The warm weather in Altamonte Springs brings people outside to enjoy sunny afternoons and appreciate the beauty of blooming gardens. But this weather also attracts different types of pests that want to move into homes. Thankfully, pest control near me can help protect your home and let you enjoy the season without worrying about unwanted guests. Here are steps you can take to keep your home free of warmth-loving pests:

Keep Food Sealed and Stored Properly

You can make your home less appealing to pests by storing food in airtight containers, especially in the pantry. Also, you should wipe down counters regularly and clean up spills quickly. Never leave pet food sitting out all day as it can be a buffet for pests. 

Take Out the Trash Often

Warm weather makes garbage smell stronger, which can draw pests into your kitchen or garage. This makes it essential to take out your trash daily, especially during the hotter months. Also, keep your trash cans clean and make sure the lids are sealed tightly. Place the trash away from your home’s doors and windows if you must keep it outside. This helps make your home less attractive to flies, ants, and rodents. 

Seal Up Entry Points

Bugs can get inside through cracks in your foundation, gaps around windows, or holes in screens. Even spaces under doors can serve as easy entryways for these unwanted visitors. You should walk around your home and check for these weak spots. Seal cracks with caulk or install weather stripping on doors to prevent pests from entering. Also, damaged screens should be repaired or replaced. 

Keep Your Yard Clean and Trimmed

Your yard is the first line of defense against warm-weather pests.  Pests can use overgrown grass, tall weeds, and piles of leaves or wood as hiding spots and nesting areas. So, trim your grass regularly and cut back bushes. Keep your yard free of debris to prevent rodents and bugs from sticking around.  Also, keep plants and shrubs from touching your house. Branches and leaves that touch your walls or roof give ants, spiders, and other bugs an easy path straight into your home.

Watch Out for Standing Water

Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Even a small puddle can become a breeding ground. Check around your yard for water that may have been collected in buckets, flower pots, or clogged gutters after it rains. Empty and clean these areas regularly. Make sure to change the water in the kiddie pool frequently. Keeping your yard dry makes it a lot harder for mosquitoes to take over.

Keep Your Kitchen Clean

Your kitchen is a top target for warm-weather pests, especially ants and cockroaches. A messy kitchen can bring in bugs fast even if the rest of your house is clean. So, wipe down countertops and sweep the floors frequently. Also, you should not leave dirty dishes in the sink overnight. Check behind your fridge and stove as they can collect crumbs, grease, or spills, which are perfect snacks for hungry bugs.

Store Firewood Away from the House

Stacks of wood are great hiding spots for ants, spiders, and termites. Keep your woodpile off the ground and at least 20 feet away from your house, if possible. Inspect firewood first before bringing it inside to make sure you do not accidentally bring pests indoors with it.

Use Pest-Repelling Plants

Some plants help keep bugs away. Planting pest-repelling herbs and flowers in your yard or near windows and doors can create a natural barrier. Use plants such as citronella, lavender, or marigolds. These smell great and can help reduce mosquitoes and flies. 

Set Up Regular Pest Control

Pests can still find their way in even if you do everything right, especially in Altamonte Springs where bugs are active nearly year-round. That is why you should schedule regular pest control services. Professional pest control treatments can target the specific bugs in your area, prevent infestations before they start, and keep your home comfortable all season long.