Spring is a season of renewal, warmer days, and getting outdoors in Alabama. Flowers start to bloom, the sun stays out longer, and families take their activities outside to enjoy the weather. But along with the beauty of spring also comes another wave of pests, from ants to termites to mosquitoes and roaches. These unwanted critters will be looking for ways to get inside your home or yard to live undetected. That’s why one of the most crucial aspects of seasonal home maintenance is to get your house and property pest free.
Steel City Pest knows you as a homeowner don’t want to worry about pests invading your family’s space this spring. That’s why we have created the Spring Home Maintenance Checklist to help you fortify your home, protect your family, and keep your living environment clean, healthy, and pest free.
Why is Spring Home Maintenance Important?
Spring cleaning has a reputation for tackling closets and garages, but the most important cleaning is actually of your house itself. This is because spring is when pests emerge from winter dormancy in search of food, water, and shelter. If your home is not prepared for their arrival, these pests may start to infest and live in your home before you know it.
You can take matters into your own hands and prevent these pests by:
- Avoiding large infestations from occurring in the first place.
- Saving yourself money in the long run by not needing to call for extermination.
- Protecting your family’s health from bites, stings, and allergens.
- Saving your home from costly repairs by preventing pest damage to your house’s structure.
In short: spring cleaning equals peace of mind for your home.
Step 1: Examine the Outside of Your House
The exterior of your home is the first line of defense against pests. Cracks, gaps, and holes in the walls of your house can quickly allow ants, rodents, and spiders to come inside.
Checklist for the outside of your house:
- Circle your home and examine its foundation. Seal any cracks or gaps you find with caulk or weatherproof sealant.
- Inspect your door frames, windows, and siding for damage. Repair or replace what you need to.
- Look at your rooflines, soffits, and vents, all of which can be entry points for birds, bats, and insects.
- Trim away any overhanging tree branches and shrubs that touch your house. Branches are a highway for pests to reach your home.
A solid exterior gives pests no chance to infiltrate your home.
Step 2: Pay Attention to Your Yard
A well-tended yard can be a thing of beauty, but the plants and landscaping may also attract pests during the spring. From mosquitoes breeding in standing water to fire ants nesting in your lawn, the outdoors can become a pest hot spot if you are not careful.
Maintenance for your yard to keep a pest free spring:
- Clear out standing water in gutters, birdbaths, flowerpots, and children’s toys.
- Rake leaves, remove debris, and get rid of wood or mulch piles near your home.
- Mow your lawn and keep edges trimmed to discourage ticks and fleas.
- Inspect fences, decks, and sheds for wood rot or termites.
By cleaning and organizing your yard, you can enhance curb appeal and significantly reduce pest problems.
Step 3: Deep Clean the Inside of Your Home
While pests often come from outside, they also live and breed inside of your home as well. Kitchens, basements, and attics often become the most attractive locations for pests once spring has begun.
Inside cleaning checklist:
- Clean off all of your pantry shelves and store food in airtight containers.
- Vacuum often, especially in corners and beneath furniture where crumbs collect.
- Inspect your plumbing for leaks under sinks or in basements. Moisture attracts pests.
- Declutter closets, garages, and attics to remove pest hiding places.
Spring cleaning is more than just freshening the air—it’s about creating a pest free foundation for your home.
Step 4: Keep Your Home Protected from Termites
Springtime in Alabama also brings termite season, when these wood-destroying insects swarm in warm weather and search for places to start new colonies. The unfortunate reality is that homes are their primary target.
To keep your home safe from termites, you should:
- Store your firewood at least 20 feet away from your home.
- Reduce moisture buildup near foundations with proper drainage systems.
- Get a professional termite inspection from Steel City Pest.
Investing in preventative measures today can save you thousands of dollars later in structural repairs.
Step 5: Focus on Seasonal Pests
Different pests will become active as the temperature warms. You will have to be on the lookout for these common seasonal invaders:
- Mosquitoes: Thrive in stagnant water, so treat your breeding areas early.
- Ants: Enter homes through cracks in search of sweets and proteins.
- Cockroaches: Love moisture and humidity, so kitchens and bathrooms are their favorite.
- Spiders: Follow insects inside to prey on them.
- Rodents: Like warm shelter and nesting spots after winter hibernation.
By recognizing these common pests, you can apply prevention methods to stay pest free.
Step 6: Consider Preventative Pest Control
While DIY efforts can accomplish a lot, there are also times when you need professional intervention. That is where Steel City Pest can be your trusted partner.
Our team offers:
- Thorough customized inspections based on your home and yard.
- Safe eco-friendly pest treatments designed for long-lasting control.
- Preventative maintenance plans to keep your home pest free all spring and beyond.
Instead of waiting for problems to develop, our experts help you prevent pests before they become an issue.
Step 7: Build Habits for Year-Round Pest Prevention
The spring maintenance checklist is an excellent resource, but the best pest prevention doesn’t end there. By forming simple habits, you can keep your home a safe and healthy place all year long.
- Keep trash bins sealed and clean them out regularly.
- Repair torn window screens to block flying insects from entering.
- Do regular lawn care during the summer.
- Partner with Steel City Pest for ongoing seasonal inspections.
The goal is not to simply make it through spring—instead, you can create a pest free lifestyle.
Download the Spring Checklist for a Pest Free Home
Ready to get started? Download the official Steel City Pest Spring Home Maintenance Checklist below. You can make a weekend project out of it with your family to ensure your home is strong, secure, and protected from pests.
Conclusion: Making This Spring the Best One Yet
Spring is a season of growth and rejuvenation, but without the right steps, it can also bring pest-related headaches. By following this home maintenance checklist, you can turn your living environment into a pest free home where your family can relax, play, and enjoy the outdoors.
If you ever feel overwhelmed or notice pest activity despite your best efforts, Steel City Pest is just a phone call away. With our expertise and commitment, we’ll help you protect your home so you can fully embrace all that spring has to offer.
Let’s make this spring the best one yet—clean, safe, and truly pest free.
