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Springtime pest control can be challenging, as the season brings new crops of freshly-hatched insects and wildlife along with the warmer weather. These pests may then invade your home in search of moisture, food, and a place to nest. Below are some of the most common spring pests and tips for dealing with them.

How to Deal with Common Springtime Pests

1. Houseflies

Many types of household residue attract houseflies. This includes uncovered trash, pet waste, thawing meat, rotting fruit, and spilled juice or other sugary drinks. To keep them out of your home, make sure you cover doorways and windows with screens and repair any holes in the mesh. Hang sticky fly traps near outside doors to capture bugs that sneak through an open door. Cover trash cans and never leave food scraps in the drain. Clean the garbage disposal blades by grinding ice cubes to remove traces of debris. Eat fruit before it over-ripens and starts to ferment and store ripe fruit in the fridge instead of on the counter.

2. Termites

Pest control in West Plains, MOTermites try to enter your home when the weather warms to seek out new nesting spaces and form new colonies. They cause considerable damage to homes each year by burrowing into building columns, beams, and rafters and consume the cellulose in the wood. To deter termites, store firewood well away from your house, as they are attracted to the decaying wood and can quickly nest inside. Prevent moisture from accumulating around your foundation; keep rain gutters and downspouts clean to direct water away from the house. Reduce dampness in attics, basements, and crawl spaces with a dehumidifier and have a pest control company perform a yearly termite inspection.

3. Rodents

Rats and mice are a common springtime annoyance. They become active and more visible in spring, but they can breed year-round if they have a warm place to nest. To deter rodents, never leave food out, wipe your counters regularly to remove crumbs and spills, and patch holes—even small ones—in your foundation, siding, and doors. Address plumbing leaks promptly since rodents always seek out sources of moisture. If you suspect a rodent infestation, try spreading peppermint oil, castor oil, or citronella oil around the suspected nest to drive them off.


If you've tried the suggestions above to no avail, contact Jackson & Eagle Pest Management for professional pest control. They have served Howell County and the Ozarks region for nearly 60 years and specialize in spider, flea, and roach control as well as ant removal and termite treatment. Visit their website to read customer reviews or call (417) 256-6286 today to schedule pest control services.

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