Pest of the Month: Check these Pest Prevention Tips Off Your Spring Cleaning To-Do List!

Nature is springing to life in anticipation of warmer weather –including insects! Our pest predictor calls for Asian lady beetles, ants, cluster flies, spiders and those dreaded box elder bugs that are already active this season as they look to make their way outdoors. Termites are also beginning to swarm in some parts of southeastern Wisconsin, including predicted high levels of activity in Racine, Kenosha, Waukesha, New Berlin and Wauwatosa. Regardless of what type, the best way to reduce the threat of any pest is to reduce moisture, minimize access to food and seal off entry points.

April is National Pest Management Month – AKA the perfect time to add spring pest-proofing to your home improvement to-do list! Enjoy the spring now without having to deal with the hassle of a pest infestation later by following these home improvement tips for a healthy, safe and pest-free environment.

Yard cleanup/reduce moisture:

· Remove debris: cleanup leaves, twigs, fallen fruit and other debris around your home to avoid offering pests a hiding place.

· Keep tree branches and shrubbery well-trimmed: secure at least 15 inches from the foundation of your home to avoid providing pests with a superhighway.

· Avoid placing mulch too close to the perimeter of your home.

· Clean the gutters: Make sure gutters are running clean water so debris is not collecting and attracting pests.

· Reduce moisture: Empty flower pot dishes, bird baths, pet water dishes and other artificial containers which collect water at least once a week to disrupt potential mosquito breeding as the weather gets warmer.

Entry points:

· Inspect the roof and chimney: Safely check your roof and chimney for holes or cracks that may have developed over the winter.

· Seal any cracks, holes or gaps: Examine the interior and exterior of your home for any openings, especially around air conditioning units, windows or doors. Fill with caulk, copper wool or hardware mesh.

· Replace any door sweeps that do not connect with the ground and check window screens for splits or holes.

Tidy up inside:

· Eliminate clutter, such as boxes or piles of clothes where pests may be hiding.

· Make sure your basement, attic or crawl spaces are well ventilated and dry.

· Store garbage in sealed containers and dispose of it regularly.

· Wipe away spills and crumbs. Insects such as ants, roaches, Indian meal moths or other pantry pests can live and breed on just a small amount of spilled material. Deep clean cupboards now!

By checking these pest-proofing tips off your list, you can be one step ahead of the pests this spring. We hope you enjoy a warm, pest-free spring, but as always if the pests find you we are here to help! For more information or to eliminate a pest issue, visit our website at http://www.wil-kil.com/residential-pest-control.

Did I miss anything? Are there any tips and tricks that you use to keep the pests at bay during spring? I’d love to hear from you!

About Shane McCoy:
Shane McCoy is the Technical Training Director for Wil-Kil Pest Control, a regional pest management company providing quality pest management for residential and commercial properties throughout the Upper Midwest. As an Associate Certified Entomologist with over 18 years of experience in pest management, Shane’s blog provides expert tips and tricks, timely information and solutions for coexisting with the insect life and critters around us. To learn more about Wil-Kil Pest Control, please visit www.wil-kil.com. You can also follow the company on Facebook and Twitter (@WilKilPest).