As the weather gets warmer, the outdoors are coming back to life. Unfortunately, that means that insects are back too. Ants, flies, crickets, and spiders — all of these critters could take up residence in your house. It’s not hard to stem the infestation by taking a few proactive steps. Follow the tips below to keep your home bug-free and prevent the need for pest control service.

How to Keep Your Home Pest-Free During the Spring

1. Fix Leaks

Insects are drawn to moisture, so a dripping faucet, broken pipe, or leaking outdoor spigot could attract unwanted house guests. If your basement is consistently damp because of leaks, run dehumidifiers and install a sump pump to reduce the moisture content in the air. This makes the space less welcoming to insects and reduces the chance of mold growth.

2. Limit Possible Entries

The best way to keep insects in their natural habitat is by sealing your home tight to prevent entry. Check the foundation of your home and seal any cracks. Caulking around windows provides two benefits — it prevents infestation and improves your home’s energy efficiency. If you open the windows to enjoy the spring breeze, make sure a screen is in place to keep bugs out. The harder it is for bugs to crawl or fly into your home, the less likely it is that you’ll need pest control service.

3. Remove Food Sources

If you’ve ever been on a picnic or hosted a cookout, you know that ants, wasps, and other pests can quickly swarm sugary food and drinks, turning a pleasant outing into an unpleasant afternoon. You can make your home less attractive to insects by limiting available food. Keep dry goods like sugar and flour in sealed containers, wipe your counters down after every meal, and take the garbage out consistently.

Even with the best preventative measures, it’s possible that insects will move in this spring. If that happens, the pros at Denning Pest Control in Central Missouri have your back. Their team has over 60 years of experience serving Jefferson, Columbia, and the surrounding areas with solutions for termites, bedbugs, and rodents. To schedule service, call (573) 636-6351. You can also visit their website to learn more about their pest control services.