Photo: Clay Bank
You cannot think of insects until you see one. Then all this thinks about you. Whether it is ants in the pantry or some rustle behind the walls at night, there is a way to go to the worst time in insect problems.
In Toronto, it is even more likely for our broad temperature swings and old housing stocks. In a season it is carried ants, the next mice. Left uncontrolled, a small problem can turn into a fully developed infection before knowing that. Active measures can be applied before issues arise. This article gives you a clear, practical step to keep pests from your home through every season, before becoming a problem.
Spring: Call for bugs and rodents
As the cold grip of winter is relaxed and a steady increase in temperature, a variety of insects emerge from their passive states and once again become noticeable. This shift signals increased the activity between organisms such as ants, spiders, wasp, and rodents, all of which began to actively start searching for essential resources such as food, moisture and shelter.
A highly effective first step in preventing pests from entering your house is to seal any intervals around windows, doors and utility lines. Even the most tiny opening can become an entry point. Inside the house, clean areas that are often ignored, such as behind equipment, inside the cupboard, and in the corners of the basement.
Summer: Activity season
Heat brings sunlight, but also increases insect activity. Expect an increase in the population of flies, mosquitoes, ants and wasp. If you enjoy spending time outside or enjoy grilling in the backyard, the insects are sure to crash in the party.
Keep the doors and windows closed or check properly to prevent penetration. Even a small tear in a screen can invite mosquitoes. Empty any standing water in flower utensils, bird baths or buckets. It is from here that mosquitoes lay their eggs.
Inside the house, pay full attention to your kitchen. Wipe the surfaces regularly, do not leave the pet food too long, and store the pantry item in airtight containers.
Fall: Time to seal things
With low or falling temperature, insects start preparing winter, often try to go inside your house. Fall is an important season for prevention. Walk slow around your house and see signs of damage. Mortar can create easy access points for gaps, roofing ringworm, or in loose siding mice and spiders. Repair before being set in cold weather.
Check around utility lines and vents. These areas are often ignored, but they may have small gaps that allow rodents to squeeze. Use steel wool or insect-proof mesh to block those places. It is also a great time to set trap or monitoring devices in basements, garage and atix. You may not see insects, but signs such as droplets, chewing marks, or nesting materials can give them away.
Winter: Keep the cold out and also insect
Keep the firewood stored from the ground and a good distance from your home. Many insects live in woodpiles and if you are not careful, you can easily ride in your living space. In addition, avoid using pets open or using under-door draft stoppers with large gaps. Rats can slip through the shape of the hole. It is important to focus on specific things.
final thoughts …
It is not about doing a big job to keep your home insect-free. It is about doing small things continuously. Every season brings its own set of challenges, but if you stay a step ahead, you will not have to deal with stress and health risks.