Complement Your Spring Cleaning With Some Easy Pest Control Tips

Pest control technician working in Springfield VA - Elrich Pest Control, formerly Connor'sSo many kinds of pests come out in the spring – the mixture of increased temperature and moisture creates a perfect environment for bugs to breed, feed, and thrive. As an influx of new insects sets in, many homeowners here in the Springfield VA area are going to find that their house has been taken over by unwelcome guests. Our experts at Elrich Pest Control, formerly Connor’s, will help prepare you for the season with a list of preventative measures to take.

Spring Bugs

Before you start pest-prepping your home, you should ask: what kinds of bugs should I be expecting? Here are some common spring pests in Virginia:

These pests all operate in different ways, but many of them are attracted to the same things that you might find in your house. Before you call your local pest control company, there are some steps that you can take to make your home less hospitable for bugs.

How to Keep Bugs Out of the House

Keeping an organized house is one of the most important methods of pest prevention. This might mean a number of things depending on the pest, so let’s take a look at the three main methods to keeping your home clean and bug-free. 

  1. Sealing food: Always be sure to put away your food and seal it up properly. Ants, in particular, are known for finding any open food source, even if it’s left slightly ajar in a cabinet. Storing all of your food in resealable containers should do the trick.
  2. Close doors and windows: Any door or window left open for too long could lead all sorts of insects looking for food and shelter into your home. Install screens on your windows and doors to get fresh air in the house without worrying about pests.
  3. Eliminate moisture: Many kinds of bugs, such as termites, spiders, ants, and more, are attracted to moisture inside your house. Water outside of your house could be a problem, too – mosquitoes lay their eggs on still water. Getting rid of dampness inside the house and pouring out or covering standing water outside of the house should work to prevent many kinds of pests.

Expert Pest Control in Springfield VA

If you’re experiencing an outbreak on your property after taking all of this advice, you might be dealing with a problem that’s outside of your control. In this case, reach out to your local pest control experts. The technicians at Elrich Pest Control, formerly Connor’s, are trained to handle a wide array of issues. Our mission is to rid your home of pests and ensure that they don’t come back, all while staying up to date with the latest standards of environmental responsibility. No matter your pest problem, contact us today for a free quote!

Tips for Bug-Free Outdoor Living

Stay bug-free in your Springfield VA backyard with tips from Ehrlich pest Control, formerly Connor's.More than ever, families are looking to spend time in their backyards, porches, and patios. With the weather still mild, you likely want to take advantage of outdoor activities as much as possible. Unfortunately, pests are out in full-force right now. Wasps, mosquitoes, ticks, and flies can quickly turn an enjoyable time spent in your outdoor living space sour! For that reason, it’s important to learn how to implement pest prevention into your backyard maintenance routine. At Ehrlich Pest Control, formerly Connor’s, we want to help our customers comfortably enjoy their time spent outdoors without the presence of pests. Keep reading for our top bug-free outdoor living.

What Pests Are in My Backyard?

If you are going to be spending time outside, you can be sure pests will be out and about as well! Insects are drawn to a number of things right in your backyard. The most common pests you are likely to come across in your backyard include: 

8 Ways to Get Bug-Free Outdoor Living

Pest prevention is just as important outside as it is inside your home. To keep pests away from your garden, barbecue area, deck, or other outdoor living space, implement the following tips.

  1. Apply an insect repellent. Any repellent with DEET will help repel mosquitoes and ticks.
  2. Remove standing water. Mosquitoes only need a half inch of standing water to breed.
  3. Keep your lawn and shrubs trimmed. Overgrown grass or vegetation provides mosquitoes and ticks with shelter.
  4. Be on the lookout for ant hills. Even a tiny mound can contain thousands of ants inside.
  5. Thoroughly inspect wood structures. Your deck or porch may be vulnerable to termite or carpenter bee activity.
  6. Regularly clean up your outdoor space. Crumbs or spilled liquids will attract ants and other insects.
  7. Burn a few citronella candles. While not a long-term solution, this will repel mosquitoes during outdoor activities.
  8. Try replacing light bulbs. Yellow bulbs or sodium vapor lights will not attract as many insects.

Staying Pest-Free in Your Yard

It can be overwhelming to know how to keep pests away from your outdoor living space. If you find yourself with a full-blown pest problem, it’s time to contact your local exterminators. Here at Ehrlich, our team is committed to providing our customers with pest-free living both inside and outside their home.