Spring is here and... so are bugs. Mice also tend to multiply now. To make sure you fully enjoy the warm season in Charlotte, it is high time you put our pest prevention tips into practice.

Block Entry Points

• Keep dangerous spiders at bay by sealing small gaps in the foundation and the walls of your house with silicone-based caulk. Most insects only need a paper-thin crack to make their way inside your home. Once inside, they breed and you have a full-blown infestation on your hands.

• Trim branches and shrubs closest to the house, including around the roof area. Think of them as potential bridges for unwanted insects and small animals.

• Install door sweeps and make sure they offer a tight seal. Don't forget about garage doors.

• Inspect the roof after any severe storm and clear drains of debris. Keep in mind that insects are drawn to rotted wood.

• Inspect your HVAC equipment, as well as all pipes, wires, and couplings. Pay attention to unusual noises.

• Install screens on all windows, chimneys, and vents. Make sure the screens are intact and that they stay that way.

Remove Shelter, Food, and Water Sources

• Remove overgrown vegetation and rotted tree stumps, cut the grass short and keep it that way.

• Move woodpiles further away from the house and up off the ground. They attract all sorts of pests.

• Repair water leaks in your home as well as in the garden. Make sure your downspouts and gutters are functioning properly and remove areas of standing water. Mosquitoes love to breed in them.

• Keep dumpsters as far as possible from the house and sanitize the area around them on a regular basis.

• Perform thorough kitchen cleaning and inspect all food items in the pantry and cabinets. Discard stale spices and flour.

• Store all food at least 10 inches off the floor and away from walls.

• Pull appliances away from walls and vacuum behind them. Also, clean under the fridge and look inside the toaster. A lot of dust and crumbs can hide there.

• Store pet food in sealed containers and only take it out at feeding time. Don't let it lie around in the bowl for too long.

• Clean out the medicine cabinet in the bathroom and make sure there are no moisture issues.

• Declutter your basement and replace cardboard boxes with lidded plastic bins.

• Make sure both the attic and the basement are dry and well ventilated.

Reach Out to Professionals

• The best time for pest spray treatments is in early spring when you can destroy nests and colonies before they become a bigger problem.

• Ask pest control experts to check your property and identify potential breach areas. As far as infestations go, being proactive goes a long way and it is always better to prevent than to treat.

• If you already have a pest problem, don't try to take matters into your own hands, as tempting as it may be. Your course of action can be not only ineffective but also dangerous.

• Sign up for a quarterly pest control maintenance service. It keeps problems at bay and it can also save you money.