In a rental, a line of ants on the counter usually meant a call to the landlord. In your own home, it is your call to make. Summer is peak season for many household pests, which are looking for the same things people want on a hot day: water, food and a sheltered place. The best prevention is making your home less inviting before they arrive.
Take away the water
Mosquitoes can breed in surprisingly small amounts of standing water, and many other insects are drawn to moisture. Walk the yard once a week and empty or turn over anything that holds water: buckets, plant saucers, toys, tarps and wheelbarrows. Change the water in birdbaths and outdoor pet bowls often, and keep gutters clean so they drain. Inside, fix dripping faucets and leaky pipes, and run bathroom exhaust fans. Damp basements and crawl spaces attract insects that thrive in moisture, so a dehumidifier or better drainage helps.
Close the doors they use
- Repair torn window and door screens, and add door sweeps where you can see daylight under exterior doors.
- Seal gaps around pipes, cables and vents where they enter the house.
- Check that attic and crawl space vents have intact screens.
- Keep the garage door closed when you are not using it.
- Trim branches and shrubs back from the roof and siding, since they act as bridges for insects and rodents.
Cut off the food
Ants and other pests follow crumbs and spills. Wipe counters, sweep floors and store pantry foods, pet food and birdseed in sealed containers. Take kitchen trash out often in hot weather, keep outdoor bins closed and rinse them now and then. Clean the grill after cooking out, and pick up fallen fruit if you have fruit trees. Manage compost so it does not draw animals.
Watch the edges of the house
The zone where the house meets the ground deserves attention. Keep mulch and soil from piling against the siding, store firewood away from the house and off the ground and avoid letting wood structures touch the soil. Look for wasp nests under eaves, deck rails and play equipment early in the season, when they are smaller. If anyone in your household has a serious allergy to stings, leave removal to a professional.
Swarms of winged insects near windows can be ants or termites, and the difference matters. If you find discarded wings, mud tubes on the foundation or wood that sounds hollow, call a licensed pest professional for an inspection.
When to call a professional
Call a licensed pest control company for termites, rodents, bed bugs, large stinging-insect nests or any problem that keeps coming back. Ask what products they plan to use, what precautions to take for children and pets and whether follow-up visits are included. If you use pest control products yourself, read and follow the label directions exactly, since the label is the key source of instructions for safe use. A few steady habits keep most summer visitors outside, where they belong.
A Seasonal Pest Prevention Routine
Prevention works best as a steady routine rather than a one-time project. Here is a simple schedule you can adapt for your first year in a new home.
Weekly in summer
- Walk the yard and empty anything holding standing water.
- Take out kitchen trash and recycling regularly, and keep outdoor bins closed.
- Wipe down counters and sweep kitchen floors.
- Check under sinks for drips.
Monthly
- Inspect window and door screens, and repair tears promptly.
- Look along the foundation for ant trails, mud tubes or gaps.
- Check eaves, porch ceilings and deck rails for new wasp nests.
- Rinse out trash and recycling bins.
- Look in the garage, attic access and crawl space entry for droppings or nesting material.
Each season
- Clean gutters and confirm downspouts drain away from the house.
- Trim shrubs and branches away from the roof and siding.
- Pull mulch back from the foundation if it has crept up against the siding.
- Check door sweeps and weatherstripping for wear.
- Move firewood farther from the house if it has drifted closer.
A Walk-Around Inspection You Can Do Yourself
Once a season, a careful walk around and through the house can reveal entry points before pests find them.
- Start at the foundation. Look for cracks, gaps around utility lines and places where soil or mulch touches the siding.
- Look up. Check soffits, fascia and roof vents for holes, gaps or damaged screens.
- Check doors and windows. Look for daylight around frames and under doors, and test that screens fit tightly.
- Look inside cabinets. Check under sinks and behind appliances for gaps around pipes and signs of droppings.
- Visit the attic and crawl space. If you can do so safely, look for nesting material, droppings or damaged insulation. Otherwise, ask a professional to look.
Pest Prevention Mistakes New Owners Make
- Leaving pet food out overnight. Bowls left outside or on the kitchen floor can attract ants, rodents and wildlife.
- Stacking boxes against walls. Cardboard in garages and basements gives pests places to hide. Use plastic bins and leave space along walls.
- Overusing products. Applying more than the label directs does not improve results and can create risks for people and pets.
- Ignoring moisture. Many pest problems start with a leak or damp area. Fixing the moisture often solves the pest problem.
- Waiting too long on termites. If you see signs, call a licensed professional promptly.
Questions First-Time Homeowners Ask About Pests
Is a pest control contract necessary?
Some homeowners prefer regular service, while others handle prevention themselves and call a professional as needed. Read any contract carefully to understand what pests are covered and how often visits occur.
Did my home inspection check for termites?
A general home inspection may note visible signs, but a separate wood-destroying insect inspection is often done by a licensed pest professional. Check your closing documents to see whether one was completed.
Are natural or homemade remedies safe?
Not always. Any product, natural or not, can carry risks. Research carefully and keep products away from children and pets.
What should I do if I see a mouse?
One mouse often means more. Look for droppings and gnaw marks to find where they are active, store food in sealed containers and seal small gaps around pipes and vents. Traps can help with a small problem, but a licensed pest professional can find entry points and handle a larger issue.
Do pests come in with moving boxes?
Sometimes. Boxes stored in garages, sheds or storage units can carry insects. Unpack and break down boxes promptly, and avoid storing used cardboard in the house.
