A poll from YouGov shows that about 80% of Americans have noticed flies, spiders, or ants in their homes, and there are all kinds of other pests that can potentially invade your space.
Effective pest control in Tampa will help ensure these critters don’t invade and overtake your home. It’s important to take preventative measures to keep the risk of infestations to a minimum. So what approaches should you be taking?
In this Tampa pest control guide, we’ll go over some key preventative measures you can take and explore how a professional pest control company can help you. Keep reading for more.
Essential Strategies for Tampa Pest Prevention
Even if you’ve never seen pests in your home, that doesn’t mean it couldn’t happen. The right measures can help you prevent infestations in Tampa, FL.
Seal Entry Points
The first thing you need to do to prevent pest infestations is to ensure they can’t get in. Even the smallest entry point can allow pests into your home, so make an effort to seal these off where possible.
Inspect the exterior of your home and look for cracks and holes. Pay attention to utility entry points, and install weather stripping around windows and doors. Fine mesh screens are ideal for chimneys and vents.
You should inspect your home once every few months, and seal any new entry points that you notice.
Control Moisture
Moisture can attract pests and promote the growth of mold and mildew. Florida can get very humid, so pay attention to moisture levels for the best pest control in Tampa.
If you have any leaks in pipes or faucets, fix them as soon as you can. Ensure there are no issues with the drainage around your foundation.
If there are any areas that are particularly damp, dehumidifiers can help. Basements and crawlspaces can be particularly prone to moisture build-up.
You should also keep your gutters clean and functional. Blockages here can cause moisture build-up and attract pests.
Maintain Your Yard
Yards are perfect for pests to thrive, so you need to look after yours. With the right landscape maintenance, you can create an invisible barrier that will keep pests at bay.
One of the main things you need to do is regularly mow your lawn. Keep it below three inches if possible.
You should also trim branches that are growing near your home. Ensure there’s a clearance of at least three feet.
Leaf litter and debris will build up, so remove this regularly. If you have any firewood, keep it stored at least 20 feet from your home.
Practice Smart Storage
If any food is left out, it can attract pests incredibly quickly. Make sure you think about how you’re storing any food to keep unwanted visitors out.
Airtight containers are ideal for food. The same goes for pet food, which should be kept in sealed containers.
If there are any spills or food dropped, clean it up immediately. Avoid using cardboard boxes–plastic storage containers are far more suitable.
Seasonal Pest Prevention Calendar
How you approach pest control should vary depending on the time of year. It’s important to take the right approach in different seasons to keep your home pest-free at all times.
Spring (March to May)
As spring comes in, you should check for any winter damage. Treat your home for termites before it starts to get hotter.
This is a good time to begin mosquito prevention measures. You should also check window screens to make sure they’re all in a good state.
Summer (June to August)
You may want to up your cockroach prevention efforts in the summer. You’ll likely be using your air conditioning a lot, so check your units for any damage and gaps. Finally, treat the perimeter of your home for crawling insects.
Fall (September to November)
Before winter rolls in, make sure you inspect your home thoroughly and seal any entry points. Clean out your gutters and remove any fallen leaves from your yard. Check around your doors and windows to make sure your weather stripping is intact and replace it where necessary.
Winter (December to February)
During winter, rodents will be trying to get into homes to escape the colder weather, so keep an eye out for any signs of them. This is a good time to inspect crawl spaces as well as your attic/basement. Be aware of moisture levels in your home.
You’ll want to start planning your spring prevention strategies so you can start the new year right. If you had any issues in the past year, consider improvements that you could make.
Warning Signs
Preventative home pest solutions in Tampa can reduce the risk of infestations, but they’re still possible. Some key warning signs to look out for include:
- Unusual insect activity
- Droppings
- Unusual odors
- Soft/hollow-sounding wood
- Unexplained sawdust or debris
- Dirt tubes on foundation walls
If you notice any of these signs, you need to act quickly. Contact a professional exterminator in Tampa to help you deal with pests effectively.
Environmental Considerations
Preventing pests is important, but you should consider your approaches. There are various ways you can ensure minimal impact on the environment, such as:
- Opting for natural deterrents where possible
- Choosing targeted treatments instead of general pesticides
- Maintaining suitable insect populations
- Considering integrated pest management strategies
Pest Treatment
Infestations can be difficult to deal with. Seeking out professional Florida pest control services is often the best solution.
A Tampa pest control company will have the expertise, experience, and equipment to deal with any kind of pests in your home. It’s important to find a reliable company that you can trust to get things done right. They can also implement preventative measures to stop pests from returning.
Professional Tampa Pest Control
If you want to ensure you don’t get an infestation, or if you have one already and need to get rid of it, you’ll want to consider professional Tampa pest control. Chet’s Termite & Pest Management is one of the best options out there.
We can help with not just Termite control in Tampa, but a range of other pests too. When it comes to expert pest control in Tampa, we don’t cut any corners. You can even get a free 57-point inspection from us!
FREE 57-Point Inspection
100% Money Back Guarantee
