May 19, 2016, 10:12 AM by Fred Speer

A recent industry report revealed that rodent and bed bug pressure continues to rise. This could spell trouble for California residents.

According to the pest management industry research firm Specialty Consultants, 55 percent of pest management professionals expect rodent services to increase in the coming year. Those PMPs surveyed said that mice were by far and away the number-one rodent they were treating for in consumers’ homes.

The study also reported that U.S. pest management companies completed 815,000 bed bug jobs in 2015, and those jobs add up to an estimated value of $573 million – an increase of $100 million over the previous year. If the trend continues, experts predict the industry could generate $1 billion in service revenue from bed bugs in five years.

To keep bed bugs and mice out of your home, and to prevent other undesirable, springtime pests such as ants, termites, and fruit flies from invading your living space, the Clark Man says that de-cluttering and sprucing up your home during your annual spring cleaning is well worth the effort.

Springtime pests can become headaches quickly – especially ant infestations in the kitchen, mice in the house, and costly property damage from termites. That’s why it’s worth taking the extra precautions necessary for spring pest prevention.

The Clark Man is sharing the following Eight Great Spring Pest-Proofing tips with you to keep unwanted pests outside where they belong:

1. When de-cluttering and storing items, use durable, sealed containers that pests can't easily infest or chew through, instead of cardboard boxes or plastic bags
2. Remove all of the items from cabinets and pantry, go through them, and discard stale spices and other dated items such as flour and grains – these baking ingredients attract pantry pests, including several types of beetles, Indian meal moths and ants 
3. Immediately wipe up any crumbs or spills from countertops, tables, floors, and shelves
4. If you keep fresh fruit on the counter, check it often for signs of over-ripening or decay, which can attract fruit flies
5. Run the garbage disposal regularly. 
6. Don't let dirty dishes pile up and stand in the sink
7. Don't leave pet food and water bowls sitting out for long periods of time
8. Take notice of any built-up moisture and repair the causes, including leaking pipes and clogged drains

If you’re having problems with pests in your home this spring, call or text (800) WE-NEED-YOU (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.