moisture can discourage them from settling in those places.
Following these DIY tips will really make a difference in preventing infestations. Unfortunately, there can be times when your best efforts just aren’t enough. If that occurs, we can help! Contact us at (405) 679-8729 for a consultation and to make an appointment. We’ll be happy to help!
