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As the school bells start ringing, families across the Southeast are shifting gears: from beach and pool days to backpacks and bus stops. Kids are heading back to school, but summer pests like ants, roaches, mosquitoes, and even rodents are still looking for ways to get into your home.
Here are some quick pest prevention tips to add to your back-to-school checklist:
1. Clean Out Lunchboxes and Backpacks
Leftover snacks attract ants, roaches, and even rodents. Check backpacks, lunchboxes, and cars for crumbs and spills, and if your family is traveling before classes start, take a few minutes to inspect your hotel room for hitchhiking pests so nothing rides home in the luggage.
2. Establish a Pest-Proof Kitchen Routine
It’s easier said than done, but starting a routine with these steps can go a long way in keeping pests out:
- Wipe down counters and surfaces daily, especially in areas where you prepare food regularly.
- Store food in airtight containers to keep small pests out
- Sweep up crumbs to avoid enticing little food scavengers and ants looking for easy access to food.
- Take trash out often — don’t let food and debris sit for long periods and attract roaches and flies.
3. Secure Your Home’s Perimeter from Fall Pests
Temperatures dropping (even slightly) is a signal for pests like spiders and rodents to start seeking shelter indoors. Now is the time to check for gaps around doors and windows and replace any worn-out weather stripping, before pests start scouting out their fall and winter shelter.
4. Treat Your Outdoor Areas for Pest and Lawn Control
Backyard playdates and even practices are still in full swing, so don’t let fire ants, mosquitoes, fleas, or ticks ruin the fun. Mosquitoes, fire ants, and fleas thrive in summer lawns. A late-summer outdoor treatment helps protect outdoor play areas and keeps pests from migrating inside. Did you know Waynes offers fire ant treatments—and that our Mosquito Plus service protects against mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks?
Enjoy a Pest-Free School Year with Waynes
At Waynes, we know this time of year can be busy and hectic for many families. We are here to help you keep your home and yard protected so you can stay focused on what matters—without having to worry about pests. Contact us today to get a free quote!
A Special Thank You to Our Educators: $25 Off for Teachers and School Staff!
Waynes is thankful for the educators who help our communities thrive. That’s why we offer a $25 Teacher Appreciation Discount. Click here to learn more.
