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Spring is a time of renewal—but it’s also when pests come out in full force. As temperatures rise and moisture levels increase, everything from ants and rodents to squash bugs and cabbage moths starts to stir.
Whether you’re a homeowner in Toms River or a business owner in Red Bank, spring is the perfect time to take a proactive approach to pest control. One of the most effective ways to repel pests before they become a problem? Establishing smart, simple sanitation and cleanup habits.
Sanitation Habits to Keep Pests Away
Proper trash handling is key to keeping pests at bay. Rodents, ants and flies are attracted to the smells and residues found in household and commercial waste. Use lidded, heavy-duty trash cans and keep them clean—inside and out. Empty indoor bins daily, especially in the kitchen, and store outdoor bins away from doors or windows where pests can get in.
Kitchen cleanliness is just as important. Crumbs, spills and leftover food can turn your kitchen into a buffet for ants and cockroaches. Make a habit of wiping down surfaces after meals, sweeping floors regularly and not letting dishes pile up in the sink. Pet food should be stored in sealed containers and any uneaten food should be put away overnight.
If you buy in bulk, make sure it’s stored in airtight containers made of plastic or glass. Open bags of rice, flour or pet food can become breeding grounds for pantry pests or attract rodents. Avoid using cardboard whenever possible—it’s easier for pests to get to and offers little resistance to contamination. Label your containers and rotate your food supplies so nothing gets forgotten in the back of a shelf.
Moisture is another major pest attractant. Pests like silverfish, termites and cockroaches love damp environments so it’s important to keep indoor humidity under control. Use dehumidifiers in basements or crawl spaces and make sure your kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans are working properly. Check pipes and faucets for leaks and don’t overwater indoor plants which can create standing water in trays.
Yard and Garden Habits to Keep Pests Away
What you do outside the home matters just as much as your indoor habits. A cluttered yard provides shelter for insects, rodents and even snakes. Start your spring cleanup by trimming back trees and shrubs so they don’t touch your home’s exterior.
Remove fallen leaves, dead plants and yard waste to get rid of hiding spots. Firewood should be stored off the ground and at least 20 feet away from your home to prevent it from becoming a pest nesting site.
If you have a vegetable garden there are many natural ways to deter garden pests while supporting a healthy ecosystem. Companion planting is a great strategy. For example, planting marigolds along garden beds can repel aphids, cabbage moths, nematodes, and whiteflies. Companion planting can also increase the overall productivity of gardens. Flowering herbs like dill, basil and mint not only smell great they also attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings which help keep other pest populations in check. Additionally, rosemary can deter a variety of insects, including mosquitoes and cabbage moths.
Row covers can be a great defense against squash bugs and Japanese beetles while a well-maintained compost bin can offer rich nutrients to your garden without drawing in animal pests. Just make sure your compost is balanced and the bin is covered to avoid unwanted attention from raccoons, squirrels or other critters. Additionally, diatomaceous earth can deter pill bugs and help with slug and snail control, making it a valuable tool for garden maintenance.
Appliances like space heaters and dehumidifiers can help with pest control but they need to be used responsibly. While dehumidifiers reduce the dampness that pests love they should be set on timers or automatic sensors to prevent overuse. Always empty water trays promptly to avoid mold. Space heaters can create warm spots that might attract insects if left running constantly in certain areas so use them in moderation. Rosemary can also be a natural deterrent, helping to keep cabbage worms, slugs, and mosquitoes at bay.
Why Professional Pest Control Still Matters
Even the best habits can’t always prevent pest issues from developing. That’s where a professional pest control service like Callahan’s comes in. With over 25 years of experience and knowledge of local pest behavior we have the expertise to manage any infestation and prevent future ones.
As a family owned business based in Brick, New Jersey Callahan’s Termite & Pest Control serves Ocean, Monmouth and Middlesex counties. Whether you have termites, rodents, wasps or other pests we offer full service inspections, treatments, damage repair and preventive maintenance. Our work also includes mold removal and crawl space encapsulation which goes hand in hand with pest prevention.
We serve a wide range of clients from residential homeowners and real estate professionals to restaurants and property managers. Our solutions are customized to your needs whether you need regular service or one time treatments. And with our focus on safety and environmentally responsible products you can rest assured your family, employees and customers are protected.
A Fresh Start for a Pest Free Season
Spring is a fresh start and it’s the perfect time to get serious about pest prevention. By following good sanitation practices and staying on top of yard maintenance you can greatly reduce your chances of having an infestation. Whether it’s keeping animal pests out of your trash, attracting beneficial insects to your vegetable garden or planting marigolds to repel aphids and cabbage worms each small effort adds up.
At Callahan’s we’re here to support your efforts with trusted pest control services that work. We know the pests that affect New Jersey homes and businesses in spring—from pesky insects like carrot flies to damaging invaders like termites—and we know how to stop them.
Call 732-899-3030 or Contact Us to speak with a Monmouth & Ocean County Area Pest Control Expert
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