As winter fades and Sonoma County’s famous vineyards begin to bloom, spring brings more than just beautiful weather and wildflowers. Warmer temperatures also signal increased pest activity. Ants, spiders, termites, and rodents all become more active during spring months, making now the perfect time to prepare your home for a pest-free season.
Here’s your comprehensive spring checklist to keep unwanted visitors out of your Sonoma County home.
Inspect Your Home’s Exterior
Start your spring pest prevention by walking around your home’s perimeter. Look for cracks in the foundation, gaps around windows and doors, and openings where utility lines enter your house. Even tiny cracks can provide entry points for ants and spiders.
Seal any gaps you find with caulk or weatherstripping. Pay special attention to areas where different building materials meet, as these junctions often develop gaps over time. Don’t forget to check your garage door seal, which can deteriorate and create an easy entrance for pests. More serious cracks or openings may require professional attention, so be prepared to call for help.
Clear Away Winter Debris
Winter storms can leave behind plenty of organic debris that attracts pests. Remove fallen branches, leaves, and other plant matter from around your foundation. These materials provide shelter for insects and can retain moisture that attracts termites and other wood-destroying pests.
Trim back tree branches and shrubs that touch your home’s exterior. These create highways for ants, spiders, and even rodents to access your roof and upper floors. Maintain at least a one-foot clearance between vegetation and your home’s siding.
Check Your Gutters and Drainage
Spring is an excellent time to clean your gutters and ensure proper drainage around your home. Clogged gutters create standing water that attracts mosquitoes and can lead to moisture damage, which in turn invites termites and carpenter ants.
Make sure downspouts direct water at least three to four feet away from your foundation. Poor drainage can create damp conditions in crawl spaces and basements, which are magnets for pests seeking moisture.
Inspect Your Attic and Crawl Space
Rodents often seek shelter during winter months, and spring is when you’ll discover evidence of their presence. Check your attic and crawl space for droppings, gnaw marks, or nesting materials. Look for entry points where roof lines meet walls or where vents aren’t properly screened.
If you find signs of rodent activity, address the problem immediately before they breed. A single pair of mice can produce dozens of offspring in just a few months.
Address Moisture Issues
Sonoma County’s winter rains can create moisture problems that persist into spring. Check under sinks, around water heaters, and near washing machines for leaks. Fix dripping faucets and ensure proper ventilation in bathrooms and kitchens.
Consider using a dehumidifier in damp basements or crawl spaces. Many pests, including silverfish, cockroaches, and centipedes, are attracted to high humidity levels.
Organize Storage Areas
Spring cleaning isn’t just about tidiness; it’s also about pest prevention. Organize garages, sheds, and storage areas by removing clutter that pests can hide in. Store items in sealed plastic containers rather than cardboard boxes, which pests can easily chew through and nest in.
Keep firewood at least 20 feet from your home and elevated off the ground. Woodpiles provide ideal habitat for termites, ants, and spiders.
Inspect Your Landscaping
Mulch is essential for Sonoma County gardens, but keep it at least six inches away from your foundation. Mulch retains moisture and can attract termites and other pests when placed directly against your home.
Remove any standing water sources in your yard, including clogged birdbaths, old tires, or containers that collect rainwater. These breeding grounds for mosquitoes become increasingly problematic as temperatures rise.
Schedule a Professional Inspection
Even with diligent DIY efforts, some pest issues aren’t visible to untrained eyes. Consider scheduling a professional pest inspection this spring. Experts can identify potential problems early, helping you avoid costly damage and extensive infestations down the road.
Taking these proactive steps now will help ensure your Sonoma County home remains comfortable and pest-free throughout spring and beyond.
Schedule an inspection with Shoofly Pest Control today.
If you suspect a pest issue, don’t wait until it becomes a larger issue.
Contact us today to schedule an inspection and get rid of those unwanted guests.
