When there is access to food, and places to breed and nest, pests are going to multiply by the dozens. Holes and gnaw marks, dead bugs in basements and ledges, nests in every nook and cranny – we’ve seen it all. In Nashville, these critters come as a “whole package.” Your house can get infested with subterranean termites, rodents, cockroaches, spiders, fleas, and a lot more.
That’s where pest prevention comes into play. The most practical method is to do a deep clean in early spring. A deep house clean can help you expose pests, mainly those that reside behind washbasins, cabinets, or the toilet commode. You can then remove the breeding grounds to stop the pests from multiplying. Here are some pest-specific cleaning tips that can make a world of difference.
Spring Cleaning Tips That Keep Bugs at Bay
Most pests like cockroaches, mosquitoes, and centipedes, prefer humid and moist places. Others will make use of the tiny gaps in your doors, pipes, around the windows, and air conditioning units. The more cluttered the home the bigger the odds of infestation. Follow the tips below for proper pest prevention.
#1: The Kitchen
Effective pest control starts with cleaning the kitchen. The kitchen is packed with food items that are a welcoming habitat for pantry pests. These include moths and beetles. To ward off a critter infestation de clutter the cabinets and wipe the surfaces clean.
Throw away any leftover food and pack your products, like vegetables and fruit in airtight containers. Keep the bins clean and avoid keeping any wet garbage in the house for too long. Many nocturnal pests are also attracted to powerful smells. So, dispose of any bio waste that can create odor overnight.
#2: Vacuum All Furniture
Certain critters prefer to live in upholstery. Bed bugs are a classic example and a major problem as they can get into your areas like your mattress and cause itchy tiny bite marks. That’s because these little bugs are master hitchhikers and can travel with you by sticking to your shoes, luggage, or backpack. Plus, they are excellent at hiding in cracks and crevices.
When you vacuum the furniture, you can suck out most of the insects. You will also be removing the food crumbs or anything else that might attract these bugs. This makes vacuuming a critical component in effective pest prevention.
#3: Fix All Leaks and Clean The Surrounding Areas
Pests need water to survive. When there is a leak, they will use it as a steady supply of water. The longer you ignore the leak, the bigger the odds of it attracting termites or other insects that love moisture. For reliable pest prevention:
- Test every faucet to see if it’s dripping.
- Check for water spots on your ceiling.
- Look for moisture around the pipes, especially under the sink.
Fix the leaks and give these areas a thorough clean.
#4: Scrub The Floors
Floors are a magnet for crumbs, food debris, grime, and spills. When you spill something on the floor and don’t clean it up, it can attract pests. To prevent an infestation, vacuum the floors and then scrub them clean using a sponge or a microfiber mop.
#5: Seal All Doors And Windows
Pest prevention means that you should decrease the chances of pests and bugs entering the home. These critters are in need of shelter, water, and food. Your house provides them with an excellent habitat, which is much safer than the grass outside.
To keep the pests out of your house, fix the door frames or windows that offer easy access to bugs. Look for any gaps, holes, cracks, or exterior damage, then use caulk to seal that area. If basic sealing is not enough, you can get replacements.
Let the Experts at Certified Pest Control Help You
In Tennessee, dealing with pests and rodent infestations is no easy feat. Humid and warmer climates in the spring create the perfect living conditions for many pests. When there is easy access to water and food, managing the infestation can prove all the more difficult.
If a deep house clean is not enough to get your infestation under control, then our exterminators at Certified Pest Control can help remove all sorts of pests. We are a family-owned local pest control with years of experience. We can tailor our service to your needs.
Give us a call today at 615.886.7139 and enjoy a pest-free home in no time!
