Spring is undoubtedly one of the most delightful times of the year, with flowers blooming, birds chirping, and a general feeling of renewal in the air. But amidst all the splendor, there’s one thing that can dampen our spirits and leave us feeling quite annoyed: pests. Yes, pests. Those tiny creatures that seem to have a knack for invading our homes and ruining our peace.
As the temperatures start to warm up, pests such as ants, termites, and mosquitoes come out of their hiding places, ready to cause havoc. The humidity and moisture in the air also provide the perfect environment for pests to breed and multiply. And before you know it, your peaceful abode is overrun with unwanted guests.
There are plenty of ways to prevent these pesky critters from infesting your home. From spring cleaning to pest control measures, we’ve got you covered. So, let’s dive in and explore the common household pests that are most active during the spring season and how to keep them at bay.
Spring Pests:
Ants – Ants are one of the most common pests found in homes during the spring season. As soon as they find a food source they like, they can form a colony, which can lead to a major infestation.
Termites – Termites are another pest that can cause significant damage to your home. They feed on wood, which can weaken the structure of your home and result in costly repairs.
Spiders – Spiders are more active during the spring season as they come out of hibernation. While most spiders are harmless, some can be dangerous and require professional pest control measures.
Mosquitoes – Mosquitoes are a common pest during the spring season, especially in areas with standing water. They can carry diseases and be a nuisance to your outdoor activities.
Bees and wasps – Bees and wasps are also more active during the spring season as they search for food sources. If provoked, they can be dangerous, so professional pest control is a good idea.
Rodents – Whilst these pesky pests could have wanted to hide out in your nice warm home during the winter they definitely are house hunting now that it is warm enough to move around. They unfortunately multiply rather quickly and leave quite a bit of destruction in their path.
Birds – Birds themselves are not really pests but they do have a tendency to cause structural issues with their nests and they might be carriers for other pests and disease.
Pest Prevention:
Spring Cleaning – One of the best ways to prevent pest infestations is by spring cleaning. Clean and declutter your living spaces, removing any potential food sources and hiding places for pests.
Sealing cracks and holes – Inspect your home for any cracks or holes that pests can use to enter your living spaces. Seal them with caulk or weather stripping to prevent pests from gaining access.
Remove standing water – Mosquitoes thrive in standing water, so make sure to remove any sources of stagnant water around your home, such as birdbaths, flowerpots, and gutters.
Essential oils to the rescue
You don’t have to rely on chemical-laden repellents anymore. If you’re looking for an alternative to chemical insect repellents, consider trying out these six essential oils – they may provide a natural solution.. Not only will you smell great, but you’ll also have a better chance at keeping those buzzing and biting creatures at bay.
Citronella:
If you want to smell like a lemony, grassy-floral dream and keep fleas and mosquitoes at bay, then citronella is the oil for you. Just remember to reapply throughout the day as needed. And, bonus, you can also use citronella-infused sachets to keep moths and cockroaches away from your closet and kitchen.
Lavender:
Lavender isn’t just for relaxation and better sleep. It’s also a great natural repellent against fleas, mosquitoes, flies, and ticks. So, whether you’re camping or just trying to enjoy your backyard, make sure to bring along some lavender essential oil.
Rosemary:
Mosquitoes hate the scent of rosemary, so make sure to pack this oil for your next hiking trip or lake adventure. Plus, it’s also perfect for when you need a quick “mental refresh” after a long day of battling bugs.
Sage:
Not only does sage smell amazing and offer a cleansing effect, but it also repels flies, ticks, and chiggers. And let’s not forget the mood-boosting properties of clary sage, which can help uplift your spirits while keeping the bugs away.
Thyme:
Move over, DEET. Thyme has proven to be even better at repelling mosquitoes in one study. Not only that, but it also works pretty well against ticks. And if that wasn’t enough, thyme is also known for its antibacterial properties and medicinal history.
Peppermint:
Last but not least, peppermint essential oil is a true powerhouse when it comes to pest control. Use it near your home’s entry points to ward off spiders, roaches, moths, flies, fleas, beetles, and ants. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try making a diffuser or spray for an even more potent effect
Professional pest control measures – If you have what looks like an infestation, it is best to call in pest control professionals. They can assess the problem and come up with some effective measures to get rid of pests and prevent them from coming back.
In conclusion, with spring in full swing and pests on the prowl, it’s important to take action to prevent infestations in your home. Doing things like cleaning and sealing cracks to using essential oils as natural repellents, can help you to keep those pesky critters out of your home. And remember, when things appear to be getting out of hand, calling in a trusted professional pest control service is always the right call.