Why doing an annual Spring clean will keep pests at bay.

Spring has finally arrived! As the weather is finally starting to warm up, home owners will begin their annual Spring clean. If you are one of these people, I will tell you all the pest hot spots you will need to address in your home to keep pests at bay. Here’s a specific step-by-step guide on what to do in each room.

Kitchen

Ants are known to infest kitchens as this room provides easy access to food and water sources. They search for left over crumbs which have been left behind, sticky spillages and over ripe fruit. Although many people keep their kitchen clean daily, there are a few other things you can do to ensure your home is not attractive to pests.

You want to begin by removing all your items from your pantry and cupboards. Filter through them and discard any that are past their best before date, and any other items that you have had for a while such as flour and spices. Baking items will attract pantry pests, such as moths, beetles and ants. Following this, you then need to clean the inside of your cupboards and shelves and install fresh shelf paper if desired. You then want to pull out your appliances and thoroughly hoover and clean behind them. You will be surprised at how much dust and debris hides behind there! Finishing by giving your worktops and floors a good scrub.

Bathroom

Pests such as cockroaches and silverfish are attracted to moist areas, which is why they are commonly found in bathrooms. Eliminating unnecessary water sources in the bathroom is the best way to prevent these pests.

Ensure you clean your shower curtain/guard each time you use the bath or shower, and that any water spillages are cleared up right away. It is also advised that you clear out the cabinets in your bathroom, and check under the sink and bath to make sure there are no moisture issues from leaky pipes.

Basement / Cellar

Cellars and basements are rodents, spiders and a bunch of other pest’s dream, which is why you will often find these pests harbouring here. With dark corners and clutter, this is the ideal place for these pests to hide and multiply.

Take some time to filter through your belongings and eliminate clutter where possible. Try and avoid using cardboard boxes as storage, instead opt for plastic bins with secure lids. You should also block off any cracks or crevices that pests may be able to squeeze through with steel wire wool and expanding foam. Mice can fit through spaces as small as a ten pence piece, and other small insects can fit through the smallest of spaces.