As the snow melts away and the weather warms up, homeowners in Alberta often find themselves dealing with an influx of pests in their homes. These unwelcome visitors can cause damage to your property, spread disease, and generally make your living situation uncomfortable. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the common pests that enter homes in the spring in Alberta and how you can protect your home from them.
1. Ants
Ants are one of the most common pests that enter homes in the spring. They are attracted to the warmth and moisture of your home, and once they find a food source, they will quickly establish a colony. There are many different types of ants that can invade your home, including carpenter ants, pavement ants, and pharaoh ants.
To prevent ants from entering your home, make sure to seal up any cracks or gaps in your walls, windows, and doors. Keep your kitchen clean and free of food debris, and store your food in airtight containers. If you do see ants in your home, try using natural repellents such as vinegar, cinnamon, or citrus peels to deter them.
2. Wasps
Wasps are another common pest that can be a nuisance in the spring. They are attracted to sweet smells and can become aggressive if they feel threatened. If you have a wasp nest on your property, it is important to call in a professional to remove it, as attempting to do so yourself can be dangerous.
To prevent wasps from entering your home, keep your garbage cans sealed tightly and avoid leaving sweet drinks or food outside. If you plan to spend time outside, try to avoid wearing bright colors or strong fragrances, as these can attract wasps.
3. Mice
Mice are another common pest that can enter homes in the spring. They are attracted to warmth and food, and can quickly establish a nest in your home. Mice can cause damage to your property by chewing through wires, insulation, and other materials.
To prevent mice from entering your home, make sure to seal up any gaps or holes in your walls and foundation. Keep your home clean and free of food debris, and store your food in airtight containers. If you do see signs of mice in your home, such as droppings or chew marks, call in a professional to remove them.
4. Voles
Voles are small rodents that can cause damage to your lawn and garden. They are attracted to the fresh growth of spring and can quickly establish a colony in your yard. Voles can cause damage to your plants by chewing on their roots and stems.
To prevent voles from entering your yard, keep your grass cut short and remove any piles of debris or wood that could provide a nesting spot. You can also install barriers around your garden beds and use natural repellents such as castor oil or garlic.
5. Box Elder Beetles
Box elder beetles are another common pest that can enter your home in the spring. They are attracted to the warmth and light of your home and can quickly establish a colony in your walls or attic. Box elder beetles do not pose a threat to humans or pets, but they can be a nuisance if they infest your home.
To prevent box elder beetles from entering your home, make sure to seal up any cracks or gaps in your walls, windows, and doors. Keep your home well-lit and avoid leaving doors or windows open for extended periods. If you do see box elder beetles in your home, try using a vacuum cleaner to remove them.
In conclusion, spring is a time when many pests can enter your home in Alberta. By taking proactive measures to prevent these pests from entering your home or yard, you can keep your living situation comfortable and free of damage. At the end of the day, there is no better measure you can take in protecting your home against seasonal pests than having regular ongoing pest control at your home. Here at Standard Pest Control, we believe preventative pest control is always the best solution to preventing these seasonal invaders. Call us today to book in for either our rodent control or insect control services! (587) 834-4970