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With spring comes flowers and butterfliesbut also common household pests like roaches and rats.
Pay special close attention to small openings around doors, windows, and utility pipes.
If you find any gaps, use silicone-based caulk or steel wool to seal them up right away.
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But proper food storage and cleanliness eliminate the incentive for them to stick around, Fredericks says.
Tokeep a tidy kitchenand free of pests, remove all open items from your cabinets and pantry.
Instead, store unsealed pantry items like cereal, pasta, and pet food in airtight containers.
Make an effort to wipe down counters, sweep floors, and clean up crumbs daily, he adds.
And keep trash in covered bins and take it out regularly so as not to attract unwanted guests.
Eliminate Standing Water and Fix Leaks
Standing water can herald in cockroaches and silverfish.
Fredericks explains how mosquitoes breed in standing water and cockroaches and termites thrive in damp environments.
This is why fixing leaks and reducing moisture are of utmost importance, he maintains.
Be sure to remove any standing water in your gardens flowerpots and birdbaths.
But also think about your homes exterior.
Finally, clean out clogged gutters and downspouts before spring showers bring in more water.
But this doesnt mean your yard has to become their forever home.
Ticks especially like tall, unkept grass because they drink the moisture from the blades of greenery.
Declutter Your Home
The more clutter, the more spaces there are for pests to hide.
