Spring Cleaning and Spring Pest Proofing Go Hand in Hand
( NewsUSA) - As the ritual of spring cleaning nears with every slightly warmer and longer day , many homeowners will look to home organizational trends to kick start their list of projects . No matter which trends homeowners choose to take charge of their houses , it ' s important to ensure that any home care initiatives include pest prevention practices . Spring is a particularly crucial time to take proactive measures to pest-proof as the season ' s warmer weather serves as a wake-up call to a myriad of homeinvading pests .
Some of the most common pests emerging in the spring are termites , ants ( especially odorous house ants , pavement ants and carpenter ants ), springtails , cockroaches and spiders . According to Missy Henriksen of the National Pest Management Association ( NPMA ), what homeowners can expect to see this season depends largely on where they live and local weather conditions . " People who experienced milder winters are likely to see an early arrival of spring pests , since last year was one of the warmest winters on record and pests across the country emerged weeks , and even months , early ," said Henriksen . " Those who experienced wet winters may have lingering moisture that may be creating pest-friendly environments within their homes ."
In addition to minimizing clutter and organizing pantry shelves this spring , the NPMA suggests these important steps to prevent pests from feeling welcome in your home .
Remove shelter :
* Maintain a one-inch gap between soil and wood portions of a building .
* Keep mulch at least 15 inches from your home ' s foundation .
* Seal cracks along the bottom of the structure .
* Keep tree branches and plants trimmed back from the house .
* Screen windows and doors . Remove food :
* Keep trash containers clean and sealed .
* Don ' t allow dirty dishes to accumulate in the sink .
* Wipe counters and vacuum floors regularly .
* Remove remaining food after your pet is done eating .
Remove water :
* Check under sinks for puddles , and fix any leaks or drips .
* Use a dehumidifier for damp basements and crawl spaces .
For other pest-proofing ideas to protect your home and property , visit www . pestworld . org .