Maintenance of a pest-free home is important in ensuring security and keeping its occupants healthy and in good condition. The changing seasons bring about varying pest challenges in the Pacific Northwest, particularly in areas like University Place, Lakewood, Auburn, Gig Harbor, and neighboring WA areas, requiring the expertise of a professional pest control company. Identifying these seasonal pest patterns can allow for implementing proactive actions that can help prevent the entry of any unwanted creatures into your house.
In this blog post by Long Pest Control Inc., we’ll provide a seasonal pest control guide to help you understand common pest problems throughout the year and offer practical tips to keep your home protected.
Importance of Proactive Pest Control Throughout the Year
Top pest control company experts in Olympia, WA, reveal that proactive pest control anticipates infestations of potential pest issues before they become significant problems. By staying ahead of infestations, homeowners can prevent damage to their property, reduce health risks associated with pests, and minimize stress and expenditure costs related to huge infestations. Regular inspections and timely interventions are key components of an effective pest management strategy.
Whereas reactive pest control methods wait for an infestation to occur, proactive measures are centered on prevention. Professional pest control companies in Lacey, Gig Harbor, WA, and other nearby areas often recommend year-round protection plans to keep homes secure from the region’s most common pests. These plans include routine inspections, preventative treatment, and sometimes seasonal solutions particular to each season.
Winter: Keeping Pests Out of Your Cozy Home
As it gets chilly, many pests seek warmth and shelter indoors. Winter presents specific pest control challenges, especially by rodents and spiders. According to the most credible pest control companies in Puyallup, WA, recognizing how these pests behave during cooler months can help homeowners implement effective prevention strategies.
Common Winter Pests:
Rodents:
The most common home invaders during the cool season are mice and rats, which seek warmth and food. These nuisance rodents can cause structural damage by gnawing through wires, insulation, and wood.
Spiders:
Some species of spiders actually move indoors in winter to find food. While most spiders don’t present a problem and can be harmless, their appearance can sure be creepy.
Cockroaches:
Top pest control company experts in Federal Way, WA, state that if not properly managed, these resilient pests can thrive in the warmth of your home and spread allergens and diseases.
Preventative Measures:
Seal Entry Points:
Inspect the exterior of your home for cracks, gaps, and holes. Use caulk or weather stripping to close these openings so pests cannot enter your home.
Maintain Cleanliness:
Keep your home clean, particularly the kitchen and dining places, to eliminate food sources that attract pests.
Proper Storage:
Store firewood at least 20 feet away from your home and elevate it off the ground to reduce rodent harborage.
Homeowners in areas like University Place, Olympia, Auburn, and neighboring WA communities should consider regular winter inspections by a trusted pest control company like Long Pest Control Inc. to ensure their homes remain pest-free throughout the colder months.
Spring: Preparing for Pest Activity as Temperatures Rise
Spring marks warmer temperatures and a surge in pest activity. Leading pest control companies in Lakewood, WA, reveal that when plants begin to bloom and the ground thaws, the pests start to emerge from their winter hiding spots. Knowing which pests are active during spring can help homeowners prepare their homes accordingly.
Common Spring Pests:
Ants:
Ants forage for food when they leave their nests and can easily enter homes. Carpenter ants, in particular, can be destructive, causing significant structural damage.
Termites:
Spring is termite swarming season, making it crucial to be vigilant. These insects can cause severe damage if left unchecked.
Mosquitoes:
According to the top pest control company experts in Federal Way, WA, standing water from spring rains can become breeding grounds for mosquitoes, increasing the risk of bites and mosquito-borne diseases.
Preventative Measures:
Eliminate Standing Water:
Inspect your property regularly for standing water and eliminate it to prevent mosquito breeding.
Inspect for Termite Activity:
Check for signs of termites, such as mud tubes or discarded wings, and consider hiring a professional inspection by a credible firm like Long Pest Control Inc.
Maintain Landscaping:
Trim back vegetation away from your home to reduce pathways for ants and other pests.
Residents in areas serviced by pest control companies like Gig Harbor, and Olympia, WA, should schedule spring inspections to deal with emerging pest issues before they get out of hand.
Summer: Managing Peak Pest Season
Even the most reputed pest control company specialists in Lacey, WA, believe summer’s heat and warmth bring peak pest activity. With more time spent outdoors and windows left open for fresh air, pests have more opportunities to enter homes.
Common Summer Pests:
Wasps and Bees:
These more active insects can pose stinging risks, especially if nests are built near homes.
Fleas and Ticks:
Leading pest control companies in University Place, WA, reveal that increased outdoor activities can lead to these pests hitching a ride indoors, posing a potential risk to pets and humans alike.
House Flies:
Open doors and windows allow entry points for flies searching for food, contaminating surfaces, and spreading bacteria.
Preventative Measures:
Use Screens:
All windows and doors should have intact screens to keep the flying insects at bay.
Yard Maintenance:
Keep your yard tidy by mowing regularly and removing any debris, making it harder for pests to find a hiding spot.
Pet Care:
Regularly check pets for fleas and ticks and use veterinarian-recommended prevention treatments.
Scheduling a professional inspection by a pest control company in Puyallup, Auburn, and neighboring WA areas can help homeowners better address seasonal pests.
Fall: Preventing Pests from Invading Your Home
As the weather cools, pests seek shelter to overwinter. Leading pest control company experts in Auburn, WA, strongly suggest that homeowners must fortify their homes against these pests seeking warmth during this time.
Common Fall Pests:
Stink Bugs:
These pests find warm places to hibernate, which can become a huge nuisance.
Rodents:
There is an increased rodent activity as they seek shelter from the cold.
Spiders:
Top pest control companies in Lacey, WA, reveal that some species become more noticeable indoors during fall.
Preventative Measures:
Seal Cracks and Gaps:
Inspect your house for new cracks or openings on the exterior, and seal them with caulk.
Reduce Clutter:
Maintain all storage areas to minimize hiding spots available for pests.
Outdoor Lighting:
Utilize yellow or sodium vapor light bulbs outside your home to lessen the attraction of insects.
Pest control companies in Lakewood, Federal Way, Puyallup, and neighboring WA communities, can provide thorough fall inspections and treatments so that your homes remain pest-free during this season of transition.
Final Thoughts
To maintain a pest-free home, one has to be alert and take the necessary measures against seasonal challenges. A homeowner can ensure their property remains pest-free throughout the year and also maintain a healthy living space by implementing these prevention strategies above and working with professional pest control companies in Gig Harbor, Federal Way, Lacey, Lakewood, and nearby WA areas such as Long Pest Control, Inc.
Long Pest Control, Inc. is a family-owned business with more than 40 years of service in communities of the Pacific Northwest. We pride ourselves in providing quality service through a combination of expertise, state-of-the-art techniques, and customer-centric values. With a mission to provide safe, effective, and environmentally responsible pest solutions, our licensed and highly trained technicians are committed to protecting homes and businesses from pests. Whether you require preventative treatments or urgent pest control services, Long Pest Control, Inc. stands as a trusted partner in safeguarding your property.
Whether you live in University Place, Auburn, Federal Way, Puyallup, Olympia, WA, or nearby areas, Long Pest Control, Inc. is your trusted pest control company striving hard to make your home a safe and cozy place for you and your family.
Contact us at +1-253-444-4451 to schedule an appointment with our team today.
