Spring cleaning isn’t just about dusting and decluttering—it’s also the perfect time to prevent pest infestations!
Many pests, like ants, cockroaches, and rodents, thrive in overlooked places. In this spring cleaning guide, we’ll highlight the hidden infestation hotspots in your home and how to pest-proof them during your spring deep clean.
Kitchen
Your kitchen is every pest’s dream. It contains all the survival essentials: food, moisture, and convenient shelter. Keeping the space clean can prevent pests from invading, but some spots are easy to overlook:
- Behind and Under Kitchen Appliances:Crumbs, grease, and moisture attract cockroaches, ants, and mice. That is why it’s crucial to pull out appliances when you deep clean your kitchen.
- Inside the Pantry:Opened food packages, forgotten spills, and expired items invite pantry pests. Sealing your food in airtight containers goes a long way in preventing these kinds of pests.
- Sink and Drain:A buildup of food scraps and moisture can attract flies and roaches. Baking soda and vinegar in your garbage disposal are fantastic natural cleaners that can help control pests.
- Floors: If you have pets, it’s likely that pet food doesn’t always stay in the bowl, or what’s left behind attracts pests. Lifting pet food bowls and cleaning floors regularly at the end of each day can help prevent pests from grabbing an easy late-night snack.
- Laundry Room: While you may not keep food here (or maybe it’s where you store pet food), laundry rooms are known to attract pests due to all the moisture in the room. If you have a fan in your laundry room, run it. If not, try to open up your washer after each load to dry out completely each day.
- Storage Areas: Closets, attics, basements, and other storage areas are often overlooked in your house. The undisturbed areas actually make for the perfect hiding spot for pests. While they could have easy access to food from the living room or other parts of your entire home, they are much more attracted to quiet corners rather than exposed areas. Keeping things decluttered and checking out your storage spaces frequently can help you avoid pest problems.
Closets
Cluttered closets can become a sanctuary for pests—especially when they’re left undisturbed. Fabric-loving pests, like moths and carpet beetles, thrive in these environments. Spiders and silverfish are known for lurking under fallen coats and unused tennis shoes.
If you’re unsure where to start when cleaning your closets, here are some spring cleaning tips:
- Wash or dry-clean seasonal clothes before storing them.
- Use cedar blocks or lavender sachets to deter fabric pests.
- Declutter and vacuum corners regularly.
Attics & Basements
Rodents and insects thrive in these less-frequented areas, making attics and basements a prime spot for infestations. Cardboard boxes and old furniture can be enticing for rodents looking to build a nest. Replace cardboard boxes with plastic bins, and eliminate furniture that doesn’t serve a purpose. Check frequently in your attics and basements for rodent droppings.
Windows & Doors
Spring is a great time to inspect your doors and windows. Are there gaps around your windows? Cracks in your door screens? Even the smallest openings can allow pests to sneak inside. Tiny openings can allow ants, stink bugs, and other insects inside. Torn screens give mosquitoes and flies easy access.
Outdoor Areas
All pests begin outside. So, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that your yard and outside spaces can harbor pests that will eventually find their way into your home—if you’re not careful. Whether it’s termites and ants hiding in your mulch or firewood or mosquitoes nesting in your gutters, it’s important to stay on top of your yard maintenance:
- Store firewood at least 20 feet from your house.
- Clean gutters to prevent water buildup.
- Eliminate standing water.
- Trim vegetation away from your home to keep pests from entering.
Spring Cleaning = Pest Prevention
Spring cleaning isn’t just about a sparkling home—it’s also key to a pest-free environment. By addressing these hidden infestation hotspots, you can prevent costly infestations before they start. If you are struggling with a pest infestation or want to ensure no pests come knocking this year, reach out to your local pest control company,Alder Pest Control. Our experts are ready to help you achieve a truly pest-free home.
