Spring, while objectively beautiful, isn't limited to warm weather, green grass, and blooming flowers. It's also the time when nasty pests come out of hibernation hungry, homeless, and ready to mate. Your home can be the perfect source of food and shelter for pests such as ants, bees, mosquitoes, ticks, flies, spiders, termites, and rodents, unless you combat them proactively. Preventing unwanted critters from invading your home is much easier and cheaper than addressing an infestation problem. And this involves reducing attractions for pests.

And if you're putting your home on the market this spring, having a sparkling and pest-free home will help attract buyers interested in Bemidji homes for sale and St. Cloud homes for sale. Here are some effective tips on how to make your home pest-free so you can enjoy a safe and comfortable spring.

• Seal Cracks and Gaps
  Any part of your home that's connected to the great outdoors can be an invasion spot. Pests can wiggle through tiny cracks and gaps, so you should routinely inspect the exterior of your home. Some of the spots pests will sneak through include doors, windows, chimneys, utility lines, siding, and roof shingles. Repair anything that creates a possible entry point and fill small cracks with caulk to prevent pests from entering.
  
  
• Properly Dispose of Food Waste
  Food waste can attract pests, such as roaches, ants, and rodents. A way to keep these nasty creatures out of your home and away from the property is to be mindful of how you store food waste. Make sure that your trash cans have fitting lids and clean them regularly to remove spills. If your recyclable bins don't have lids, take a little extra time to thoroughly rinse all the food from the containers before putting them in the bin. If possible, store the bin outside.
  
  
• Store Food Properly
  Making your home as inhospitable as possible is one of the best ways to get rid of unwanted guests. Some pests have an excellent sense of smell and if there's an open-source of food, odds are they'll zero in on it. Keep food in sealed containers or use resealable bags if the original packaging can't be sealed. Clean out your pantry regularly to get rid of spoiled food. Also, don't forget to store pet food in closed containers and clean those pet bowls. If you have a vegetable garden, add netting or fencing around the perimeter.
  
  
• Maintain a Tidy Yard
  The fall and winter leave potential pest hazards behind, including melted snow, dead leaves, mud, and other debris. Any thick growth or damp wood can be a comfy sanctuary for critters without your realizing it. Remove any yard debris, clean your gutters, move firewood away from the home, and keep your porch and deck clean. If you have tree branches or overgrown shrubbery that makes contact with your house, keep them trimmed to get rid of "bridges" that pests can use to access your home.
  
  
• Control Moisture
  The shift from winter to spring often means dealing with a lot of moisture due to snow, rain, runoff, and overflow. Wet areas can draw many different creatures looking for drinking sources and breeding grounds. Before spring officially arrives, check for clogged gutters, pools of water, and leaky pipes. Call the plumber if you have leaky pipes, consider a dehumidifier for damp places like the attic and basement, and keep your gutter clean. If water frequently pools in your yard after a heavy storm, you may want to improve your drainage system.

Did you notice that these prevention measures are just part of spring cleaning? It isn't extra work after all! Call today to learn more about springtime home maintenance.