Pest problems in the home tend to be less over the summer months since rodents and insects usually stay outside where there is plenty of food. Unfortunately, some minor mistakes around the house can lead to higher outdoor pest populations during the summer months, which may end up with the pests moving indoors once winter arrives. You can prevent this from happening by being proactive about pests during the warm season.

1. Clear Brushy Areas

Overgrown weeds and piles of logs or brush near the home make the perfect summer nesting sites for a variety of animal and insect pests. Good yard maintenance practices are the best way to counteract the problem. Keep lawns mowed and weeds cut down, especially near the home's foundation. Don't pile brush or logs right up against the house, either.

2. Cleanup the Patio

Patio entertaining is one of the hallmarks of summer fun. After cooking out or dining al fresco, make sure that no food residue is left outside. Wipe off furniture and clean the grill thoroughly. The patio should also be swept clear of crumbs and spills. If you keep pet food outside on the patio, bring it indoors in the evening so that it won't attract pests.

3. Manage Garden Waste

A beautiful and productive vegetable garden can be a joy, but the excess fruits of your labors can provide a food source that attracts pests like rodents to the yard. Keeping a clean garden by harvesting vegetables as soon as they ripen will help. If you have producing fruit trees in your yard, even ornamental varieties, make sure to clean up the fallen fruit promptly so it doesn't attract pests. 

4. Fix Window Screens

Throwing open the windows in summer provides a common entry point for some pests, like ants and mosquitoes. Many pests finds their way in through damaged window screens. Take time to inspect the window screens before the summer heat arrives so you can fix any small holes or damages. Screens should slot into place with no gaps so that pests can crawl through.

5. Apply Perimeter Controls

Applying a pesticide around the perimeter of your house creates a barrier that most insects can't cross. It's a good idea to begin this pesticide application in the summer ahead of the fall and winter pest migration. Your pest service will apply the type of treatment that is best suited to the most common pest types in your area.

For more information on pest control services, contact a company near you.