When the weather is nice, most of us want to venture outside to enjoy it. Unfortunately, nice weather can also bring with it a lot of bugs. From mosquitos to ants, termites to cockroaches, these insects seem to love the nice weather just as much as the rest of us!
Because these insects are unable to generate their own body heat, they thrive in warmer temperatures. Many depend on the warmth of the sun to survive. If you’ve recently encountered mosquito swarms or have seen ants invade your kitchen, a cleaning checklist may help solve your bug problem. A little elbow grease goes a long way to keep bugs at bay. Whether you’ve just moved into a new house or want to keep your current space as fresh as possible, count on the experts at Molly Maid to deliver the results you need.
Our Cleaning Checklist
Bugs are always on the hunt for a new food source. Even the tiniest crumbs on the kitchen counter can attract these pests. Make sure you’re wiping your counters down and sweeping your floors each day. Take time to clean out your cupboards and get rid of expired food from your pantry. You’d be surprised to learn what kind of bugs are lurking behind closed doors, munching on old bags of chips. Put your kitchen at the top of your cleaning checklist.
While you’re at it, take a look at how your household handles garbage. Both indoor and outdoor trash cans should have tight lids. Bugs are opportunistic and relish any chance to dig through your trash for food. If you fail to take your garbage out regularly, pests will start to see it as a readily available food source.
Other aspects of your cleaning checklist should include the following:
- Dust hard-to-reach spaces like the tops of cupboards.
- Tidy under your kitchen sink and dispose of any expired chemical cleaners.
- Wash dishes used for pet food and water.
- Wash indoor trash cans and outside receptacles.
- Caulk and seal any openings in your doors or windows.
- Clean behind appliances like your refrigerator and stove.
- Vacuum under beds, sofas, and chairs.
- Wash windows and dust window sills.
Additional Pest Control Tips
After completing your cleaning checklist, you may still spot a bug or two. Insects are incredibly resilient—it can be frustrating to put in the elbow grease only to find ants headed to your pantry or bathroom. The reality is that most pests prefer moist, humid conditions. First, work to reduce standing water and moisture in and around your home. Check around for leaky pipes and faucets. Then turn your attention outdoors; empty flower pots, buckets, and birdbaths may all be sources of standing water. By eliminating these sources, you can cut off the steady stream of bugs looking to get inside.
You may also want to invest in proper food storage bins. While we’d like to think putting our groceries into cupboards and pantries is good enough to keep bugs at bay, pests will always find a way in. Keep pantry items in sealed containers to eliminate food odors that may attract bugs into your home.
Get a Free Cleaning Estimate Instantly
Pest control tips can be helpful, but nothing compares to professional intervention. If you feel overwhelmed by our cleaning checklist, consider calling our local Molly Maid team for help. We can provide a thorough cleaning estimate to ensure you’re never left with an unexpectedly expensive bill after services are rendered. Molly Maid locations around the country ensure you’re never far from expert cleaners in your neighborhood!
Whether you live in an apartment or a house and need occasional cleaning or recurring service, Molly Maid is here for you. We’re proud to offer professional house cleaning services and employ a team of residential housekeepers who are experts in all areas of cleaning. Count on us to keep your space spic and span, no matter the season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still unsure of how to avoid pests during warm weather? We’ve got you covered with a handy FAQ section:
What is the Best Way to Prevent an Infestation?
If you’re searching for cleaning tips to prevent pest infestations, you’ve already taken the first step. However, doing some research into cleaning methods can really help inform your daily routine. In addition to chores like sweeping and wiping down counters, a deep clean can set your household up to be bug-free throughout the year.
Should I Hire a Cleaning Service or an Exterminator?
Learning how to avoid pests in your home often boils down to prevention. By keeping your house free of crumbs, you’ll attract fewer bugs. If you already have a bug problem, though, an exterminator can help eliminate their presence altogether. Cleaning services and exterminators can work hand in hand to clean up your space and eliminate live pests and hatching eggs.
What Do I Do if I Find Bugs in My Home?
Even the cleanest of homes will develop pest problems from time to time. Bugs are all around us, and when they see an opportunity to come inside for warmth or something to eat, they’ll take advantage. While finding bugs in your space can be frustrating, it’s important to be proactive. The best pest control tips are the ones that focus on eliminating crumbs and closing gaps where bugs might sneak through. Start with a deep clean, and be sure to caulk any gaps in your windows or doors. This will resolve issues in the short term—anything more significant may warrant a call to an exterminator.
Is My House Too Dirty for a Cleaning Service?
Life and other activities have a way of taking over the majority of our free time. Even if you suspect your home is dirtier than normal, our professional cleaners have seen it all. Don’t be shy about booking our services – we relish the opportunity to refresh your space and give you peace of mind regarding your cleaning checklist that can help you have a bug-free home.
