We put together this blog to put forward some sound advice for the homeowner in Northern Virginia on how to stave off seasonal pests and put your mind at ease. It is about safeguarding your property and having a healthier place to live, without the worry of infestations.
One cannot simply wait until an insect or rodent is in plain sight to do something about it. The weather in Northern Virginia is in a constant state of flux and with it come the pest issues that each season entails. Warmer months will see ants on the prowl and mosquitoes in your outdoor areas; termites are a danger to any wooden structure; and when the cold sets in, rodents will be looking for a place to put down roots.
But with a steady hand at prevention, you can curtail most of that activity. A little maintenance, removing what would attract them, and calling in the professionals from time to time will go a long way to seeing that your home is well protected and in good order.
Why do pests come in the door?
For the most part, they are driven by three things: a need for food, water and shelter. But put an opening in front of them or some moisture to be found and they will not hesitate to make themselves comfortable in even the spotless home. You would be surprised at the size of an opening a mouse will make use of; insects have no trouble with the gaps around a window, pipe or utility line.
Prevention begins with knowing why your property is of interest to such uninvited guests.
Springtime: Seal Up Your Home
Then you have the warmer months which bring with them more insects in the way of termites, ants and spiders. When the season changes it is a good idea to devote some time to a proper inspection of the property.
Examine the foundation, vents, doors and windows. In particular, check for:
Any cracks in the foundation
Gaps where cables and pipes run
Screens on the windows in need of mending
Weather stripping that has come loose
Openings by the door
The roof for damage
Put in new screens and seal off cracks. Trim back vegetation so that branches do not offer pests a way onto your home. Take particular care with wooden structures; any damage or dampness is an invitation to the kind of insect that will do it harm. Pest control Springfield VA are always available for homeowners whenever they need their help.
Dealing with Pests in the Summer
Summer also sees wasps, ants and mosquitoes which are out in full force during the summer, right when the homeowner is apt to be outside.
Take care of standing water; if one is not on top of it will provide a perfect place for mosquitoes to breed. Make sure the following are free of debris and any water:
Gutters
Birdbaths
Pool covers
Flowerpots
Toys and other containers left outside
And be diligent with your garbage. Do not let a spill go unattended and keep the lid on the trash. Flies and their stinging ilk will quickly get to what is left over from a barbecue or some other outdoor affair.
Kitchen Hygiene
Pests are drawn to the kitchen. It does not take much to draw them in; an open grocery bag, some pet food out in the open, or a stray crumb on the counter is enough.
So, get in the way of wiping down the counters and sweeping up after you. As for dry goods, keep them in a sealed container and an indoor bin with a good fitting lid. And remember to check behind a cabinet or under an appliance, bits of food have a way of building up there and drawing in pests. Pest control company Chantilly VA offers many services to help homeowners.
Rodent Activity in the Fall: Be Prepared
With the onset of cooler temperatures, rodents will be on the prowl for a warm shelter. A home is an inviting prospect with its food sources and protection from the elements.
Do not wait for the cold to set in before you have a look at the exterior of your house for any way in. Garages, basements, crawl spaces and the vicinity of pipes are places to examine closely.
Where you can, clear away clutter on your property; woodpiles, too much vegetation or boxes put out are but convenient cover for them. In the house, see that storage is in order and do not leave cardboard in damp spots. An inspection now and again will put you on notice of rodent activity before it is a bigger issue.
Staying on Top of Prevention in Winter
Pest problems do not vanish with the cold. One can expect cockroaches, rodents and the like to be active inside all winter long.
Stick with your cleaning regimen and keep an eye on where they might be. Make sure to check the following:
Basements
Attics
Garages
Under the sink
Storage areas
Behind any appliances
Moisture is a draw for pests so put an end to plumbing leaks in short order. Good ventilation in a damp area will also go some way towards curbing the conditions they need. If there has been a pattern of pest issues, make an appointment for a professional to come by.
Yard and Exterior Protection
You will find that good pest prevention is an outside job. Your yard can be made inhospitable to them or you can put in place the very conditions they want.
Trim back any tree limbs or shrubs from the structure of the house. Do not let leaves build up by the foundation and get rid of superfluous debris. It is best to store firewood at some distance from the house. The moisture and organic matter in the wood are an open invitation to rodents and insects. A little regular upkeep on the outside of the property will be enough to keep them at bay.
When to Enlist a Professional
There is merit in doing things yourself but certain matters call for a professional’s expertise. Then again, one should not ignore a persistent rodent problem or the presence of termites, bed bugs and large nests.
When it comes to addressing such matters, the first order of business is a thorough inspection and identification of the issue. Pest control companies Great Falls VA has the means to deal with these concerns through exclusion, monitoring and treatment. They put together residential pest management solutions for their clients in the greater Washington, D.C. area and Northern Virginia. Getting a professional in early nips a small problem in the bud.
Put Together a Plan for the Year
Consistency is key. Form a routine of prevention rather than making do until you can see the pests.
This would entail:
Inspecting the home each month
Cleaning
Storing food properly
Controlling moisture
Repairs to entry points
Yard work as the season demands
Calling in a pro if called for
Being proactive allows one to spot changes in the environment before they amount to a serious matter.
Conclusion
To have a pest free home in Northern Virginia takes a bit of effort and preventive measures on a consistent basis. The seasons will throw up different obstacles but habits such as putting away standing water, sealing off entryways and tending to the yard will be of great help. And if there is some uncharacteristic pest activity, deal with it forthwith.
All told, a sound plan of prevention and the odd bit of professional support will see to it that your home and family are protected, come what may.
