We are fast approaching Spring, which is a great time for not only a Spring clean but also checking our homes more closely for any damage the winter may have caused. Such damages can lead to other issues, like pests making your home, theirs. And while we may be happy to allow the Easter bunny to come and leave us their eggs, we’re not so keen on any other critters doing so!
Common pests you may encounter around this time of year include; ticks, cockroaches, wasps, rodents, mosquitoes, ants, termites, and spiders, among others. As for rabbits, they can be very destructive to gardens and landscaped areas and can be considered pests. However, the Easter bunny is not a specific breed (but is often associated with the domesticated American Chinchilla) and we can live safely in the knowledge that the only health effect that will come from it is an overindulgence of chocolate!
But it’s important to keep our homes, and ourselves, safe from outdoor invaders. Entry points for pests can be anywhere from under doorways to holes in your roofing and siding. Check out how to inspect your home this Spring to make sure you keep pests out.
Maintain your yard
You can kindly leave your backyard gate open for the Easter bunny to hide their eggs. However, other rodents and pests will join the party if they see your unmaintained yard. Make sure to mow the lawn and trim bushes and shrubs to reduce hiding places for pests. Remove leaf litter, fallen branches, and other debris from the yard. Keep firewood stacked away from the house and elevated off the ground to discourage pests like ants and termites. Pruning trees and bushes away from the house helps prevent pests from using them as pathways to enter. Consider using pest-resistant plants in your landscaping.
The Easter bunny will unlikely leave Easter eggs in the following plants, as rabbits tend to avoid these: chrysanthemums, calendulas, columbines, morning glories, nicotiana, sweet peas, and verbena among others.
Look for holes or other damage in your siding
A small hole or crack in your siding may seem insignificant, but it can result in a multitude of other issues. Water damage, further siding cracks, and a loss in energy efficiency are some of the reasons why you should check your siding for holes and damage. They may have been caused by wind-blown debris, hail, or even animals. However, you may not notice that holes in siding are perfect entryways for pests. If you spot any issues, you should repair the siding as soon as possible, and check your home for possible signs of infestation.
Inspect your roof after winter
Another key area of the home that you are going to want to check in Springtime is your roof. The attic is a hotspot for pests, with the roof being the perfect entry point. Factors that can contribute to the development of holes in a roof during the winter months include; snow and ice buildup, wind damage, and falling tree branches and other debris. During the winter months, pests may have sought shelter under your roof. It’s important to get a roof inspection regardless, as a professional may spot damage that you can’t.
Check for gaps in your foundation
Getting down on your hands and knees and checking your home's foundation may not be at the top of your Springtime to-do list, but it’s worth it to stop pests from entering your home. Causes of foundation damage in the winter include the expansion and contraction of soil due to weather conditions and frozen pipes. Regular inspection of the foundation, particularly after the winter season, can help identify any cracks or signs of damage early on, saving you on more heftier costs later on. It can also stop the infestation of typical ground pests like insects and rodents.
See if you have air leaks around your doors and windows
Another main entry point for pests is through small cracks around doors and windows. The quickest way to check for an air leak around windows and doors is to inspect the seal or frame for any visible cracks or gaps. Prolonged exposure to heat and cold can cause window and door seals to shrink. Caulk is one of the best materials for sealing up windows. As well as preventing pests from entering, as warm weather sets in, weatherstripping your home in readiness for AC use in summer is another benefit.
Clean out the gutters
Gutters are a great breeding ground for pests such as mosquitoes and other water-loving creatures. Gutters should be cleaned at least twice a year, in the fall and spring. After winter, the gutters will probably have their fair share of built-up debris, clogging them up which can lead to roof damage, resulting in pests making their way inside.
Hire a pest control expert
Taking preventative measures is essential, but sometimes it can be too late. Almost 50% of homeowners have experienced structural damage from pests. So you can’t be too careful about checking for their existence in your home already. Consider hiring a pest control expert for a professional inspection of your home to identify any evidence of an infestation, and point out potential pest entry points along with preventative measures. A one-time pest control assessment and service costs from around $160 to $290.
Adam Graham is a construction industry analyst at Fixr.com. He has experience writing about home construction, interior design, and real estate. He communicates with experts and journalists to make sure we provide the most up-to-date and fact-checked information. He has been featured in publications such as Better Homes and Gardens, and written for various outlets including the National Association of Realtors, and Insurance News Net Magazine.