April Rain Attracts Spring Pests

A tick in Vermont - Vermont Pest Control

Keeping pests out of your home is a frustrating practice year-round here in Vermont, especially in spring. There are many reasons for spring’s infamy as a pest-ridden reason, but one of the most major of these is the amount of rainfall. The rain creates favorable conditions for all kinds of pests to thrive amongst the blooming plant growth that we see in this season. It’s important to know how to get ahead of them. Let the expert exterminators at Vermont Pest Control help out!

What Pests Love Spring Rain?

A rainy spring allows for many kinds of pests around Vermont to thrive. There are a few in particular that you should be watching out for this spring:

  1. Fleas and ticks: These parasitic pests survive by hiding out in dense plant growth, waiting for animals to walk by that they can latch onto. A rainy spring means more hiding places.
  2. Mosquitoes: Mosquitoes breed in standing water pools, from sources as big as ponds to as small as puddles. With more opportunities to proliferate, mosquitoes thrive after a rainy spring.
  3. Fire ants: Soil softens after a rainy spring, making it easy for fire ants and other subterranean ants to expand their colonies.
  4. Beetles: Lots of rainfall in spring means our gardens will flourish, but it also gives beetles easy access to plentiful food.
  5. Termites: Sometimes called rain flies, winged termite swarmers come out after a rain to take advantage of damaged wood.

What Can I Do to Prevent Pests During a Rainy Spring?

A rainy spring won’t only make your yard a pest hotspot, it could also lead to pest problems inside your home. We recommend adding these measures to your cleaning routines to prevent pest infestations this spring:

  • Seal any cracks and gaps: Fill in any gaps you find around your doors and windows with weather stripping or screens, whichever you see fit. Cracks in the exterior of your house in walls, roofing, foundation, or otherwise can be filled with a silicone-based caulk.
  • Ensure your gutters are clear: Leaves and other natural debris can build up in your gutters. This can either lead to overflows or perfect standing water sources for mosquitoes to breed in.
  • Prevent standing water from pooling up: Anywhere that standing water pools, pests will come, and this includes the interior of your home. Wipe up any water spills in the kitchen or bathroom promptly.

How Vermont Pest Control Can Help This Spring

If you feel that pest problems are inevitable every spring, ask your local pest control company how they can help. Our team at Vermont Pest Control is well versed in our local pest issues. We can assess your property for vulnerabilities, exterminate active pests, and teach you how to avoid your recurring pest problems going forward. Contact our team today to learn more about how we can help you and receive a free estimate!

Seal Your Home From Pests With Caulking

How to use caulk for pest control in Vermont - Vermont Pest Control

Did you know that ants, beetles, and spiders often make their way into your home through tiny openings? Cracks and crevices around your doors and windows are open invitations to bugs, especially in the spring and summer when they’re out in full force. The best way to seal off your home from pests is with caulking. This easy and effective DIY pest prevention method is something every homeowner here in Vermont can learn to do. With pest season just around the corner, now is the time to pest-proof your home. The exterminators at Vermont Pest Control are here to help you learn how to use caulking to pest-proof your home.

Find Where Pests Get Inside

Before you use caulking, it’s important to conduct a thorough inspection of your property to locate cracks and crevices. Look at your window and door frames from both inside and outside, as well as your baseboards, crown molding, and more. If you have major issues with your door or window frames, you may consider replacing them entirely. Weatherstripping is also a solution for bigger gaps. However, caulk is best for small, easy-to-fix holes to keep pests out.

How to Keep Pests Out With Caulking

Using caulk to pest-proof your home is a quick trick you can do every year to lessen the changes of an infestation. Here’s how to seal your home from pests with caulking:

  1. Choose the correct caulk. When you get to your store, you’ll notice several types of caulk. In general, silicone caulk is the most commonly used caulk for this purpose as it is resistant to moisture. It’s also a low-cost option. If necessary, purchase a caulking gun as well.
  2. Thoroughly clean the area. Before you apply any caulk, make sure to clean any areas you will be applying caulk to. This includes removing any old caulking, old paint, dirt, and anything else that could jeopardize the adhesion of the new caulk.
  3. Apply the caulk. When applying caulk, begin in one corner of the crack or gap and tilt the applicator at a 45-degree angle. Steadily apply the caulk in a smooth, slow line while applying steady pressure.
  4. Let the caulk dry. If needed, smooth any bumps or fill any gaps with a small spoon. Remove any excess caulking. For best results, let the caulk dry for at least 24 hours.

Pest-Proofing Your Vermont Home

Caulking is an easy, cost-efficient way to pest-proof your property. Other best practices for pest prevention include clearing your yard of debris, keeping a clean kitchen, sealing food in airtight containers, and fixing leaky pipes. To learn more about using caulk to pest-proof your home or other best practices for pest prevention, contact the professionals at Vermont Pest Control today!