It’s finally spring! You’re probably enjoying the warmer weather, but unfortunately so are pests. Spring cleaning is the perfect opportunity to organize, declutter, and make your home less attractive to any unwanted “guests.”
Spring Cleaning the Kitchen
Just a teaspoon of crumbs is a feast for pests, so it’s no surprise that mice and cockroaches like to hang out in the kitchen. Go through each cupboard and drawer and wipe up spills and food debris.
Mice will chew through packaging to get at food. Store items like rice, flour, sugar, and nuts inside a plastic or glass container with a tight lid.
Pull appliances away from the wall, and sweep and mop. Check for leaks behind the dishwasher and underneath the sink.
Tidying up the Basement
Many pests will enter your home via the basement. Blocking entry points is important all year long. Both inside and outside, inspect the foundation and basement windows and doors for cracks. Fill any gaps with caulk or copper wool.
In addition to being an entry point, many basements are dark, cluttered, and see little traffic—the perfect environment for pests. Stacks of cardboard boxes, firewood, and paper are like a “Welcome” sign for termites and cockroaches.
Instead of using cardboard boxes for storage, use plastic totes. For any paperwork that you don’t need the original copy, electronically scan and then toss hard copies.
Many people use their basement to store extra firewood. If you have a fireplace, don’t bring in more wood than you need for a day or two.
Pests need water to survive, and leaks in basement pipes give them that opportunity. Inspect all pipes for leaks and drips.
Pest Control in Toronto
Spring cleaning can go a long way in preventing pests from entering your home. If you do find pests like mice, termites, cockroaches, and bed bugs, give Advantage Pest Control a call. We serve the Greater Toronto Area, including Mississauga, Peel, and Durham. We’re available 7 days a week, so contact us today.
-Paolo Bossio
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