4 Spring Cleaning Tips for Pest Control

With spring comes spring cleaning. Preventive
pest control is something that should be
included on every spring cleaning checklist.
This is the best time of the year to stop pest
infestations before they start.

Integrated pest management systems are used by
many pest control companies these days in their
preventive pest control strategies. Basically,
Integrated Pest Management means using
common-sense and environmentally-friendly
techniques to prevent and/or eliminate pest
infestations. One key strategy for Integrated
Pest control Management is thoroughly cleaning
and maintaining your home.

It's a good idea to add pest control to your
spring cleaning routine to help prevent pest
problems later in the year. This is why spring
is the perfect time to get started on preventive
pest control. Here are a few key things to
remember while integrating pest management into
your spring cleaning to-do list:

1. Tidy up the yard.

A good strategy is to start from the outside of
your house and work your way inward. Pests
generally like to make nests in dark, moist
spots, so it's a good idea to eliminate as many
of these places as possible. Oftentimes, prime
pest nesting areas are in your yard.

Insects like yard debris such as dead plants,
ripened fruits, weeds, and fallen branches, so
try to leave as little of these around as
possible. Trim overgrown bushes, shrubs, and
excess foliage to eliminate potential homes for
pests.

Additionally, containers that can hold standing
water are ideal places for insects such as
mosquitoes to lay eggs. Eliminate as many
sources of standing water as possible.

2. Clear out storage spaces and other rarely
disturbed areas.

Pests can hide in boxes and other containers
you've tucked away in your closet or attic.
Clearing out these areas will remove their
potential hiding places. Sweep, dust and mop
these spaces once you have cleared them out.

Need some motivation? Consider this: cockroaches
can live off of bits of dirt and dust left around
in your home. They are happy to hang out in dusty
storage areas.

While you're at it, you may also want to clean
your box springs and mattresses to prevent bed
bug infestations.

3. Clean up leftover food.

One thing that spring and summer pests love is
leftovers. This goes beyond last night's
leftovers left on the counter or the kitchen
table. To a pest, even very small bits of food
that have fallen into nooks and crannies are
attractive snacks. Some prime examples of this
are crumbs that have fallen into upholstered or
carpeted areas. Are there crumbs lurking in your
couch? How about sugar sources glistening in your
pantry? These are tasty treats for pests.

To starve pests out of your home, vacuum all
furniture, and wipe down all jars in the pantry.
(Jams and jellies are especially common pest
attractors, as their drippings are rich in
sugar.) Additionally, you'll want to be sure to
clean under the stove and sink, as bits of food
often wind up there. Vacuum and clean these
areas thoroughly, as well as your pet's bowls
and feeding areas.

4. Find likely entrances for pests.

While cleaning your home, be on the lookout for
structural degradation that could invite a pest
infestation. Look for cracks in the foundation,
rotting wood, mold, and excess moisture. Seal
off any cracks you find; this will not only
close off a potential entry for pests, but also
better insulate your home as a bonus.

Cracks in walls and foundations can allow water
to enter from snow melt or spring rain. If water
leaks into your home, there's a good chance pests
will come with it, seeking a dry place to nest.
Rotting wood and mold are something to keep an
eye out for when looking for moisture problems.
Almost all pests rely on a water source, and
many feed on mold. In some cases, a
de-humidifier is a good investment to keep
problem rooms dry. You may find fewer pest
problems once you install a de-humidifier in the
basement or attic.

For many, the spring cleaning ritual is a kind
of renewal and fresh start. It's a good idea to
work Integrated Pest Management into this
routine. When conducted with preventive pest
control in mind, thorough spring cleaning will
make it easier to keep pests at bay for the rest
of the year. The little bit of extra work you put
in for pest control now will save you a lot of
headache and extra work later on.

Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/6103510

----------------------------------------------------
Young's Pest Control is always here to help. We
are actually happy to handle any pest troubles
one might have or to grant advice
24 hours a day gratify call 0161 776 9832 or
click http://www.youngspestcontrol.co.uk or
http://www.pestcontrol247.co.uk

EasyPublish this article: http://submityourarticle.com/articles/easypublish.php?art_id=255890

>