Understanding the Pest Seasonality and How to Prepare
Pests present a problem to both homeowners and business places, and knowing pest seasonality can provide you with ample time to prepare to prevent such infestations. Because certain pests are more prevalent depending on the time of year, knowing when to expect them can help you be proactive.
Weather is one of the biggest problems pests faces. Higher temperatures and humidity levels both provide optimal conditions for countless pests to breed. This is why infestations commonly originate in the spring and summer. Insects like ants, mosquitoes, and termites are generally more active in the summer and rainy seasons, where they can breed and spread faster due to the warm and humid conditions.
Another insect explosion can be a proud pest of the house in the fall when it is cool out, and many leggy cretins start the move inward to look for a warm spot to honeymoon. Common fall pests are rodents, spiders, and stink bugs. As they look for warmth and food, these unwanted guests can be quite a pain, stopping them from entering your house. So, keeping them out of your house would be best.
The winter months are generally slower for pests as many insects either hibernate or die off due to the cold temperatures. On the other hand, some pests, such as cockroaches and rodents, can find refuge indoors to make it all through winter. One of the best defences against winter pests is to keep your house well sealed and free from food and water sources that pests are looking for.
Since pest control is always easier with prevention, here is a quick crash course on the warning signs of when certain pests are most active.
Preparing for Pest Seasonality
Snug as a bug in a rug… Seal those cracks and crevices: Pests can crawl through the smallest spaces, so it is critical to seal any cracks and crevices on your walls, foundation, and windows. This can prevent the door from blowing open and pests from walking inside to create havoc.
Eliminate food and water: Pests are attracted to food and water sources, so keep your home clean and free of crumbs, spills, and standing water. Use airtight containers for your food and clean up spills or crumbs soon after they happen.
Cut back vines and overhanging tree limbs: Ants and rodents may be using the greenery as a bridge to your home. Trim any shrubs, bushes, or trees that are close by. This will discourage the total prediction of pests without additional effort.
Keep your home dry. Damp places usually attract cockroaches, silverfish, and mosquitoes. Repair any leaks in your house, and consider using a dehumidifier to maintain low humidity levels.
When to Call in the Professionals?
If you are dealing with a tough infestation or have no idea how to best prepare for this time of year, hiring a professional pest control company is always best. These professionals can perform inspections to help identify where your home is vulnerable to pests and may offer solutions to keep them away.
Knowing when these pests are most active and how to prevent them with pest control maintenance is invaluable for protecting your home from becoming their next residence. With pests, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, so do what you can to pest-proof your house before pest seasonality kicks in, or it can become a costly and frustrating experience.
