In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, people throughout the world have been staying home to help flatten the curve and slow the spread of the virus.

If you’re staying safe at home, you might as well stay safe in a clean place, right? After all, the last thing anyone wants to deal with while sheltering in place is a pest outbreak.

If you’re not sure where to begin when it comes to spring cleaning, keep reading. Outlined below is a free spring cleaning checklist that will help you freshen up your home and prevent pests from showing up in it. You can download Third Coast HCS FREE Pest Control Checklist here.

Clear Out Clutter

Decluttering is one of the most significant spring cleaning projects to tackle if you want to keep pests out of your home. When your house is cluttered, there are plenty of little nooks and crannies where pests can hide out with you not even knowing they’re there.

Here are some specific areas of your house that you ought to prioritize decluttering:

• Kitchen: Take everything out of the cupboards and pantry and vacuum all the shelves to clear away crumbs and dust before giving them a thorough wipe-down
• Bedrooms: Address closets and dresser drawers and place items that no longer fit or are out of style in plastic trash bags so you can easily donate them when you’re able to venture out again; make sure nothing is left lying on the floor where it could become a potential nesting ground for pests
• Basement: Now is the perfect time to declutter your basement and bag up items to donate or sell

When it comes to organizing the items left behind, be sure to use plastic storage totes and other sealable containers wherever you can. They are much more resilient than cardboard boxes and will help to keep pests away from your valuables.

Get Rid of Moisture

Moisture buildup isn’t just bad for the structure of your house. It can also attract all kinds of pests, including cockroaches, silverfish, rodents, and even termites. Make sure there isn’t any standing water anywhere in your home.

Clean, dry, and put away items that might collect water, too, such as children’s toys and pots for plants. Conduct a thorough audit of your home inside and outside to check for leaking faucets and plumbing, too.

If you notice any issues, address them right away to prevent water for collecting. Remember, plumbers are considered essential workers, so you can still call one if needed, even while sheltering in place.

Seal the Cracks

If there are any cracks, gaps, or crevices in your home, fill them in as soon as you can. When there are openings like this in your house, pests will use them to find their way inside.

Pay special attention to areas around the windows, doors, and rooflines. Take a careful look at places around electrical wiring and vents, too. Remember, even the tiniest gaps can seem like a wide-open door to a family of insects.

By taking the time to seal up cracks now, you can decrease your likelihood of having to deal with a pest problem later. Sealing these gaps also helps to prevent water damage and water pooling (another common cause of pest infestations) and increases your home’s energy efficiency.

Don’t Forget the outdoors.

Finally, don’t forget about your outdoor space. Carefully examine the exterior of your home, as well as the front and backyard.

Pay attention to areas that could have been damaged during the winter months. For example, are roof shingles rotted? Are you gutters clogged? Address these issues now to prevent water damage and other problems that could show up during the spring and summer months.

Focus on improving your landscaping, too. Trim bushes and tree branches away from the house (if they get too close, they can create a natural pathway for rodents and other pests to get inside). Get rid of any rotted tree stumps on your property as well and make sure mulch is at least 15 inches away from the house’s foundation, as it can become a termite magnet.

Start Spring Cleaning Today

As you can see, there are lots of steps you can take to spring clean your home and prevent pests from showing up. Follow the guidelines outlined above, and you’ll have no trouble getting a sparkling, pest-free home.

If you need additional help with pest control, home preservation, or pool care, we’re here to help at Third Coast Home and Commercial Services. Contact us today to learn more or to schedule an appointment.