Spring Pest Prevention Guide

Pests enter through gaps you may not notice. Walk the entire perimeter of your home with a caulk gun and can of expanding foam. Seal cracks in the foundation with hydraulic cement or caulk. Fill gaps around utility penetrations—gas lines, electrical conduit, cable TV, hose bibs—with copper mesh stuffed into the hole before sealing with foam. Check the bottom of siding for gaps. Install door sweeps on all exterior doors—a ¼-inch gap under a door is a highway for mice. Repair or replace damaged window screens. Seal gaps around garage doors with weatherstripping. Check soffit vents and gable vents for loose screens. A thorough exterior seal eliminates 90% of pest entry points and keeps beneficial pollinators outside where they belong.

Your landscaping choices directly affect pest pressure. Keep wood mulch at least 6 inches away from the foundation—mulch traps moisture and provides a perfect habitat for termites. Use stone or rubber mulch near the foundation instead. Trim tree branches and shrubs so they do not touch the house—branches are bridges for ants and rodents. Remove leaf litter and debris from around the foundation. Store firewood at least 20 feet from the house and elevated off the ground. Keep grass mowed short, especially near the foundation. Remove standing water in plant saucers, tarps, and low areas. Install downspout extensions to carry water away from the foundation. These landscape changes create a dry, unwelcoming environment for pests.

Apply granular perimeter insecticide around the foundation in early spring before pest activity peaks. Reapply after heavy rain. Use ant bait stations along ant trails—baits are more effective than sprays because ants carry the poison back to the colony. Install termite bait stations around the perimeter if you have a history of termites. Hang wasp traps away from doorways and patios. Apply wood treatment to exposed wood surfaces to deter carpenter bees. Sprinkle diatomaceous earth in crawlspaces and garages for a non-toxic barrier. For mosquitoes, apply residual spray to bushes and shaded areas where they rest during the day. Always follow label directions and wear protective gear when applying pesticides.

Some pest problems require professional equipment and expertise. Call an exterminator if you find termite mud tubes, sawdust from carpenter ants, large wasp nests, or repeated rodent activity despite sealing gaps. Professionals use commercial-grade products not available to consumers and can treat wall voids and attics where DIY sprays cannot reach. A quarterly pest control service costs $100–$300 per year and includes perimeter treatment, bait station inspection, and targeted applications. Many companies offer a free initial inspection and estimate. An annual termite inspection is especially important in regions with high termite pressure. Preventative professional service is far cheaper than extermination after an infestation takes hold.