Spring is in full swing and at Ledford’s, our Charleston, Columbia, and Florence pest control experts have been busy attending to homes and offices with pest infestations. We understand the warmth of spring brings many different pests to life and unfortunately, some of them may make their way into your home without your welcome.
To prevent infestations, we have a few suggestions for how to protect your home or office this season:
Landscaping
Your hedges, trees, bushes, flowers, and other elements of landscaping are likely alive and well, but did you know that having them too close to your structure can invite pests inside? As you start cleaning up your yard, make sure to trim back any long branches, shrubs, and other plants so that they’re at least three feet from your building. This will cut back on available entry points for pests.
In addition, if your spring landscaping plan includes mulch, make sure you also make sure your mulch beds are away from your building. Mulch is warm and cozy environment for a variety of pests and if they decide to inhabit it, you won’t want them nearby.
Exterior Maintenance
If the outside of your home shows signs of mold or mildew, it means it’s become a host for warmth and moisture. Unfortunately, pests also like warmth and moisture, so it’s a good idea to perform some exterior maintenance and get rid of these inviting areas. Try using a power washer to blast away the mold/mildew that has formed – you’ll not only deter pests, you’ll also leave your home looking fresh!
Interior Cleanliness
Even if you try your best to prevent pests from entering your home, there are times they may still make it inside. If they do, there are measures you can take to keep them from spreading (or even staying!).
Firstly, make sure you clean up after yourself in the kitchen – stray crumbs, open containers, and full garbage cans can all be lures for pests, so make sure you keep your counters and floors clean, store your dry foods in air-tight containers, and take your garbage out regularly.
In addition, eliminate areas of clutter around your home. Pests love being able to hide behind things, so do your best to keep your place neat. Our Florence pest control experts also recommend vacuuming and dusting on a regular basis.
Details
From spiders to ants to cockroaches, pests are small creatures that can seem to come out of nowhere, which is why it’s important to pay attention to the details of your building. Take a look at the areas around your windows, doors, and other places that link your interior and exterior. If you notice any cracks or holes, make sure you seal them up; pests can squeeze into your office through even the smallest of openings. In addition, check your plumbing fixtures for any leaks. Since pests love moisture, you don’t want to give them any reason to build a home in your basement, bathroom, or kitchen.
If you do find yourself with a pest infestation, don’t hesitate to contact our Charleston, Columbia, or Florence pest control services. We’ll evaluate your situation and eliminate the problem as quickly as possible.