As we approach the summer, many of our winter residents are preparing to head back north for the hottest months of the year. Oftentimes, seasonal residents have a long list of to-dos facing them before they leave their home here in Florida, but pest control isn't always at the top of that list. We're here to tell you, it should be! If you think that your home really stays empty while you're away, you could come home to some pretty unfortunate circumstances and evidence of some very unwelcome visitors.
Pests can, and do, invade homes left vacant by seasonal residents. Just because cooking, grocery buying, water usage, etc. cease while you are away, that doesn't mean your home is completely unappealing to invaders. Just what can happen while you're enjoying the cooler weather outside of Florida?
- Ants can take over your yard...and your closets...and your kitchen! Ants thrive, and their colonies quickly grow during our wet, Florida summers. That wet weather can also push them up into the foundation of your home, and they can find their way inside through crevices in closets, cabinets, or even windows and doors. If you don't have ongoing pest control treatments for your home AND lawn, you could be welcomed home by an army of ants this Fall.
- Roaches could be hiding out, waiting for you to leave. Roaches don't need much motivation to make their way into your home, and an empty, dark house is practically calling them in. They like the privacy, and unfortunately, they'll invite all of their friends once they realize they have the place to themselves. That means you could have a party happening on top of your fridge, in your cabinets, behind your washer and dryer, or even (yikes!) in your bathtub.
- Rodents, such as rats and mice, love an empty home over the summer. It offers shade, a quiet place to nest, and a variety of materials to choose from for building their own cozy home. They especially love cabinets, attic spaces, etc. and will leave plenty of "evidence" to let you know they've been around. Having rodents is dangerous not only because of disease risks, but also because they chew wiring that could spark a fire if you're unaware of the problem. Setting a few traps before you leave isn't good enough, as they can learn to avoid these over time.
Don't leave your home unprotected. Before you hit the road, call Country Boy! We can come in and evaluate any weaknesses in your home, offering tips and advice to better protect it while it's vacant. If you really want peace of mind, investing in our pest management program means you have one of our trusted technicians checking in on your home while you're gone, keeping up with treatments and watching for any signs of unwanted visitors. We make sure you return to your home just the way you left it: clean, empty, and ready for you to settle back in.
Safe travels and enjoy your summer away! We'll be looking forward to your return.