How to Prepare Your Home for Spring & Summer Pests

When the weather starts to warm up, your home becomes just as inviting to pests as it does to your family and friends. Spring and summer bring longer days, lush vegetation, and, unfortunately, a spike in pest activity. From ants marching into your kitchen to mosquitoes buzzing in your backyard, it’s important to take proactive steps to protect your space. At Arrow Pest Control, we’re here to help you enjoy the season without sharing it with uninvited guests.

Eliminate Sources of Food & Water

One of the fastest ways to attract a pest infestation is to leave food or water sources readily available. Whether it’s crumbs on your kitchen counters, pet food left out overnight, or a dripping sink, pests like ants, cockroaches, and rodents are always on the hunt for easy meals.

Keep your pantry sealed tight with containers that deter insects. Wipe down surfaces regularly, properly store food (including pet food), and never leave dirty dishes in the sink overnight. Make sure your garbage cans are covered and emptied regularly. And don’t forget to inspect your bathroom and laundry room; moisture around sinks, tubs, and appliances can become a water source that attracts spiders, silverfish, and even termites.

Outdoors, check your drainage and irrigation systems. Poor soil drainage, pooling water in the yard, and overflowing gutters are magnets for mosquitoes, carpenter bees, and wasps. Even a flower pot with standing water can become a breeding ground for pests.

Declutter to Remove Hiding Spots

Spring cleaning is more than just a fresh start — it’s one of the best defenses against pest invasions. Bugs and rodents love to hide in dark, quiet spaces. That makes your basement, attic, closet, and even the garage ideal hiding spots for pests in hibernation or laying eggs.

Get rid of cardboard boxes, piles of clothes, and old furniture that provide pests with a habitat. Instead, opt for plastic storage bins and elevate them off the floor. Vacuum frequently to reduce dust, crumbs, and insect eggs. Pay special attention to baseboards, under appliances, and corners where spiders and silverfish may hide.

Don’t forget your outdoor areas! Piles of leaves, excess mulch, and stacked firewood create the perfect shelter for pests like carpenter ants, termites, and beetles. Keep firewood at least 20 feet from your home, and regularly clean your yard of natural debris that can attract pests.

Secure Your Home’s Entry Points

Even the tiniest gap around your door or a crack in the siding can give pests access to your living space. As pests awaken from winter hibernation or come looking for new nesting spots, they’ll take advantage of any opening they find to look for food sources.

Start with a full inspection of your windows, doors, and foundation for potential openings. 

Replace damaged weatherstripping and repair broken screens. Check your roof for gaps or missing shingles, especially after heavy rain that can open new avenues for infiltration. Seal cracks in the walls, around plumbing entry points, and attic to keep your property safe. 

If you notice signs of an existing infestation — like rodent droppings in the pantry or a trail of ants across the counter — it’s time to call in the pros for a thorough inspection and treatment plan.

Maintain Your Lawn & Garden

Your landscaping plays a huge role in pest prevention. Overgrown vegetation can create a bridge between your yard and your home, allowing pests like ticks, fleas, and spiders easy access indoors. Trim back tree branches that touch the roof, and keep grass and shrubs neatly manicured.

Be mindful of where and how you use mulch. While mulch helps retain moisture for your plants, it also attracts insects like termites, carpenter ants, and cockroaches. Avoid piling mulch directly against your home’s foundation.

In your garden, choose plants that naturally repel insects, such as lavender, citronella, or marigolds for an added layer of protection. You can also apply insect repellent products that are safe for your pets and family. Make sure your compost bins and outdoor trash are sealed tight to avoid attracting flies, bees, and hornets.

Let Arrow Pest Control Help You Enjoy a Pest-Free Season

Preparing your home for spring and summer pests doesn’t have to be overwhelming, but it does require consistency and attention to detail to be done right. A few simple steps can go a long way toward reducing your risk of pest infestations and protecting your family’s health. From the attic to the basement and your pantry to your lawn, taking action now will keep your space pest-free as the seasons change.

If you’re seeing signs of ants, mosquitoes, termites, or any other pests — or just want peace of mind — Arrow Pest Control is ready to help. Our expert team provides personalized inspections, targeted treatments, and long-term prevention strategies to keep your home safe, healthy, and comfortable. Call us today to schedule your spring inspection and take control before pests settle in!