Spring brings a lot of sunshine, blooming plants, and warmer weather, but it also draws irritating pests into your yard and home. Early spring pests are often ignored. The warm temperatures and increasing humidity provide the perfect breeding ground for damaging insects and pests. Spring is the best time to handle pest control in your home. This is the time of the year when pests are at their weakest. With only simple steps, you can protect your home and garden from unwanted invaders and prepare it for the upcoming season.

Taking preventative measures in early spring and keeping an eye out for them can ensure a pest-free summer and prevent infestations. In this article, we share the top tips for pest control in spring, so they don't turn the colorful blooming season into a big disappointment.

Understanding Pest Control and Pest Infestations

Pest control is the management and control of pests that can harm your daily activities, including gardening and agriculture. Pests include insects like ants, cockroaches, spiders, wasps and rodents like rats and mice. It is important to understand common types of pests you're dealing with, their habits, and their behavior because different pests need different approaches to manage. When preparing for early spring pest control, identify existing pest infestations and look for signs such as insect nests, droppings, hives, and gnawed items. Pay attention to strange sounds or smells, as they can also be signs of pests.

Common Early Spring Pests

Here are a few common spring pests you should be aware of.

• Ants
• Mosquitoes
• Bees and wasps
• Cockroaches
• Stink bugs
• Spiders
• Slugs
• Ticks
• Fleas

Best Pest Control Tips for Early Spring

Here are the top preventive measures you should take to control pests and prevent them from entering your space.

Store Your Food Well

Most pests have an excellent sense of smell and enjoy human food as much as you do. They're attracted to accessible food sources. When you leave food crumbs on the floor or have a messy pantry, pests see it as an invitation to their personal buffet. To control this, store food in airtight containers to keep any bugs from smelling its scent. Pack snacks in sealed glass or plastic containers instead of cardboard boxes.

Additionally, clean up spills and crumbs right away. Food waste also draws pests, so cover your trash bins. Remember to clean kitchen counters after preparing meals to avoid creating a trail for ants and cockroaches to follow.

Keep Your Garden Clean and Tidy

A well-maintained yard and garden play a crucial role in keeping pests out of your property. Keep your lawn mowed and trim overgrown shrubs, trees, and bushes near your home because overhanging branches can allow pests to access your home.

Remove plant debris such as fallen leaves, twigs, or fruits. They can become hiding spots and breeding grounds for pests. Destroy all diseases or infested plant materials. Add healthy plant material into a compost pile. By keeping your garden tidy, you make it less appealing to pests.

Seal Cracks and Holes

Pests can enter your home through small cracks, holes, or gaps. Once the weather gets warmer, head outside and look for pest entry points around your home. Cracks in the home foundation can also cause rodents and larger pests to enter. Seal any of these points before pests discover them.

Inspect your home for cracks and seal these entry points with caulk or other sealants to keep insects out. Check areas around pipes and wires, as pests can enter through them. Additionally, check doors, windows, and areas where lines enter the home.

Remove Standing Water

Standing water in your garden is also a breeding ground for pests like mosquitoes and flies. Check your yard and other areas for standing water. Inspect leaky pipes, faucets, or clogged drains.

Water sources also attract pests, address any irrigation or plumbing issues immediately. Leaky and damaged components can create moist environments that attract pests. Repair leaks and ensure proper yard drainage to remove water sources that pests are drawn to.

Relocate Firewood Piles

Once the weather warms up, you should relocate your firewood piles away from your home. Damp wood piles are the perfect habitat for pests. Termites seek wood piles because they give them food and shelter. Once they have finished eating the wood cellulose, they will invade your home. So, move the firewood away from the home to prevent pests from nesting or residing on your property.

Use Natural Repellants

Many pests can be kept away using natural repellants. Plant herbs such as basil, dill, or lavender to repel flies and mosquitoes. You can also use eucalyptus or peppermint to make DIY organic repellents to manage pests. Use neem oil or garlic spray to deter pests from your plants.

Install Physical Barriers

Simple barriers like row covers and fine mesh can protect your plants from pests. These covers are designed to let light and water reach the plants but keep pests away. When plants start blooming, you can uncover them for pollination. Raised garden beds can also discourage pests.

Add Pest-repelling Plants to Your Garden

Many plants effectively keep pests and bugs away from your garden and landscape. Some common pest control plants include marigolds, lemongrass, petunias, and chrysanthemums.

Some herbs that act as natural pest deterrents are mint, basil, chives, and rosemary. Aphids, flies, and beetles will turn away from your property when they encounter chives. Similarly, the smell of rosemary can also drive mosquitos away from your landscape.

The Bottom Line

When spring comes, prepare your plan of action to handle pests. Taking both preventive and defensive measures is important to keep your yard and home pest-free and comfortable. Control early spring pests through the above methods, maintain a healthy environment for your plants and family, and enjoy a pest-resistant landscape all season.

With the above tips, you can ensure your garden and home are pest-free. Remember to tidy your yard, remove the plant debris, clean your home, and address pest issues immediately. This will also allow you to enjoy spring without worrying about uninvited critters.