Pest Free Living

Summer Pest Patrol: 5 Must-Know Tips to Protect Your Home Right Now

It’s 2:07 PM on Friday, June 13, 2025. The sun’s out, the backyard’s calling, and it’s the perfect time to relax with a cold drink. But while you’re unwinding, pests like ants, mosquitoes, and mice are making plans of their own—plans to crash your summer.

After more than 25 years in pest control, I’ve seen it happen too often: a relaxing weekend turns into a full-blown infestation. The good news? With just a little effort today, you can keep your home safe and pest-free all season long.

1. Scout Your Space Like a Pro

Summer pests are on the move, looking for food, water, and shelter. You can get ahead of them by doing a quick home inspection this afternoon.

Grab a flashlight and check under sinks, around windows, baseboards, and your pantry. Look for signs like droppings, chew marks, and ant trails. I once worked with a family who brushed off a few ants on the porch—weeks later, those few turned into a full-on kitchen colony.

Fifteen minutes of inspecting now can save you hours of headaches later.

2. Seal the Deal on Entry Points

Pests don’t need much space to get inside. Mice can squeeze through a hole the size of a dime, and insects need even less.

• Use caulk or weather stripping around doors and windows.
• Check for gaps where pipes and wires enter your home and seal with foam or steel wool.
• Install door sweeps to block bugs from sneaking in underneath.

I once found a mouse problem traced to a crack behind a dishwasher. One quick repair saved that homeowner months of trouble.

3. Keep Food Out of Reach

This one sounds obvious, but it’s often overlooked—especially during summer when everyone’s snacking more.

• Clean up spills and crumbs right away (yes, even the ones under the toaster).
• Store pantry items like cereal and pet food in airtight containers.
• Don’t leave dirty dishes in the sink overnight.
• Take out the trash regularly, especially if it contains food waste.

Pests are opportunists. Eliminate their food supply, and you’ve already won half the battle.

4. Mind the Moisture

Many pests love damp, dark environments—especially roaches, termites, and silverfish.

• Fix leaks under sinks or around faucets.
• Use a dehumidifier in your basement or attic.
• Keep gutters clean and ensure water drains away from your foundation.

Moisture control doesn’t just prevent pests—it helps protect your home from mold and wood damage, too.

5. Stay Consistent with Maintenance

Pest prevention isn’t a one-time chore—it’s a habit.

• Trim back shrubs and tree limbs that touch your house.
• Store firewood at least 20 feet away and off the ground.
• Do a monthly walkaround to check for new gaps or signs of activity.

I’ve seen termite damage cost homeowners thousands—all from a small issue that went unnoticed.

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Take Control Now—Before the Pests Do

Here’s the deal: you don’t need to wait until you spot a roach to start taking action. Preventing pests is easier, safer, and far less expensive than treating an infestation.

If you take one thing from this article, let it be this: start small, start now. Clean the counter. Seal that gap. Fix that leaky pipe. Every little bit adds up—and it puts you back in control of your home.

And if you’re not sure what you’re dealing with, or want more tips tailored to your home, reach out. Leave a comment, send a message, or subscribe for more advice from the field.

Let’s keep your home yours—not theirs.