Pests are always looking for a dependable food source and a warm, safe shelter. Regrettably, some of the more alluring places that pests are attracted to are our homes. Since Pests are affected by seasons, the dangers they pose shift as the weather changes. It is important to be conscious of seasonal pest patterns and take the necessary precautions during each seasonal change.
Spring
This is known as the insect awakening and mating season. During this season, flowers blossom, temperatures are warm, and ice melts. With the mix of both moisture and warmth, pests surface from their winter nesting sites and their activities increase. The majority of pest movements and patterns occur outside as they look for food and water. Wasps and bees wake up from their dormant state, and heavy rains bring ants indoors in search of high ground.
Pest control measures during spring focus on the outer surface of erections where insects breed and live. Pest control professionals manage insect infestation by using substances that work to exterminate the colony and set up long-standing protection against pest invasions.
Some pest control measures during spring include:
- Power treats in landscape structures and along the foundation.
- Applying grainy ant bait to control their reproduction.
- Treating exterior hot pots.
- Applying dust treatment.
Summer
This season typically offers a reprieve from pests and insects looking for food, shelter, and water in your home. Summer is well-known for high numbers of mosquitoes. This increase in the number of mosquitoes is usually a result of summer and spring rains, as water sources are popular breeding sites. Their presence and painful bites are a nuisance when attempting to enjoy your yard in the summer months.
During summer, insects move faster since they’re less frightened of predators. Other summertime insects include the wasps, bees, and ticks. Wasps and bees build their homes on the ground near the foundation of your home, beneath overhangs, or in any opening of your house. Like other insects, they are bothersome and present health risks when they attack you.
Some pest control measures during summer include:
- Treating the exterior entry point and hotspots.
- Drilling holes on the bottom of your garbage cans to avoid pooling water or simply keep lids on the cans, so they do not accumulate water.
- Removing spider webs and applying repellents.
- Spreading granules in rock beds, mulch, thick grass, and similar areas controls pest reproduction.
- Using grainy baits to control reproduction.
- Power treats along paved surfaces and landscape features including walkways.
- Keeping your property free of any litter that can hold water. Old tires are one of the best hiding places for mosquitos.
Winter
For most pests colder winter weather signals that it is time to seek shelter. Some pests hibernate to avoid harsh weather and conserve energy while others move to warmer weather. Wasps and bees find shelter in eaves of homes, in trees or logs. Most of these insects outlast the winter months by finding a place safe from the harsh weather elements.
Other pests such as rats and mice are not as tolerant to winter, and they tend to seek shelter inside your home. Consequently, it’s important to safeguard your home from potential pests by taking precautions in the winter months to defend your home.
The following pest control measures are taken during winter:
- Do dust treatment in crawl spaces.
- Keep firewood far from your home since pests can easily gain access to your home if the pile is nearby.
- Eliminate all moisture sites
- Rodents can hide in clutter, so keep storage area well organized and store boxes off of the floor.
- Seal holes and cracks on the outside of your home.
Fall
As the temperature drops in the fall season, both insects and pests start to prepare for the coming winter season. Many pest species seek out warm, sheltered places. An Influx of lady bugs and boxelder bugs may start to be seen; however, these pests stay out of sight, hiding in crevices and cracks of your home. Larger pests may search for an entry point into your home.
Pest control is extremely important during the fall season since termites, and other bugs overextend their stay by settling their entire colonies within the confines of your wall.
Some pest control measures during fall include:
- Placing rodent monitoring stations.
- Sealing cracks and gaps in your foundation.
- Applying dust treatment to exterior entry points including utility boxes and attic access points.
- Eliminating all moisture sites including leaking pipes and clogged drains.
Conclusion
Evidently, pest control is a yearlong battle. Pests will invade your home or place of business any time of the year. The best defense against most common pests found in your area is to seal up your home.
To control the threats posed by pests, you should use an integrated approach to control pests, which includes the use of pesticides and the best management practices.