Pest Control in Washington, D.C. is essential during the spring and summer months when ants, bees and other bugs begin to emerge and multiply as the temperatures warm. But good pest prevention practices should be a year-round effort. Proactive efforts throughout the year will help protect your home and family. Bugs and other pests are not just a nuisance, but can be a major health and safety threat to your family and home in Northern Virginia and Maryland. New Year's is a great time to begin your pest proofing.
A pest management program by the experts at My Pest Pros can help prevent pest infestations.
Winter: Don't wait until Spring to de-clutter your home. Begin clearing out unnecessary boxes and other clutter that can provide good harborage and nesting places for mice, cockroaches and other pests. Consider whether you really need those items stored in the attic, basement or throughout the home if you haven't used them. Besides improving the health or your home by making it less hospitable to pests, you can help the less fortunate by donating clothes or other useful items to local charities. Also clean your kitchen – behind and under stoves, refrigerators and other appliances to eliminate crumbs and other debris that can attract mice, roaches, ants and other pests.
Spring: Open windows to bring in fresh air on warm days. But be sure your screens are in good condition to avoid allowing easy access to flying bugs. My Pest Pros can recommend a handyman who can help repair screens and other items. Inspect firewood and wood around the home for rot. Be on the lookout for swarming termites as they seek new places to nest and grow the colony. Spring is also a good time to hire a pest control professional to perform a proactive stinkbug treatment to lessen problems in the fall. Identify and seal cracks and crevices that can provide ants with easy access to your home. Watch for ant trails up the side of your home and trim back trees and bushes 2-3 feet away from the home and roof. Clean gutters to allow water to drain properly and prevent pest problems including mosquitoes.
Summer: Ensure that your drainage is good and remove standing water to prevent mosquito breeding. My Pest Pros partners can recommend top quality landscapers to help you improve drainage issues. Monitor for areas where ants can get into your home. Clean up food and crumbs that can be inviting for many bugs. Watch for bees and wasp nests around the home, including nearby bushes, trees and even in the grass.
Fall: The cooler weather means you're likely spending more time indoors. Rodents including mice, rats, raccoons and squirrels will also seek the warmth of your home for shelter. Seal cracks, crevices and fix screens in attics or around the home to keep them out.
To learn more about pest control and management solutions in Northern Virginia, Washington, D.C., and Maryland, contact My Pest Pros today for a pest-free new year! Schedule a treatment.