Apr 1, 2015, 11:17 AM by Fred Speer

April is Pest control month, The Clark Man’s Top 10 Pest Prevention List

We Aren’t Fooling:  April Is National Pest Management Month

Yes, today is April Fools’ Day, but make no mistake – pests are nothing to fool with. Such pests as termites and rodents can cause structural damage to your home, and stinging insects, cockroaches and rodents are known transmitters of bacteria, including E. coli,Salmonella, and Listeria.

What kind of damage and what threats do pests pose? Consider these eye-opening facts:

• Termites cause an estimated $5 billion in property damage annually in the United States
• Rodents gnawing on electrical wiring are one of the leading causes of house fires in the U.S.
• Cockroach allergens are known triggers for allergic reactions and asthma attacks in children
• Insect stings and bites send nearly 500,000 people to hospital emergency rooms or urgent care clinics with allergic reactions

This is why the Clark Man and his pest management peers across the country are observing National Pest Management Month in April. However, this time isn’t just an occasion for pest professionals to pat themselves on the back and say, “Aren’t we good!” It’s an opportunity to raise critical awareness of the threats that pests pose, and a reaffirming of the professional pest management industry’s commitment to protect the public from harmful pests that threaten food, homes, and families.

The Clark Man and his fellow pest experts at Clark Pest Control want share their knowledge on how people can protect their homes and families from unwanted and unhealthy pests.

The busiest portion of the pest season is right around the corner, and so to celebrate National Pest Management Month, the Clark Manwould like to share some valuable tips on how to protect living spaces from an array of spring and summer pests – including ants, flies, stinging insects, fleas, termites, rodents, and mosquitoes.

The Clark Man’s Top 10 Pest Prevention List

1. Seal cracks and openings on the outside of the home with a silicone-based caulk, including entry points for utilities and pipes
   
   
2. Repair torn screens in windows and vents where insects can gain access
   
   
3. Replace weatherstripping and repair loose mortar around the foundation and windows
   
   
4. Keep tree branches and landscape plants well trimmed and away from the house
   
   
5. Repair fascia and rotted roof shingles
   
   
6. Don’t overdo it on the mulch; maintain a 15-inch barrier away from the foundation
   
   
7. Eliminate sources of standing water in your yard, including birdbaths, clogged drains, and gutters, to keep mosquitoes away; check irrigation systems and exterior faucets for leaking parts
   
   
8. Keep attics, crawl spaces, sheds, and other storage areas well ventilated and dry; remove clutter that attracts pests
   
   
9. Do a good spring cleaning and maintain good sanitation practices; store garbage and recycled materials in sealed containers and dispose of them regularly; wash out the recycling bin occasionally to get rid of excess sugars and oils that attract pests
   
   
10. Don’t leave pet food dishes out when they are not in use; pests, especially mice, love pet food

Remember: If you have questions on how to make your indoor and outdoor living spaces unattractive to pests, call (800) 936-3339 or drop me an email at clarkcares@clarkpest.com.

Until next time I’m the Clark Man, and thanks for helping me keep unwanted pests out of your home.