Year-round pest management your vacation home needs
A vacation home offers a perfect retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life, as well as an additional revenue stream. However, keeping your vacation home free from pests is essential to maintain its comfort, safety, and appeal to potential guests. With some preventive measures, seasonal checks, and professional pest control solutions, you can protect your getaway from unwelcome intruders year-round. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to achieve just that!
Seasonal Pest Prevention
Spring:
Spring brings warmer weather, which means the return of perfect vacation conditions⦠and increased pest activity. Ants, termites, and spiders are common culprits during this season. To prevent infestations in spring, you should:
Inspect and Seal: Conduct a thorough inspection of your property. Seal any cracks, gaps, or openings in doors, windows, and the foundation. Pay special attention to areas where utility lines enter the home.
Check Window Screens: Ensure that window screens are intact and properly fitted to keep insects and even some rodents out.
Clean Gutters: Remove debris from gutters and downspouts to prevent standing water, which attracts mosquitoes and other pests.
Summer:
The heat of summer almost makes lounging around the pool a necessity. It can also drive pests like mosquitoes, flies, and rodents indoors as they seek cooler environments. Key pest prevention steps for this season include:
Landscaping Maintenance: Trim bushes and trees away from the house to eliminate pathways for pests.
Proper Food Storage: Store all pantry items in airtight containers. While it's OK to leave some food in the freezer when it's time to leave your vacation home, avoid leaving cereals, chips, and unopened coffee as these can attract pests like roaches and stored product pests like moths.
Moisture Control: Fix any leaking pipes or appliances and ensure proper ventilation to reduce moisture, which attracts pests like roaches and silverfish.
Fall:
As summer temperatures drop back down into the crispness of fall, pests start to look for warm places to overwinter. To keep them out of your vacation home, you need to:
Seal Entry Points: Inspect your vacation home's exterior and seal any gaps or holes, especially around doors, windows, and utility lines.
Inspect Weather Stripping: Replace worn or damaged weather stripping to create a tight seal.
Clear Outdoor Debris: Clear leaves, mulch, and other debris from around the foundation of your vacation home to eliminate hiding and overwintering spots for pests.
Winter:
Even though many pests become less active in winter, rodents and other critters may still seek shelter indoors. Important winter pest prevention steps for your vacation home include:
Garage Door Inspection: If your vacation home has a garage door, ensure it closes tightly and replace any worn thresholds to prevent pests from sneaking in.
Firewood Storage: Store firewood at least 20 feet away from the house and off the ground to deter rodents.
Regular Checks: Monitor for signs of pest activity such as droppings or gnaw marks and address any issues promptly.
Year-Round Pest Management
Food Storage:
A benefit of a vacation home is that you can still cook like you're at home. When it's time to leave, you may be tempted to leave food and supplies for the next time you're there. Again, it's perfectly fine to leave some food in the freezer, but before you leave, you need to ensure that cereals, chips, and unopened coffee are not left out. These can attract pests like roaches and rodents within a few weeks.
Drain Maintenance:
Don't close bathtub and sink drains before you leave your vacation home, as this can lead to issues with drain flies or phorid flies. To keep your drains fresh and odor-free while you're gone, sprinkle baking soda down the drain and follow it with lemon juice. This eco-friendly method eliminates odors and is safe for your pipes.
Trash Disposal:
One of the simplest yet most effective pest prevention tips is to take out the trash before you leave your vacation home. Gnats, roaches, ants, and flies thrive in the presence of trash left behind. Ensuring that trash is properly disposed of can prevent many major pest infestations.
Professional Pest Solutions
Enrolling in regular professional pest control services is a wise investment for maintaining a pest-free vacation home. Regular inspections and treatments by pest professionals will identify potential pest issues before they become major problems. A pest control contract with seasonal visits can provide comprehensive protection and peace of mind. If your vacation home is near the metro-Atlanta area, the BREDA Pest Management team can work with you to coordinate regular visits from our licensed technicians to help keep your vacation home ready for you, year-round.
By following these expert tips on vacation home pest control, you can enjoy your getaway without worrying about unwelcome intruders that may be waiting for you when you return. Seasonal pest prevention, year-round pest management, and professional pest solutions are key to maintaining a comfortable and safe vacation property. Protect your investment and ensure your vacation home remains a sanctuary for you and your loved ones or guests that's free from pests, all year long.
If you're tired of wondering what the pests in or around your home are doing and just want them gone, don't hesitate to give us a call. The BREDA Guarantee promises to protect your home and keep it protected—no matter the circumstances. Schedule an inspection online or give us a call at 770-466-6700.
