Spring is knocking on the front door here in Tampa Bay. It will truly be here before you know it. There is a lot to look forward to during spring. The weather starts getting warmer, and barren landscapes start blooming with color. Being in St. Pete, and Florida in general, one bad part about the onset of spring is that it also brings lots of pests out of hiding. Before you know it, insects, rodents and other pests will be invading your outdoor space as well as your home. Here are a few helpful tips for pest control in spring that will help you prepare for bugs in Tampa Bay.
Keep Plants and Mulch Away From Your House
Pests love to hide in outdoor plants and heaps of mulch. If you keep these items too close to your house, pests can gain easy access to the inside of your house. Keeping at least three feet between your house and your plants and mulch can significantly decrease the chances of pests creeping into your home unnoticed.
Tighten Seals on Doors and Windows
Pests will use any cracks they find near your doors and windows to come into your house. Before the Tampa Bay weather starts getting warm, take time to seal up the cracks near these entryways. You should use this opportunity to check pipes for any gaps and seal those as well. The fewer opportunities you can give the pests to get inside, the more likely it is that these insects will stay outside.
Keep Pet Food off the Ground
Pests see pet food as a source of food for them as well. So, if pests have easy access to it, there is a good chance that they will find it. If possible buy elevated pet bowls that will automatically be off the ground. If you cannot elevate your pet bowls, then put the bowls somewhere where they are not touching the floor whenever your dog or cat is not eating from them. Also, be sure to change the water in your pet’s bowl every day to further detract pests that like stagnant water.
Do Some Spring Cleaning
Organize any clutter you have in your house and always clean thoroughly after preparing meals. Pests love to hide in the trash and debris-filled areas. So, the fewer cluttered spots you have available to them, the less likely it is that they will seek refuge in your home. Also, leaving even a few crumbs on the floor or counter is an easy way to attract pests. So, cleaning up your mess after cooking and storing food properly are great ways to keep pests where they belong.
Taking a few proactive steps at the beginning of the season will truly help keep the pests away. For an extra layer of protection, it is a great idea to call in a pest control professional to help guarantee your house and yard will be pest-free all spring and summer. Call Geiger’s Pest Services today to see how we can help you.