Congratulations! You’ve bought your first home and we couldn’t be more excited for you! This is an exciting time in your life but it can also be stressful if you aren’t aware of all of the responsibilities that go along with being a homeowner. Gone are the days of contacting your leasing agency about problems you’re facing, because now it all falls back on you! We’re sure the last thing you are thinking about is HVAC issues and what pest control packages are best for you. But one of those new responsibilities is figuring out how to keep your home safe from possible intruders- and we aren’t just talking about the ones standing on two legs.
That’s right, we’re talking about the creepy crawlers that can make their way into your home uninvited for a house warming party you had no idea about. This is why it is extremely important for you to understand how pests operate so you can keep them out of your home and outside where they belong.
Whether your new home is located among rolling hills or in an urban area there is a group of pests waiting to make your new home their own. From mice who can squeeze through tiny openings and other pests that can enter through cracks in your foundation having pest control packages is extremely important for new home owners.
Where do you Start?
When it comes to pest control and pest control packages isn’t a one time service, it is something that has to be carried out year round to be effective. It is important to first being with an inspection of your new property, both inside and around the outside of the home. But before that there are a few things that you can do on your own to help ensure that you are doing your part in keeping your home pest free.
- Make sure to cover any vent opening with wire mesh to eliminate unwelcome pests
- Take the time to eliminate any debris in your yard and garden that could be a hiding place for pests. This includes removing leaves from around the foundation of your home, cleaning gutters, and making sure your garage and other outside buildings clutter free.
- Make sure to eliminate pooling water that forms under outdoor faucets, and make sure that your gutter downspouts away from your home to divert rain water.
- Trim overhanging tree branches and cut shrubs that touch your house because these may provide a runway for pests to enter your home
- By taking the time to inspect these areas on your own, you are not only taking extra steps in protecting your new home from invaders, but you are also identifying possible problem areas for pests. When your inspector comes you will be able to point out these areas to them so they can pay close attention to these pest hot spots.
- Make sure to seal all cracks and any larger openings you find in your foundation
- Keep your door sweeps and entryways tightly sealed. These areas along with door corners are prime areas for insects to enter your home
By taking the time to inspect these areas on your own, you are not only taking extra steps in protecting your new home from invaders, but you are also identifying possible problem areas for pests. When your inspector comes you will be able to point out these areas to them so they can pay close attention to these pest hot spots
Seasonal Pest Tips
The majority of pest activity runs in cycles, which is why we offer quarterly pest control packages to help prevent pests year round and throughout each season. Each season calls for specific actions that homeowners can do to help do their part in preventing pests from entering their homes.
Early Spring through Fall
During this time frame, rodents are the pest that lead the way when it comes to finding entry into your home. From early spring through summer and even into early fall, rodents will find their way into your home and outdoor sheds to create their home. Their presence can have a serious impact on the health of your lawn as well as the wiring of your home.
Spring through Early Fall
During the spring and early fall months, the main pest we tackle for our clients that with pest control packages are fire ants. Because soil temperature begins to warm up during the spring, fire ant activity begins to increase. Fire ants can cause extreme damage to your lawn and their stinging can inflict serious pain to both you and your pets.
Early Spring to Summer
Not only do you have to worry about fire ants, but during early spring and into the summer months, ants and other outdoor pests become extremely prevalent. Warm weather and changes in your activity such as barbecuing cause a rise in pest problems making it important to seal any cracks and openings around your home that they may be able to enter through which is why we always recommend our quarterly pest control packages to new homeowners.
Taking on Fall
Once cool temperatures start to creep in it is important for you to take the time to clear leaves from around your home and in your gutters. During this season change, you will also want to trim your tree branches and shrubs again to ensure that they can not provide an entryway into your home.
Regular pest control services and pest control packages work in tandem with your efforts to ensure that your new home is as safe from these intruders as possible.
Things you Can do Everyday to Avoid a Pest Infestation
Once you have settled into your new home there are a few things that you can do every day along with your pest control packages to help avoid a pest infestation:
- Sweep and vacuum regularly- sometimes pests that are overtaking your home can't be seen
- Keep the kitchen clean, this includes counters, cabinets, food prep areas, and the floor
- Store opened food in airtight containers
- Keep the moisture level and humidity in your home at consistent levels. If it is too dry or too humid, you are more prone to a pest problem
- Empty your trash often
Taking the time to do the things listed above along with setting up service with pest control packages will help keep your new home safe. Give us a call today for more information about the pest control packages we offer at Sigma Pest!