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SUMMER
1. One of the best overall things you can do is to keep a neat landscape. Remove weeds and brush. Make sure your lawn is mowed as required. High grass, weeds, etc. are what we call harborage or hiding places for all kinds of insect and rodent pests.
2. Consider not using Tanbark. Suggest an alternative such as landscaping rocks, pavers, or Mushroom mulch. Tanbark is simply shredded wood. Termites live in and under the soil and feed on wood and Tanbark. If you want to get an expensive Termite problem, keep applying Tanbark year after year. Dr. Bug will see you soon!
3. Make sure you have tight fitting screens to keep out unwanted guests such as flies, mosquitoes, gnats, and moths.
FALL
1. Make sure to do a final mow of your yard and mulch all leaves. Remove all weeds and dead flowers and make your landscape ready for winter.
1a. Till under all veggies such as tomato plants. This unwanted food makes great snacks for mice and rats, even in the dead of winter!
2. Mouse-proof your home. Did you know that a mouse can go through an opening the size of a dime? Any open holes in foundation walls, garage doors, or rooflines should be tightly sealed. Foam insulation in a can works very well.
3. If bringing in firewood, be careful not to bring along unwanted pests such as Carpenter Ants, Wood Borers, Powder Post Beetles, or spiders. Many insects do not die in late fall or winter, just go into hibernation. When taking them from a cold environment such as your wood pile then into your warm house, these bugs come to life and create a headache at a time that should be somewhat bug free.
WINTER
1. Be careful with Bird Feeders. While feeding the birds you many times also feed the rats and mice. Make sure feeders are at least 35’ away from the house.
2. During Winter months is a great time to vacuum your attic. Wasps, bees, lady bugs and flies appear dead from summer past, however many are in a state of hibernation. By vacuuming your attic you remove many unwanted pests prior to spring warm up.
3. Inspect your frozen rain spouts or other areas of the home that make be leaking . Even a small amount of moisture will set the stage for spring Carpenter Ants and other unwanted pests.
SPRING
1. Have your home inspected for Termites. Termites swarm usually from mid-March to mid May. Are they winged ants or reproductive termites? Call GPPC for an honest inspection to determine the difference.
2. A good time to Power Wash your home. This will remove spiders and various egg masses, which will later hatch and cause problems as the warmth grows.
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