Purchasing our first house is exciting, but it also comes with a lengthy list of new jobs and obligations. Home security is a primary issue for most homeowners, including me, but keeping the house secure from invaders necessitates consideration of more than simply deadbolts and home alarms. A welcome committee of common pests is eager to make our home their own, whether we live in a city or among rolling country hills. Understanding when and how pests act can help us safeguard our most asset and avoid insect problems during the season.
Like all living animals, Pests seek food, water, and shelter entrance points – and they do not require much of an opening. Typical mice can squeeze through gaps as small as the diameter of a pencil. In contrast, spiders and many other insects can squeeze through 1/16-inch fissures or smaller, according to the University Of Kentucky College Of Agriculture. Small fissures are like wide-open portals to ants, the most prevalent and persistent household pests.
Pest-proofing your new home year-round necessitates a comprehensive assessment — both inside and out — and fast treatment. The following are the items on my basic pest-control activity list:
  • I get rid of the yard and garden waste used as bug hideouts or dwellings. I clean my gutters, remove leaves from around my foundation, and maintain my garage and other outbuildings clutter-free.
  • I seal any cracks and bigger gaps in my foundation and siding joints. Common entrance sites include openings around water and gas pipelines, cable and telephone lines, and windows. With transparent caulk or other sealants, I can easily block them. Sealing also cuts down on my energy use.
  • I make sure that the door sweeps and thresholds are tight. Insect pests love to congregate indoor corners in particular.
  • So that moisture and vermin do not collect, I keep wood landscaping mulch away from my foundation.
  • With downspouts, I remove standing water under outdoor faucets and direct precipitation away from my foundation. These are damp, low-lying areas where bugs may drink, and mosquitoes can breed.
  • I cover any vent holes with wire mesh to keep unwanted visitors out, commonly known as hardware cloth.
Pest activity fluctuates throughout the year, with seasonal highs and lows. Spring and summer are the busiest seasons, so plan ahead. When cold weather, lengthy rain, or extended drought drive bugs to seek warm, dry locations or food and water sources within, early dealing with outside pests decreases indoor issues later.
As the year progresses, I keep one step ahead of the game, anticipating the following seasonal pest activity:

From Early Spring To Fall


Rodents are the first to become involved in pest activities. Moles and gophers may destroy lawns and leave them littered with tunnels and mounds from early spring to late summer and into the fall. Before the warm weather hits, I respond quickly when I see evidence of mole and gopher activity. Effective gopher control solutions work for me and keep the harm from worsening.

Early Fall And Spring

The months of spring and early fall are ideal for dealing with fire ants. Fire ant activity increases as soil temperatures climb in the spring until summer heat slows these pests down. Activity picks up again once the weather cools down in the early fall. I live in fire ant territory, so I am familiar with the damage they wreak to lawns and the suffering they bring to humans, pets, and wildlife. Before fire ants become a real danger, I intervene swiftly. For me, the Two-Step Method to Fire Ant Control works. Fire ants return to their nests with the bait, killing the ants I see and those I don't.

From Spring To Summer

As summer approaches, ants and other typical outdoor pests become more active. Past issues are on the rise due to warmer weather, drought, and changes in my activities, such as more grilling. I protect my home's perimeter against ants and other insects before infiltrating the interior.

Clean Up In The Fall

Before the cold weather arrives, I clean leaves from my foundation and gutters and seal any new cracks or holes to keep pests from overwintering within my home. If necessary, I re-trim tree limbs and bushes and place winter fuel at least 20 feet away from my house. Pest control protects my new house and family during the peak spring and summer seasons. Many solutions assist me in fending off typical pests and protecting myself and my investment.
Wrapping Up!

Buying a house is an exciting and gratifying period in one's life. Nothing compares to signing on the dotted line and receiving the keys to a new home since it truly is a lifetime achievement. However, we must exercise extra caution when purchasing a home since one major issue can sabotage the experience and add unnecessary stress to our lives. Because of pests, a complete house inspection is essential for maintaining a safe and healthy living environment. That is why I compiled a checklist to assist you in identifying a pest infestation, which might save you money and a lot of aggravation.