Spring Cleaning Recommendations for a Pest-Free Home

Spring has sprung! The flowers are blooming, the birds are singing, and the weather is changing for the better in Cleveland. Homeowners everywhere are making to-do lists to help them handle their spring cleaning. While sweeping and dusting are a normal part of the course, we wanted to provide spring cleaning recommendations to ensure homeowners include correct pest-proofing into their deep cleaning this spring. While summer pests may seem like only a nuisance, these warm weather intruders, such as termites and flies, can pose a serious threat to both people and property. This spring, to ensure your home is ready for the season, continue reading for the pests that can pose problems during the warm summer and ways to keep these pests out!

Spring Cleaning Recommendations for a Pest-Free Cleveland Home

Fleas

Although fleas are known best for irritating our pets, such as dogs and cats, these nasty little pests also bite and transfer diseases to humans. Furthermore, fleas can transfer tapeworm and the rare bubonic plague to our pets as well as cause allergic dermatitis. Our spring-cleaning recommendation for fleas and how to keep them out of your home and from your pets and family is to keep a clean home by regularly washing bed linens and frequently vacuuming. Outdoors, lawns and yards should be well-groomed as fleas favor tall grass. Also, remove any rodent shelter sites, such as trees or overgrown shrubs, since fleas generally travel upon rodents. If you are a pet owner, after your pet has been outside, be sure to perform flea checks, bathe and groom them regularly, and visit a vet yearly.

Ticks

Ticks present a serious health risk to both humans and animals. This pest is known for transferring diseases like Lyme Disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. They generally hide in the shrubbery or tall grass and alongside trails or roads patiently waiting for a host to pass by. So, always be sure your lawn or yard is mowed and well maintained. Furthermore, it is vital to remove a tick as soon as you notice a tick on your body to lessen the risk of contracting a disease. To reduce the chance of transporting ticks inside your home, wear pants and long sleeves when outdoors in addition to insect repellent with DEET of at least 20 percent.

Termites

In the early spring, when the weather begins to warm, termites start to swarm, putting homeowners at risk. Termites cause about $5 billion annually in property damage in the United States. The most aggressive termite is Formosan, capable of wreaking havoc and quickly reproducing, while Subterranean termites have saw-toothed jaws and cause the most damage. To avoid attracting termite swarms, considering reducing moisture and humidity buildup around the house through proper ventilation of basements, crawl spaces, and attics. Furthermore, keep mulch at least 15 inches from your home's foundation and store firewood at least 20 feet from your home as a way to keep termites outside.

Flies

House flies are common pests which contaminate food surfaces by dispersing disease organisms they picked up with their mouths and legs while feeding on feces, trash, and other decaying materials. They are known to transmit more than 100 different pathogens, including salmonellosis and typhoid. House flies, as well as fruit flies, can cause severe headaches; however, with vigilant sanitation, they can be prevented. Frequently removing trash in tightly sealed bags and keeping your kitchen counters tidy is the best way to prevent fruit flies and house flies. Also, be sure to make repairs to many visible tears or rips to mesh screens around the house, and insert any as needed to doors and windows to prevent fly entry.

Ants

Known to infest homes, businesses, and schools, there are more than 20 different ant species. While most people consider ants as only a nuisance, there are real threats as well, such as costly property damage and food contamination. Our spring-cleaning recommendation is to prevent ants from gaining access to your home by sealing cracks and crevices that allowed them entry. Stop ants from entering your kitchen by regularly discarding trash and sealing sweets in containers. Furthermore, eliminate standing water or moisture near the home and ensure tree branches, as well as other plants, remain cut back from the house since ants frequently use these as bridges into the house.

Cockroaches

As with other pests, cockroaches pose serious health risks. Illnesses they are known for spreading include Salmonella, E. coli, and can also be a trigger for allergy and asthma symptoms. If you notice one cockroach in your home, there is a high likelihood there are much more hiding behind all the cracks and crevices. These nasty pests are attracted to food sources and moisture. Store food inside airtight containers and vacuum regularly to keep cockroaches out. Also, eliminate moisture buildup in basements, attics, and crawlspaces and seal up any noticeable cracks and crevices around the house. Bathrooms and kitchens are particularly vulnerable to cockroach infestations, so pay special attention to those areas.

If you suspect an infestation of any kind, contact Cleveland Bee Removal Service to ensure proper and effective elimination.