Spring is in the air, and many Raleigh area homeowners are gearing up to knock out their honey-do lists over upcoming weekends. This is a great time for people to protect their home from pests and to assess if any pests or rodents have taken up residence within the home. Below, you’ll find some tips on how to integrate protecting your home from unwelcome animal visitors with your annual spring cleaning.

1)   Get Rid of Standing Water

Nobody likes mosquitoes. Mosquitoes like standing water, so they can lay their eggs and make even more mosquitoes that will harass you when you’re trying to grill on the back porch. Look for anything left out that can house standing water – kiddie pools, flipped trashcan lids, buckets, or puddles that tend not to drain, for example. Termites are another pest that enjoy outdoor moisture, so taking care of wet spots in the yard will help avoid both types of pests.

2) Replace Cardboard Storage Containers with Plastic

Did you know that pests love cardboard? Well, now you do. Insects will eat their way through cardboard, and rodents will use cardboard containers to nest and breed. So, if you have an attic full of cardboard boxes, consider (carefully, and after being sure a family of squirrels isn’t living with your holiday decorations) replacing those boxes with sealable plastic storage bins.

3)   Seal Any Openings In Your Home’s Foundation

During Spring cleaning, check your foundation and home exterior for any cracks or holes that shouldn’t be there. Promptly seal any you find with caulk or expanding foam in order to keep out insects or small rodents. Did you know that a mouse can slip into an opening as small as ¼” in diameter? Well, now you do, so be diligent when inspecting the foundation and exterior.

4)   Keep Food In Sealed Containers And Clean Spills Thoroughly

This could have been two bullet points, but the ideas go hand-in-hand. Food, wherever it is, acts as a magnet to pests, big and small. Ants and roaches see dirty plates or crumbs left on the counter top and are ready to dig in and tell all of their friends what they found. When possible, keep all baked goods and non-refrigerated items tightly sealed, and if there is even a seemingly innocuous spill, promptly clean it in order to avoid sending out dinner invitations to hundreds of unwanted guests.