Spring Pest-Proofing Checklist

Inspect exterior foundation — ants and termites become highly active in spring; carefully look for mud tubes (termite tunnels) and ant foraging trails; photograph before sealing cracks

Spring is termite swarming season (March-May) — check near doors, windows, and on floors for piles of discarded translucent wings; a large number of wings signals a termite colony nearby

Check under eaves and porch ceilings for wasps beginning to build nests — spring is when queen wasps start new colonies; at this stage nests are golf-ball-sized and can be safely removed; by summer they become basketball-sized

Repair all torn window screens and damaged window frame weatherstripping — as temperatures rise in spring, mosquitoes, flies, and wasps become active; screens are the first line of defense

Clear away winter leaf litter and dead plant debris — especially accumulations near the foundation; these are winter shelters for ants, termites, pillbugs, and centipedes

Clean roof gutters — remove leaves and sludge that accumulated over winter; ensure rainwater flows freely; standing gutter water is a mosquito breeding site

Trim tree branches and shrubs growing close to the house — plants grow rapidly in spring; maintain at least 1 meter of clearance and do not let vegetation touch exterior walls, roof, or window screens

Inspect outdoor faucets and irrigation systems — repair any pipes or faucets cracked by winter freezing; any water leak will attract pests (water is the number one survival requirement for pests)

Before using outdoor furniture, planters, and barbecue equipment that were stored over winter — inspect and clean them first; spiders, pillbugs, and centipedes may have overwintered inside

During spring deep cleaning, move large appliances (refrigerator, washing machine, dishwasher) — clean the accumulated dust, debris, and insect droppings behind and underneath; check for any new signs of pest activity