After a long, dark winter, spring is a breath of fresh air. But there is a downside. The longer days and sunshine spotlight all of the flaws around your house. Your gutters are filled with leaves, there are dead plants in your yard and your house could use a coat of paint.
Spring is still a little ways away, but it is that time of year you need to start thinking about what needs to be done around the house.
Let’s be honest, being a homeowner isn’t always a walk in the park. It seems like as soon as you finish one project, something else needs to be done. It is quite difficult to get that to-to list completely finished. This is why you need to get a jump on spring maintenance.
Maintaining a healthy home is a lot more than just dusting and vacuuming. Seriously, when was the last time you checked the smoke detectors? You need to complete a handful of tasks to ensure a safe and trouble-free household.
Earthwise Pest Management, your home pest control in Sacramento, offers spring home maintenance tips.
Clean the Gutters
Some of you are thinking that you just cleaned the gutters this last fall. Well, you probably did, but cleaning your gutters is a task that needs to be done at least twice a year.
Dirty gutters lead to pools of water, which are havens for mosquitoes. In fact, a dirty gutter will attract a number of pests to your home, you don’t want that. Besides, cleaning the gutters gives you an excuse to climb the ladder and check out the roof.
Check the Roof
While you are cleaning out the gutters, be on the lookout for any roof damage that may have occurred over the winter.
Granules in the gutters, torn or missing shingles and curling shingles are all signs that your roof could use some repairs.
Trim Overgrowth
Spring is the perfect time of year to trim the trees and shrubs on your property. Get an early start on this task before the leaves fill out and make the job more difficult.
You will want to keep tree and bush branches at least five to seven feet away from your house so they can’t conduct moisture onto your siding or roof. Also, this discourages raccoons and squirrels from reaching your roof and seeking a way to get into your attic.
Test Alarms
Test all of the smoke detectors and CO detectors in your house. Replace the batteries as necessary. If you have any detectors that are at least 10 years old, they should be replaced with new ones.
Clean the Grill
Your grill probably didn’t get the workout it usually does in the summer. In fact, it might be dirty and dirty. Now is a great time to clean that grill.
If you haven’t used your grill in a few months, be careful when you open it as there could be critters who have made it their home.
Check Foundation Vents
A house with a crawl space will have vents along the foundation walls. These vents provide air circulation that prevents moisture and mold growth. In addition, these vents prevent pests from making your crawl space their home.
The screens on these vents collect leaves and other debris over the year. They need a good cleaning to ensure they do their job. Also, check for any damage to the screen as critters can squeeze through the smallest holes.
Clean the Dryer Vent
A clogged dryer vent can be a fire hazard. Disconnect the dryer vent and use a vent brush to remove the debris. You need to then go outside and check your dryer vent cover to ensure it opens and closes properly. A vent cover that doesn’t properly work can be a way pests get into your home.
Clean Siding
Improve the look of your home by giving your siding a good cleaning. While you are cleaning your siding, be on the lookout for any damage that may have occurred over the winter. Also, be on the lookout for any cracks or holes in your house that could be an entry point for pests.
Vacuum Behind the Refrigerator
We imagine that there will be a shocked look on your face when you pull the refrigerator out from the wall. This is because it is probably a dusty and dirty mess back there.
Sweep up or vacuum up all of that dust and debris and don’t forget to clean the refrigerator coil while you are there. Also, be on the lookout for dropping and other evidence that you could have mice in your home.
Replace Filters
There are filters around your home that need to be replaced this spring. Any HVAC filters you have need to be replaced as well as any filters you have in the kitchen hood system.
Clean the Disposal
Try not to think about all of the nasty stuff you stuck in the garbage disposal this winter. Whenever you clean out the refrigerator, the disposal is where the moldy cheese, rotting lettuce and sour milk goes. Yuck.
Cleaning your disposal is quite simple, all you have to do really is feed it ice cubes while running cold water. There are also tablets you can buy that will clean it out. In addition, you can drop some lemon or orange peels down the disposal to make it smell nice. A dirty garbage disposal will attract flies so it is best you keep it clean.
Examine the Chimney
Examine the exterior of your chimney for any signs of damage. You will also want to make sure that any screen you have on your chimney to keep pests out is in good working order.
Inspect the Concrete
Inspect concrete slabs for signs of cracks or movement. Fill any cracks you find with crack filler or silicone caulk.
Move Firewood
Remove any firewood that you may have stored near your house. Firewood should be stored at least 18 inches off of the ground and two feet from any structures. Firewood makes an ideal home for a number of pests, so check it frequently.
Service Your AC
Spring is the perfect time of year to have your air conditioner inspected. A clean AC unit will have your unit running more efficiently.
Check Lawn Equipment
Check all of your power equipment to ensure everything is ready to go this summer. Have your lawnmower blade sharpened to make mowing easier.
Spring will be here before you know it, so it is a good idea to get started on these projects right away. If you notice that you have an infestation while performing these tasks, then give Earthwise Pest Management a call.