Photo: Clay Banks
You might not think about pests much until you see one. Then it’s all you think about. Whether it’s ants in the pantry or something rustling behind the walls at night, pest problems have a way of making themselves known at the worst possible time.
In Toronto, that’s even more likely thanks to our wide temperature swings and older housing stock. One season it’s carpenter ants, the next it’s mice. Left unchecked, a small problem can turn into a full-blown infestation before you know it. Proactive measures can be implemented before issues arise. This article gives you clear, practical steps to keep pests out of your home through every season, before they become a problem.
Spring: Wake Up Call for Bugs and Rodents
As winter’s cold grip loosens and temperatures steadily rise, pests of various kinds emerge from their inactive states and become noticeable once more. This shift signals increased activity among creatures like ants, spiders, wasps, and rodents, all of whom begin actively seeking essential resources such as food, moisture, and shelter.
A highly effective first step in preventing pests from entering your home is to seal any gaps around windows, doors, and utility lines. Even the tiniest opening can become an entry point. Indoors, clean areas that often get overlooked, such as behind appliances, inside cupboards, and in basement corners.
Summer: The Season of Activity
Summer brings sunshine, but also a surge in pest activity. Expect an increase in populations of flies, mosquitoes, ants, and wasps. If you enjoy spending time outdoors or grilling in the backyard, pests are sure to crash the party.
Keep doors and windows closed or properly screened to prevent entry. Even a small tear in a screen can invite mosquitoes in. Empty any standing water in flower pots, bird baths, or buckets. That’s where mosquitoes lay their eggs.
Inside the house, pay close attention to your kitchen. Wipe down surfaces regularly, don’t leave pet food out too long, and store pantry items in airtight containers.
Fall: Time to Seal Things Up
With lower or falling temperatures, pests start preparing for winter, often by trying to get inside your house. Fall is a key season for prevention. Take a slow walk around your home and look for signs of damage. Gaps in mortar, missing roof shingles, or loose siding can create easy access points for creatures like mice and spiders. Make repairs before the cold weather sets in.
Check around utility lines and vents. These areas are often overlooked, but they can have small gaps that allow rodents to squeeze through. Use steel wool or pest-proof mesh to block those spaces. This is also a great time to set traps or monitoring devices in basements, garages, and attics. You might not see the pests, but signs such as droppings, chew marks, or nesting materials can give them away.
Winter: Keep the Cold Out and the Pests Too
Keep firewood stored off the ground and a good distance from your home. Many pests live in woodpiles and could easily hitch a ride into your living space if you’re not careful. Also, avoid leaving pet doors open or using under-door draft stoppers with large gaps. Mice can slip through holes the size of a dime. The key lies in focusing on specific things.
Final Thoughts…
Keeping your home pest-free isn’t about doing one big thing. It’s about doing the little things consistently. Every season brings its own set of challenges, but if you stay a step ahead, you won’t have to deal with the stress and health risks pests bring.
