How To Protect Your Home From Pests All Year-Round
Pests can be a year-round nuisance, with different insects and critters making their presence known as the seasons change. Understanding the seasonal patterns of pest activity is crucial for effective prevention and control and to reduce damage to your property.
We will walk you through common pest issues and problems for each season from spring to winter, and help you identify potential issues. If you are experiencing problems with pests several natural and chemical solutions can be used to keep your home pest-free throughout the year.
Spring: Awakening and Reproduction
As temperatures rise and nature springs back to life, so too do many pest populations. Spring is a critical time for pest prevention, as many species emerge from their winter dormancy and begin their reproductive and breeding cycles.
Common Spring Pests
- Ants
- Termites
- Mosquitoes
- Carpenter bees
Identification and Prevention
Ants
Look for trails of ants along walls or countertops. Prevent infestations by sealing entry points and keeping food in airtight containers.
Termites
Watch for discarded wings near windows or doors, or mud tubes on exterior walls. Regular inspections and moisture control are key to prevention.
Mosquitoes
Eliminate standing water sources where mosquitoes breed, such as clogged gutters or birdbaths.
Carpenter bees
Check wooden structures for perfectly round holes about 1/2 inch in diameter. Paint or varnish exposed wood to deter nesting.
Treatment Recommendations
Use diatomaceous earth around entry points to naturally deter ants and other crawling insects. Alternatively, chemicals can be used to create a residual insecticide barrier around your home's foundation. This will deter ants and other pests. For mosquitoes, consider using a larvicide in any standing water that can't be eliminated.
Summer: Peak Activity
Summer's warm temperatures and abundant food sources lead to peak activity for many pest species. This is often when infestations and insect swarms become most noticeable throughout the home or garden area.
Common Summer Pests
- Flies
- Wasps and hornets
- Fleas and ticks
- Cockroaches
Identification and Prevention
Flies
Look for small, dark clusters of spots (fly specks) on walls or windows. Keep garbage areas clean and use screens on windows and doors.
Wasps and hornets
Watch for nests in eaves, attics, or trees near your home and seal entry points to prevent nest-building inside structures.
Fleas and ticks
Check pets regularly, especially after they've been outdoors. Keep lawns mowed short to reduce tick habitats.
Cockroaches
Look for droppings resembling coffee grounds or pepper. Eliminate water sources and keep kitchen areas clean and dry.
Treatment Recommendations
If you want to go the natural route to repel insects use products that contain essential oils like peppermint or eucalyptus. For severe fly problems, use fly bait stations or residual sprays in the worst problem areas. Wasps nests should be approached with caution to avoid painful stings. Use a wasp and hornet spray that can be applied from a safe distance and consider wearing protective clothing. To keep fleas and ticks at bay treat pets with flea and tick preventatives.
Fall: Seeking Shelter
As temperatures begin to cool down, many pests begin searching for winter shelter often leading them into our homes.
Common Fall Pests
- Rodents (mice and rats)
- Stink bugs
- Boxelder bugs
- Spiders
Identification and Prevention
Rodents
Look for droppings, gnaw marks, or scratching sounds in walls. Seal all potential entry points, even those as small as a dime.
Stink bugs and boxelder bugs
These pests often cluster on sunny exterior walls before moving indoors. Seal cracks and crevices around windows, doors, and siding.
Spiders
While generally beneficial for keeping annoying insects at bay, some spiders may move indoors. Reduce clutter and seal entry points to minimize indoor populations.
Treatment Recommendations
Rodents can be deterred or removed from the home naturally by using peppermint oil or ultrasonic repellents like those provided by Riddex. For stronger chemical solutions place rodent bait stations in strategic locations. Stink bugs and boxelder bugs can be cleared from the home by using residual barrier sprays or treatments around entry points and perimeter protection can be enhanced with a long-lasting insecticide application.
Winter: Indoor Invaders
While outdoor pest activity slows in winter, indoor infestations can persist or even worsen as pests seek warmth and shelter. Leading to problematic and persistent invasions by unwelcome guests.
Common Winter Pests
- Bed bugs
- Pantry pests (moths, weevils)
- Cluster flies
- Overwintering rodents
Identification and Prevention
Bed bugs
Look for small, reddish-brown insects or dark spots on mattresses and furniture. Inspect second-hand furniture before bringing it into your home.
Pantry pests
Check for small moths or beetles in dry goods. Store food in airtight containers and regularly clean pantry areas.
Cluster flies
These flies may appear sluggish near windows on sunny winter days. Seal potential entry points around windows and in attics.
Rodents
As in fall, remain vigilant for signs of rodent activity, especially in attics and basements.
Treatment Recommendations
Diatomaceous earth used in cracks and crevices will combat bed bugs and other crawling insects naturally. For severe bed bug infestations, consider professional heat treatments or targeted insecticide applications. Unwelcome pantry guests can be monitored and controlled with pheromone-enhanced traps, and rodents can be managed by using the same natural or chemical control measures established in the fall.
Year-Round Pest Prevention Strategies
Pest prevention strategies are effective year-round and will keep infestations and problems to a minimum. Regularly inspect and seal cracks, gaps, and holes in your home's exterior and pay special attention to areas where utilities enter the house - rodents and other critters can take advantage of these easy access points. Keep your home clean and clutter-free and regularly vacuum. Clean up food spills promptly and store food in airtight containers to remove food sources. Fix leaky pipes, use dehumidifiers in damp areas, and ensure proper ventilation to reduce attractive environments for pests.
To the exterior, trim trees and shrubs to keep them away from your home's outer walls and avoid stacking firewood against the house. Monthly pest inspections both inside and outside your home will detect problems early and help prevent large-scale infestations. To fully protect your home it is advisable to establish a relationship with a professional pest control company that can perform regular inspections and give treatment recommendations based on your specific pest issues and local climate.
Final Words
Following seasonal and year-round pest prevention strategies will significantly reduce the likelihood of pest infestations in your home. If you discover a pest infestation, prompt action is essential and whether you choose natural methods, chemical treatments, or a combination of both, consistent application will help keep your home pest-free throughout the year.
Finally, consider electronic chemical-free solutions like those provided by Riddex for severe or persistent pest problems.