Blooming flowers — check! Warm weather — check! Plenty of rain — check! Pests — eeek, stop right there! Allowing too much moisture to build up in or around your house can lead to serious consequences, including pest infestations. Did you know that moisture can attract a slew of creepy crawlies, including slugs, snails, springtails and millipedes? Don’t allow these unwanted roommates in YOUR home this spring! The professionals at Clark Exterminating are here to help you every step of the way.
Tips for Your Home
While you can’t control the weather, there are things you can do to reduce the amount of moisture near your home. Protecting your foundation is crucial! We have six simple tips to help you keep moisture pests away in the coming months:
-Gutter run-off should be released at least 4 feet away from your foundation
-Use gravel and artificial mulch in your flower beds
-Slabs around your home should slope away from the foundation
-Fix leaks and dripping faucets as soon as possible
-Don’t let water build up in containers near your house, such as pools, jugs and buckets
-Seal any cracks around your windows and doors
Pests to Watch Out For
Springtails: These critters prefer moist conditions, and are often found in decaying wood and wet soil. They can enter your home through doors, windows, plants or even around utility pipes. They’re often found in kitchens, restrooms and basements, and you should dry out their environment if you notice them. Clean up spills and fix leaks right away to avoid an infestation!
Sowbugs: These small creatures thrive in moist environments, and usually enter homes through doors and windows. They feed on decaying organic matter, like plant material. While they do not bite or sting, they are definitely a nuisance! If you see them inside your home, chances are there is a large population of them right outside. Ew!
Slugs & Snails: Moisture is a requirement when it comes to these pests. You may see them sliding across your kitchen floor, or growing numbers of them in your basement or crawlspace. These pests leave a trail of icky slime wherever they travel, and can also damage plants and vegetables growing in your yard. Be sure to keep firewood and containers that trap moisture (jugs, buckets, etc.) off of the ground and away from your home to prevent attracting these pests.
Millipedes: Like the others, millipedes require environments with plenty of moisture. They’re often found under piles of trash, on patios or in flower beds around the home. They can enter your house through doors, windows or crawlspace vents. The key to controlling them, and preventing an infestation inside or outside of your house, is to reduce the moisture in areas they’re drawn to.
If you take the preventative measures listed above, there’s a good chance you won’t have a problem with moisture pests this year! However, there are no guarantees. If you notice millipedes, slugs or sowbugs making their way into your home, don’t hesitate to give us a call!
Contact us today to set up a professional evaluation and take back your living space!
Remember at Clark Exterminating “The Bug Stops Here!”
Little Rock: 501-228-0322
North Little Rock: 501-758-0322
Conway: 501-329-0396
Benton: 501-776-1388
Bryant: 501-847-1388
Jacksonville/Cabot: 501-843-1322
Hot Springs: 501-623-2335
