Ah, springtime! The birds are singing, the flowers are blooming, and—wait—why is there a line of ants parading through your kitchen? That’s right, folks. Warmer weather doesn’t just wake up the trees; it wakes up the pests, too. Ants, termites, ticks, mosquitoes, carpenter ants and stinging insects are stretching their tiny legs, ready to invade your home. But fear not! With a little strategic pest control, you can enjoy a bug-free season and make sure your spring cleaning doesn’t come with creepy surprises.
The Pest Awakening
Spring cleaning is the time to move furniture, open windows and sweep away the remnants of winter hibernation. But guess who else has been hibernating? Pests. And when you start shifting couches and pulling out storage bins, you might just stir up more than dust bunnies:
- Seeing tiny wood shavings near baseboards or windowsills? That could be a sign of termites making a meal out of your home. Don’t wait; call the Braman experts right away.
- Noticing an increase in mosquitoes indoors? Check for standing water in plant trays or clogged gutters—mosquitoes love a good puddle.
- Spotted ants marching one by one? They’re probably scouting for food. Time to clean up crumbs and keep counters spotless.
The Deep Clean That Really Matters
Vacuuming and decluttering are great, but if you’re not tackling hidden pest problems, you’re only scratching the surface. A few simple pest-proofing tricks can make your spring refresh last all year:
- Seal the gaps. Pests are expert sneak artists. Check for cracks around windows, doors and the foundation, then seal them up tight.
- Trim the greenery. Overhanging tree branches and bushes touching your home are like highways for ants and other creepy crawlies, right into your home. You’ll also want to keep wood piles and mulch away from your home’s foundation.
- Store food smartly. Keep food in airtight containers and clean up spills pronto. A single forgotten crumb can be a feast for an army of ants. Also, store garbage in sealed containers and dispose of it regularly.
- Check for moisture. Termites and carpenter ants love damp wood. Fix leaks and improve ventilation in basements and crawl spaces to keep them at bay.
- Call in the pros. A professional pest inspection can uncover hidden issues before they become full-blown infestations.
Spring Cleaning for Businesses
Homeowners aren’t the only ones who need to tackle spring cleaning—businesses should, too. Offices, restaurants and warehouses can be prime real estate for pests.
- Declutter storage areas to eliminate cozy hiding spots for rodents and insects.
- Inspect for entry points—pests don’t need an invitation; they just need a crack.
- Deep clean kitchens and break rooms, because pests love snack crumbs and sticky counters.
- Schedule routine pest control—because nothing ruins a workday like a surprise roach sighting.
Stay Pest-Free All Year Long
Spring cleaning isn’t just about making your home sparkle—it’s about keeping it pest-free, too. So, while you’re dusting shelves and airing out the house, take a moment to outsmart the critters trying to move in.
If you need backup, your friendly neighborhood pest control pros are always here to help. In addition to treatments for specific issues, our MultiPest Plan protects against a wide array of pests with quarterly inspections and treatments—letting you check pest control off your to-do list for a full year.