After a chilly few months, spring is finally here on Long Island, which means not only are higher temperatures hopefully here to stay, but so are pests. If you’re like a lot of Long Island homeowners, it’s probably time for a little spring cleaning; here are a few tips that’ll not only spruce up your home for spring, but also help prevent common household pests.

Common Spring Household Pests on Long Island

There are quite a few pests we see year-round on Long Island—ants, mice, and spiders, to name a few. You may, however, see an increase in pest activity as temperatures rise and critters like mice who have been tucked away for winter inside make their way back out into your home. Other common spring pests on Long Island include birds, roaches, and termites.

No matter the pests you’re dealing with in your Long Island home, all common household pests have a few basic needs, just like us humans: food, shelter, and water. The key to preventing pests, then, is limiting their access to these essentials, which you can easily do with your spring cleaning routine.

Spring Cleaning Tip #1: Declutter and Organize

Whether you opt for the Marie Kondo method or decide it’s time to get rid of EVERYTHING, decluttering your personal items and organizing what’s left is a great way to prevent pest issues. Many pests, particularly mice, nest in cluttered areas such as boxes of items in your garage or attic. The more clutter you have, the more likely you’re welcoming pests into your home, so the more items you can comfortably declutter, the better for eliminating potential pest hiding spots.

Spring Cleaning Tip #2: Wipe Down Surfaces

Pests like little black ants or sugar ants are able to expertly sniff out a sugary spill in a flash; wiping down surfaces, cleaning up spills, and maintaining a clean kitchen in particular, are vital in deterring ant invasions. Additionally, leftovers, snacks, and pet food should always be stored in airtight containers to minimize pests, and trash should be taken out regularly and placed in a garbage bin with a lid that securely closes so as not to draw in pest-y intruders.

Spring Cleaning Tip #3: Control Moisture Levels

Spring showers bring a lot of moisture to homes and yards which can be a major draw for water-loving pests like termites, carpenter ants, and mosquitoes, to name a few. Just like we need water to survive, so do insects, and some pests, like mosquitoes, even thrive and breed in damp environments. To help prevent moisture buildup, check your home for leaking pipes, clogged gutters, and standing water in bird baths or yard toys.

Spring Cleaning Tip #4: Maintain Your Yard

Keeping spring pests at bay doesn’t just happen inside the home; sometimes, there’s work to be done on the outside, too! Start with any remnants of winter, such as leftover leaves, twigs, or debris. Trim back any tree limbs that are touching your home, which can serve as pathways straight inside for pest, and as mentioned previously, minimize any sources of moisture; while mulch can be a great addition to your yard that adds a bit of curb appeal, it’s also known to trap moisture and pests.

Spring Cleaning Tip #5: Minimize Entry Points

You may be thinking “My house doesn’t have any entry points…just doors and windows I keep shut,” but it’s possible there’s some additional areas needing checked out. Harsh winter weather, low temperatures, and high winds can all damage your home’s exterior in ways you may not be expecting. Because many pests need very tiny amounts of clearance to enter your home, it’s vital to identify and repair any vulnerabilities such as these in your home’s structure. Be sure to check our your home’s foundation, roof, weatherstripping, window screens, vents, and shingles for openings.

…And the Best Spring Pest Control Tip? Call Suburban Exterminating!

The most effective spring tip that’ll help you prevent seasonal pests? A regular pest control plan and a team of pest control experts who understand the biology and behavior of common household pests on Long Island.

For help finding the best pest control plan for your home’s needs, call or text (631/516) 864-6900.