Seasonal Pest Prevention Tips for Your Brookfield, WI Home

Pest activity in Brookfield, WI, changes with the seasons. Understanding these patterns is key to effective year-round pest prevention. By taking proactive steps, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of infestations and keep your home comfortable and safe.

### Spring: Emerging Pests

As temperatures rise, many pests become active again after winter dormancy. Ants, spiders, and termites are common spring invaders.

* **Seal Entry Points:** Inspect your home's foundation, windows, and doors for cracks and gaps. Seal any openings, even tiny ones, as pests can squeeze through surprisingly small spaces.

* **Manage Moisture:** Spring rains can lead to damp conditions, attracting pests like earwigs and silverfish. Ensure gutters are clean and downspouts direct water away from your foundation. Repair leaky pipes and faucets.

* **Clear Debris:** Remove leaf litter, woodpiles, and other organic debris from around your home's perimeter, as these provide ideal harborage for many insects.

### Summer: Peak Activity

Summer brings peak pest activity, with many species actively foraging and reproducing. Cockroaches, house crickets, and various crawling insects are prevalent.

* **Food Storage:** Store all food in airtight containers, and clean up crumbs and spills immediately. This is especially crucial for preventing cockroach and ant infestations.

* **Trash Management:** Keep outdoor trash cans sealed and away from your home. Regularly empty indoor trash to avoid attracting pests.

* **Screen Repair:** Ensure all window and door screens are in good repair to prevent flying and crawling insects from entering.

### Fall: Seeking Shelter

As the weather cools, pests like mice, spiders, and centipedes will seek warmth and shelter indoors.

* **Rodent Exclusion:** Mice can enter through very small holes. Inspect your foundation, utility entry points, and roofline for gaps. Use steel wool or caulk to seal openings.

* **Attic & Basement Checks:** These areas are common entry points. Ensure they are dry and free of clutter, which can provide hiding spots.

* **Firewood Storage:** Store firewood at least 20 feet away from your home and elevate it off the ground to deter pests that might hitch a ride indoors.

### Winter: Dormant but Present

While many pests are less active, some, like mice and clothes moths, can remain a problem indoors throughout the winter.

* **Monitor for Rodents:** Continue to check for signs of mice, as they will be actively seeking warmth and food indoors.

* **Protect Stored Items:** For clothes moths, ensure natural fiber clothing and blankets are clean and stored in airtight containers.

* **Professional Inspection:** Consider a professional winter inspection to identify any hidden pest activity before it becomes a major problem in spring.

By following these seasonal tips, you can create a strong defense against pests in your Brookfield, WI home. For persistent problems or comprehensive protection, don't hesitate to contact Pest Control Brookfield for expert assistance.