Summer in Nashville brings sunshine, cookouts, swimming, and unfortunately, pests. As the weather warms up, these unwelcome visitors become more active and start searching for cool, comfortable places to nest. An influx of pests can not only be a nuisance but can also damage your property and pose health risks to your family making it essential to prevent infestations.
Keeping your home well-maintained to prevent pests from getting inside is the best way to handle pest problems before they happen. Here are some tips to prevent pest infestations this summer and explain how a Nashville Home Inspection can help identify potential entry points for these critters.
Why Do Pests Become More Prevalent in the Summer?
There are several reasons why pests become more common during the summer months in the Nashville TN area:
- Warmer weather: Insects and rodents are cold-blooded, meaning they rely on external temperatures to regulate their body temperature. Summer’s warmth creates ideal conditions for them to thrive and reproduce.
- Increased moisture: Summer rains and humidity provide pests with the moisture they need to survive.
- Food sources: Summer gardens and overflowing trash cans create a smorgasbord for pests searching for food.
How to Prevent Summer Pest Infestations
By taking some proactive steps, you can make your home less inviting to pests. Here are the best ways to fix some common exterior home issues found during a home inspection.
- Seal entry points: Conduct a thorough inspection of your home’s exterior, looking for cracks, gaps, or holes around foundations, windows, doors, utility lines, and pipes. Seal any openings you find with caulk or weather stripping.
- Trim vegetation: Keep bushes and trees trimmed away from your house. Overgrown landscaping provides pests with easy access to your home’s exterior walls and roof.
- Manage your trash: Keep your trash cans clean and sealed with tight-fitting lids. Empty them regularly to avoid attracting pests.
- Store food properly: Store food in airtight containers and avoid leaving crumbs or spills on countertops and floors.
- Address moisture problems: Fix leaky faucets, pipes, and air conditioners to eliminate moisture sources that attract pests.
How Can a Nashville Home Inspection Help Prevent Pest Infestations?
A professional home inspection from Mayflower Home Inspection can help identify potential entry points for pests that you might miss during your own check. Our inspectors are trained to look for areas where pests can gain access to your home, such as:
- Cracks in the foundation
- Gaps around windows and doors
- Vents without screens
- Damaged weather stripping
- Overgrown vegetation near the house
By identifying these areas of concern, you can take steps to seal them up and prevent pests from entering your home. A home inspection can also reveal existing pest infestations, allowing you to address the problem before it gets worse.
Protect Your Home and Increase Its Value
Taking steps to prevent pest infestations not only protects your home from damage and health risks but can also increase its value. Potential buyers are much more likely to be interested in a home that is free of pests.
By following the tips in this blog post and scheduling a Nashville home inspection, you can take control of your home environment and enjoy a pest-free summer. Book a Home Inspection with Mayflower Home Inspection today to get your home checked for pests and other potential issues.
