Prepare for a Pest Free Spring in Charlotte

March 28, 2019 Kristin Dodd

Spring in Charlotte leads to warmer weather, more rain showers and unfortunately, more pest sightings. Although your home may have been pest free in the winter months, pests come out of hibernation in the spring and can become a serious problem in Charlotte homes and gardens. Carolina Pest Management is here to give you the best tips for having a pest-free spring.

Common Springtime Pests

One of your first steps for controlling springtime pests is to determine what types of pests you may come across. Ants are notorious for coming out as soon as the weather warms up. In North Carolina, fire ants have become more invasive and have aggressively infested counties throughout most of the state. Fire ant bites are painful and can cause allergic reactions. Carpenter ants are also primed to come out in the spring and look for new foraging spots.

During the winter, bees and wasps may have hidden in your walls and attics. When spring rolls around, they will come out to begin establishing their colonies. Flies are usually dormant until the spring too. Spiders may have also stayed hidden within your home. They prefer dark and sheltered areas such as basements and garages.

Termites are among the most prevalent pests in Charlotte and are attributed to causing billions of dollars in damage each year. 

Rats and mice are unfortunately a year-round problem in Charlotte but plan to keep vigilant in preventing them from entering your homes in the springtime too.

Best Springtime Pest Control Methods

Spring cleaning will be your best way to reduce incidences of all pests in your Charlotte home. Take a survey of your kitchen and make sure no food items are left out. Store any loose items in glass or metal jars with tight-fitting lids. Perform a deep cleaning of your kitchen to get rid of any crumbs or residue left over from spills. Wipe down the inside of all kitchen drawers and cabinets. Pull out appliances and vacuum behind them to clean up any dirt and debris hidden there. Getting rid of clutter should be another part of your spring-cleaning. Clutter like cardboard boxes are perfect habitats for spiders and silverfish. Remove all items from your closets and launder all clothing pieces if you suspect a moth problem.

Getting rid of standing water is a big part of spring pest control. Many pests, including cockroaches and mosquitoes, will congregate near water sources. Check all pipes and fixtures and address any leaks right away. Check your gutters too to confirm they are clear. Confirm no standing water is being collected in outdoor receptacles like kiddie pools or pet bowls.   

Don’t leave out your pet’s food inside the home either. Change the pet’s water and food daily to discourage pests from accessing it. Fleas can be a problem too in the spring, so speak to your vet about the appropriate preventative treatment for your pets.

Inspecting your home for any damage is another way to remain pest free this spring. For instance, torn window screens or missing vent covers give pests access to the indoors. Caulk around windows and doorways to seal any openings. Repair ripped screens on both windows and doors. Fix any loose mortar too you spot after examining your home’s foundation.

Despite your best efforts, pests can be persistent. If you suspect a pest problem at your Charlotte home or business, we can help. Our dedicated team of pest professionals has served Charlotte area residents for more than 80 years. Contact Carolina Pest Management today to learn more about our natural and environmentally friendly pest control solutions.