Prevent Pests Year-Round with Earthwise Pest Management in Sacramento
At Earthwise Pest Management in Sacramento, we think that the best way to prevent a pest infestation is to understand the pest and its habits. The more you know about a pest, the easier it is to keep them out of your home, and understanding which pests are most common during each season is a great place to start. Learn more about the most common pests in Sacramento and when they are most active, and if you are in need of professional pest control services, contact the Sacramento pest control experts at Earthwise Pest Management. We can help rid your home of any of the following pests.
Pests are a year-round problem in Sacramento. Some pests thrive in the summer months while others only become a problem when they seek out shelter when the weather begins to cool. Knowing which pests to watch out for in each season can help you to prevent pests from calling your home theirs. Read on to learn more about the common pests in Sacramento and when you are most likely to struggle with an infestation.
During the springtime is when moths typically begin to emerge in their adult form, and while it’s not actually the adults that destroy your clothing and linens, it’s important to kill the adults off before they begin breeding. Moths in the larvae stage are actually the ones who do all the damage that we associate with the pest. So, when the adult moths begin to break free of their cocoons, you want to get rid of them posthaste before they begin breeding and a few moths turn into an entire infestation.
As the weather warms in Sacramento, ants begin their search for food. The warmer the weather, the more likely they are to wander further and further from their home while looking for a food source. The spring and summer also bring rain, which means many ants will be run off from their home by the excess water. They then begin to look for homes on higher ground, or indoors, where the rain will not ruin their home or endanger their lives.
There are several species of termites present in Sacramento. The most common types swarm during the spring and summer seasons. This is their mating season and also when they search for a new, comfy place to call home with plenty of wood for eating. Termites continue to breed throughout the spring and summer as they grow their nests. This is commonly done inside the walls of buildings that contain plenty of wood to feed their growing families.
Mosquitoes love moisture and standing water. The rain that comes in the spring creates the perfect environment for mosquitos to thrive in. And, the warmer the weather gets, the faster their lifecycle moves, which means quicker breeding. As the spring turns into summer, mosquitos become more and more active and lay increasingly more eggs.
The springtime is when flies emerge in their adult form and they immediately start the search for food. Flies commonly look for signs of human habitation such as garbage and standing water. As the weather warms, flies bask in the rotting food that is left outdoors in trash cans and also in animal waste. The summer is the most active season for flies which is also their peak breeding season.
You will notice spiders begin to emerge in the springtime. This is due to the increase in insect activity which creates an abundant food supply. Spiders are present all summer long, although you probably won’t notice them entering your home until the fall season. As the weather gets cooler and the outdoor food supply starts to dwindle, spiders begin to make their way indoors for a warm place to live and a chance at surviving the winter.
The spring season is when you are likely to see wasps beginning to build their nests. As the season progresses, they continue to breed, and by the summer, you may begin to notice wasps nests around your home. Wasps will build their nests on your home right underneath your roof, in your attic if they have a way in, and in other places on your property such as in a garage or shed.
Fleas are certainly around during the spring and summer seasons. And you may notice them more often as your pets are spending more time outdoors and more likely to pick up a hitchhiker or two. But, even though fleas thrive in the spring and summer, you are most likely to struggle with a flea infestation in your home during the fall months when fleas are looking for a warm place to live and a consistent food source. Additionally, some fleas live on rodents, and as rodents make their way into your home, fleas can as well.
Rodents like mice and rats tend to remain outdoors during the warmer months. They have plenty of food and an outdoor nest works just fine when the weather is pleasant. But, as the weather cools, rodents begin to search for an indoor home, usually in the form of a basement or attic. They search for a place that is dark and secluded to build their nest but with easy access to food. Your house often makes a perfect home for a mouse or rat searching for a warm, cozy place to live.
As the weather gets cooler, cockroaches will be looking for a warm home as well. The fall season is often when you’ll notice cockroaches in your house. Standing water, food left out on counters, and even condensation from pipes can all attract roaches. Cockroaches are incredibly difficult to get rid of once they make your home theirs, so it’s best to try to avoid this particular pest altogether.
Bed bugs are a pest that is a year-round problem. These pests often hitchhike a ride into your home on second-hand furniture, luggage, or a friend’s clothing. A bed bug infestation is more common during times of the year when travel is more popular such as the holidays and in the summer. If you or a family member visit a place that unknowingly has bed bugs, the pests can hitch a ride back to your home on clothing or in your suitcase.
How You Can Prevent Pests Year-Round
While some pests are more common during certain months, there are some things that you can do that will help to prevent any of these pests from infesting your home year-round. Pests require food, water, and shelter. If your home doesn’t provide any of these items, pests are more likely to move on and keep searching for a place to live somewhere else. Below, we’ve included some easy, helpful tips of things that you can do to prevent pests altogether. Continue reading to learn more, and if you find yourself in need of pest control at any time throughout the year, contact the Sacramento pest control experts at Earthwise Pest Management.
Keep Food in Tightly Sealed Containers
If pests find food in your home, they are likely to stay. Keeping food in your pantry in tightly sealed containers can help to prevent this. Pests like rodents can also chew through boxes and other packaging, so it’s often necessary to place any open food into a plastic or glass container that can’t be damaged by a rat or mouse. And, although many of us have a habit of leaving food out on the counter such as a bowl of fruit, the sweet smell from the sugar can attract pests like fruit flies, especially if the fruit has begun to turn. Food should be kept either in the refrigerator or in a tightly sealed container to prevent pests.
Empty the Trash Frequently
The trash can is a common place for pests to find food, especially when you throw away food waste. A garbage disposal is a great way to get rid of some waste that could potentially attract pests and getting into the habit of emptying your trash cans more often will help to prevent pests from infesting your home.
Remove Standing Water
Every type of pest must look for a water source before deciding on a new home, and if you have any standing water either outside or inside of your home, you could be attracting a new roommate that you didn’t intend upon. Wiping down sinks and the tub after use and cleaning up spills immediately is an easy way to prevent pests. Also, ensuring that your sprinkler system is working properly and correcting drainage issues on your property will help to prevent any standing water outdoors.
Fix Leaking Pipes
Leaking pipes can also be a water source for pests. Periodically check the pipes underneath your sinks and your basement to ensure that none are leaking and there isn’t condensation occurring.
Seal Holes in the Foundation
In order for pests to move into your home, they must have a way to get in. Ensuring that you don’t have any holes or cracks in the foundation of your home will encourage pests to keep moving when they are searching for a warm wintertime home.
Repair Broken Window Screens
Another way that pests often get into your home is through a bent or ripped window screen. Window screens are easy to repair or replace and it could be the difference between dealing with a pest infestation or enjoying a pest-free home throughout the year.
Caulk Around Windows and Doors
Small cracks around your windows or doors don’t just affect your energy bills, they are also an easy way for pests to enter your home. If you make it a habit to go around your home once or twice a year and check for any cracks or openings and fill them with silicone or caulking, you may be able to prevent a potential pest infestation.
Keep Outside Trash Away From Your Home
Once you empty your trash cans inside of your home, you should consider where you are keeping them outside. The closer they are to your house, the more likely it is that a pest who finds their way into your trash will enter your home next. Try to keep outdoor trash cans away from your home so pests aren’t tempted to make your home theirs.
Whether you’re dealing with wasps in your yard during the summer, rodents in your basement during the winter, or any other pest during — any time of year, Earthwise Pest Management can help. Our Sacramento pest control experts can help to remove any current infestations and will help you to prevent future pest problems as well. Contact our team today to inquire about our pest control services and ask for a free pest control quote.