Spring Pest Prevention Tips For Birmingham Homeowners

Common Spring Invaders In Birmingham 

There are many types of pests that Birmingham homeowners worry about. Some show up year-round, some are seasonal, and some are worse at certain times of the year but can be found at all times.
 
Cockroaches are a common household pest. They have brown or black oval-shaped bodies and can be anywhere from half an inch to two inches long. They prefer to live in humid areas and can often be found where they can quickly get food.
 
Ants are common springtime pests. They build nests as colonies and seek out food. Typically black and less than a quarter of an inch long, ants can be easily identified by their tri-segmented bodies and can be seen traveling in trails with their colony.
 
Rodents, such as mice and rats, are problematic household pests. The two species can look similar; rats are more prominent and have elongated bodies, while mice have small, round bodies. Rodents have excellent senses of smell. They’re also able to climb quickly and squeeze into tight spaces, making them good hiders.
 
Termites are another springtime pest that affects Birmingham homes. Swarming termites fly out in the spring to find a place for their new colonies and often seek out houses. These insects use their strong jaws to eat wood, causing damage to wooden structures in and around homes.

All The Issues Pest Infestations Can Cause In Your Home

One of the biggest concerns with pest infestations is the risk of disease. Many pests, including cockroaches and rodents, spread disease through their contact with humans and food. Cockroaches carry many bacteria and viruses, including salmonella and E. coli, and diseases such as cholera and dysentery. Mice and rats can be carriers of salmonellosis, leptospirosis, and jaundice. These diseases don’t just spread through bites; just the presence of pests in your home can cause illness. They also spread as pests contaminate food.
 
Another issue caused by pests is property damage. Termites eat wood and will chew through structures to get it. Carpenter ants also chew wood to build their nests. Rodents have been known to chew through drywall and electrical cables as they infest homes. 
 
Even pests that don’t spread disease can be frustrating in your home. Nuisance pests, as they’re sometimes called, still cause problems just from their presence in your home. 

Six Natural And Effective Springtime Prevention Tips

There are many steps you can take around your home to keep pests away without pesticides.

• Seal cracks in the walls
• Solve problems causing excess moisture
• Store food in airtight containers
• Dispose of garbage properly
• Keep your home clean
• Store firewood away from the house
• Dispose of garbage properly

Many pests, including cockroaches, prefer to live in humid environments. They also seek out pooled water to drink from. By repairing leaky pipes or airing out areas of your home that collect moisture, you make your home less hospitable to pests, and you can keep them away.
 
One of the biggest reasons pests enter homes is to look for food. Rodents can chew through plastic bags and cardboard boxes to get to food. But when food is kept in airtight solid glass or plastic containers, pests cannot access it. This cuts off their food source and keeps them from contaminating your food. It’s also important to make sure that your trash receptacles are kept clean and outdoor bins have animal-proof lids. 
 
Having pest infestations doesn’t mean that your home is dirty. However, spilled food attracts pests, and clutter gives them places to hide. By keeping your home clean, tidy, and sanitary, you’re less likely to attract pests and more likely to catch the ones that do show up.
 
Many pests make homes in piles of firewood, then are brought inside with the wood. They can also use woodpiles to get to your house. You can keep pests from living there by storing wood (and other outdoor items, such as gardening tools) away from your home and off the ground. 
 
Most household pests like to hide away from people. They’ll crawl or climb into small holes and stay there. Cracks in exterior walls and gaps around windows and doors can also provide entry points to pests. Taking time to find and repair all these openings can keep pests out of your home.
 
Pest prevention is in your hands. These steps can go a long way, but they aren’t everything. And when pests do invade, professional pest control is your best option. 

You Have Better Things To Do Than Worry About Pest Control

Many household pests take more effort to get rid of than you might expect. But Havard Pest Control offers comprehensive treatment options for all kinds of pests in Birmingham. We work to ensure that pests don’t come back while keeping you safe. Contact us today to learn more about our options for pest control in Birmingham.