Spring Pest Prevention Checklist

## Why Spring Matters for Pest Control Spring marks the season when pests emerge from winter dormancy. Pest activity increases 300-400% compared to winter months, and reproduction season begins in April-May. Spring is the ideal time for prevention—much cheaper than dealing with established infestations. Mild spring weather provides the perfect window for outdoor inspection and sealing work. ## Outdoor Inspection Checklist **Perimeter inspection:** - ☐ Inspect concrete foundation for cracks - ☐ Look for gaps or erosion at foundation base - ☐ Check siding for damage or gaps - ☐ Inspect soffit and fascia **Roof and upper areas:** - ☐ Inspect roof vents for damage - ☐ Check chimney cap and flashing - ☐ Clean gutters of winter debris - ☐ Trim tree branches 3+ feet from roof - ☐ Remove dead tree limbs **Landscaping:** - ☐ Move mulch to 12+ inches from foundation - ☐ Prune shrubs back 1-2 feet from siding - ☐ Remove dead leaves and debris piles - ☐ Move wood piles 20+ feet from house **Water management:** - ☐ Extend downspouts 5+ feet from foundation - ☐ Empty containers holding water (mosquito breeding) - ☐ Fix dripping outdoor faucets - ☐ Verify grading slopes away from house ## Indoor Deep Clean **Decluttering:** - ☐ Remove cardboard boxes (pest harborage) - ☐ Clear closet corners and storage areas - ☐ Organize basement and attic - ☐ Discard old textiles (potential bed bug vectors) **Sealing openings:** - ☐ Seal pipe penetrations (kitchen, bathroom) - ☐ Caulk gaps around baseboards - ☐ Seal cracks in walls or flooring - ☐ Update weatherstripping on windows/doors **Cleanliness:** - ☐ Deep clean kitchen (remove food debris) - ☐ Vacuum all carpeted areas (remove bed bug eggs) - ☐ Wipe down baseboards - ☐ Clean behind and under appliances **Storage:** - ☐ Organize pantry (sealed containers) - ☐ Store pet food in sealed containers - ☐ Secure important documents ## Spring Pest Activity by Month **March:** - Ants emerge and begin foraging - Prevent by sealing entry points - Clean up food debris **April:** - Peak ant foraging season - Wasps begin building nests—inspect eaves and attics - Seal all foundation gaps immediately **May:** - Bed bugs active (returning from dormancy) - Flying insects (gnats, flies) increase - Inspect bed linens and mattress edges ## Yard Maintenance for Pest Prevention - Prune tree branches away from roof (3+ feet minimum) - Trim hedges away from siding (1-2 feet clearance) - Remove dead wood piles and debris - Clean up leaf litter and mulch buildup - Ensure proper grading (water flows away) - Empty water-holding containers ## Professional Spring Treatment **Pre-season inspection benefits:** - Complete exterior/interior assessment - Identification of pest hotspots - Sealing recommendations - Treatment plan if needed - Typical cost: €150-300 **Preventive treatments:** - Spring perimeter treatment (anti-ant, anti-insect) - Effectiveness: 60-90 days - Timing: Apply when temperatures warm (March-April) **Why professional service:** - Expert assessment catches what DIY misses - Professional-grade sealants and materials - Guarantee and follow-up included - Saves time vs. DIY inspection - Peace of mind before peak season ## Printable Spring Checklist **Print this and check off items:** **OUTDOOR INSPECTION** - [ ] Foundation cracks and gaps - [ ] Roof vents and chimney - [ ] Tree branches (trim 3+ feet from roof) - [ ] Gutters and downspouts - [ ] Mulch distance (12+ inches from house) - [ ] Shrubs (prune 1-2 feet back) - [ ] Wood piles (move 20+ feet away) - [ ] Grading (slopes away from house) **INDOOR PREPARATION** - [ ] Declutter basement/attic - [ ] Seal pipe penetrations - [ ] Update weatherstripping - [ ] Deep clean kitchen - [ ] Vacuum carpets - [ ] Organize pantry (sealed containers) - [ ] Inspect beds and mattresses - [ ] Seal baseboards gaps **PROFESSIONAL ITEMS** - [ ] Schedule pest inspection (if concerned) - [ ] Book preventive treatment (if recommended) - [ ] Set reminder for summer follow-up ## Conclusion Spring is prevention season. Just 30 minutes of sealing and cleaning prevents months of pest problems. Early spring action is far cheaper than summer infestations. Schedule your spring pest inspection now—identify risks before they become problems. Early spring specials available for April/May service.