With a variety of pests being active in all different seasons, it can be difficult to keep track of which pests to look out for and when. Understanding the seasonality of insects can help you keep a watchful eye for potential invaders and stop an infestation before it happens.
Pest Inspections – A Guide to Frequency
The frequency of your pest control is completely determined by you and your home. For the best results, you will want to work with a professional in the field to come up with a preventative treatment plan for your property. However, there are a few guidelines you can follow.
Recent or Current Infestation
If you are working with a pest control company because of an infestation in your home, it is recommended that you have a professional inspection done every three months. Typically, it is every three months for the simple reason that this is when the treatment expires. While a single treatment can typically remove the infestation, sometimes it can persist and require additional treatments to completely remove the issue. If you opt out of additional inspections and treatments, you could see the issue continue to grow. For infestation from pests such as fleas and roaches, it is recommended to have the pest control company come much more frequently, like weekly, to limit the infestation.
Preventative Care
For those looking to avoid insects and rodents taking over, as well as to prevent an infestation, you will likely need semi annual inspections. Even if you do not have a pest problem, it is still recommended to have an inspector come look at your home every six months and provide a general spray to help prevent any new infestation from taking hold. Prevention is key to maintaining your home and avoiding hefty additional costs that come with special treatment plans and exterminations for persisting infestations.
A Timeline of What to Look at During Each Season
Pests are seasonal and with each season, there is a new concern. Understanding what to look out for throughout the year can help you save big down the road.
Winter
During the winter, some pests head inside your home to stay warm during the colder temperatures. In the winter, be on the lookout for rodents, silverfish, and termites. These pests will be looking for a warm place to stay, and can often be found in attics, basements, or cabinets.
Spring
Once the temperatures start rising, many pests are active again. In the spring, be on the lookout for ants, fleas, and earwigs. These pests head into your home looking for a food source. Look for these specifically in your kitchen, doorways, or windows.
Summer
The hot temperatures of summer don’t affect most pests. In fact, it can bring out more, especially on those cool nights. In the summer, be on the lookout for wasps, mosquitos, ants, fleas, and termites. These pests can often be found in or near wood, in the kitchen, or by other entryways.
Fall
During the fall, with temperatures getting colder again, the pests start to think about finding a warm place to take shelter. Your home is often the perfect place for them to survive through the colder months. In the fall, be on the lookout for rodents, fleas, ants, and termites. Look for these species in the basement or attic.
All Year-Round
Some pests are year-round. These include bed bugs, roaches, and spiders. Periodically check in and around beds, couches, the garage, and the kitchen.
The Best Way to Stop an Infestation is to Prevent it
Just because pests are looking to infest during specific seasons doesn’t mean you can’t do things to protect your home. Follow a few simple tips to help avoid future pest problems.
- Keep the areas outside your home well-maintained.
- Prevent moisture from pooling and have proper drainage in your yard, to stop a build-up of moisture.
- If you garden, do your research. Specific plants attract certain bugs. Know what they are and how to stop them from taking over your garden and home.
- Make sure your windows and doors are properly sealed. Any leaks or cracks are a welcome sign to all those creepy crawlers outside.
However, the absolute best way to avoid infestations is to work with a pest control company like us here at General Pest Control. Our preventative care options keep your home safe year-round. Contact us today for a free quote on your preventative care plan.