Do you hate dealing with pests every year? They tend to pop up in spring when the weather gets warmer in Albuquerque. So why are we talking about that now? Because now is the time to prepare your home to resist pests when spring comes again. Not only can pests cause damage to your home, but they are just a pain in general.

Here are some steps you can take now to make sure your home is ready to keep out these tiny threats.

Seal Gaps

Pests don't need a wide open door to get into your home. They can squeeze into any crack and crevice. Look for any unsealed gaps in your home, especially where pipes and electrical lines come into your home. Seal any gaps with caulking or foam insulation.

Store Firewood Away from the House

It may seem convenient now during the winter to store your firewood next to the house. But it's also an open invitation for pests. Store your firewood at least 20 feet away from the house.

Fix Torn Screens

Damaged window screens are also another entry point for pests. If you have any holes or rips in your screens, you can find a repair kit easily in most hardware stores. 

White Vinegar Deters Ants

Ants leave a trail for other ants to find food. You can eliminate that trail with a solution of 1/4 cup white vinegar, 2 cups water and 10 s of peppermint or eucalyptus oil.

Maintain Weatherstripping

If your weatherstripping around the exterior doors is worn or broken, you should replace it to close up any gaps where pests can enter.

Chase Away the Spiders

If spiders have made a home out of your basement, you can deter them with a humidifier to keep the humidity at about 40%. Also sweep down cobwebs when they appear. This should reduce the amount of spiders in your basement and keep them from the rest of the house as well.

Pests Don't Like Coffee

You can turn that morning cup of coffee into an effective pest deterrent. Pour your leftover coffee grounds in places where you think pests are entering. Many animals can't stand the smell of coffee. This trick can also work in your garden.

Inspect Crawl Spaces

Check around crawl spaces and basement for obvious nests of shredded material, which indicate rodents. Also look for smaller pests like ants or cockroaches.

Don’t Let Pests in Through the Dryer Vent

Examine dryer vents to ensure the damper isn’t stuck open or broken off completely. Also check that the seal between the vent and the wall is tight to keep house pests out.

Trim Plants Back From the House

Plants against the house make it easy for ants to enter. If you trim them back at least 3 feet from your house, this will close off their bridge. Keep a 3-in. to 6-in. clearance space between the soil around the foundation and the bottom row of siding to prevent ants from nesting in the siding.

With just a little bit of preparation, you can make your Albuquerque home a more enjoyable and pest-free place to live.

Contact us today to help you buy or sell your next home in Albuquerque. Looking for the perfect home for sale in Albuquerque? Our easy-to-use home search tool can help you start the process. Join us twice a week on our blog for more real estate advice and great reasons to buy a home in Albuquerque and the surrounding area. Follow us on Facebook for the latest Albuquerque real estate updates.

HOT HOME LISTING OF THE WEEK!

13504 DESERT ZINNIA Court NE, Albuquerque, NM 87111  $1,125,000

4 Bedrooms / 4 Bathrooms (4 full, 0 half) / 4556 Square Feet

Highly Sought after High Desert Contemporary Southwestern Beauty. Custom built for Original owner. Well Situated on .86 acre lot to maximize the spectacular Mountain and City views! Incredible floor plan features 4 spacious en-suite bedrooms all with private bathrooms, Dual Masters, with the largest one on main level. Gorgeous, sunny kitchen with quartz counter tops, opens onto bright, light breakfast nook and family room. Complete with kitchen island, double ovens. Soaring ceilings throughout - with walls of windows to enjoy the views from every room. Approx 1500 sqft of wrap around decks/patios on front and back of home can be accessed from all bedrooms. Gorgeous serene courtyard with water feature. Spectacular low maintenance landscaping front and back! Newer TPO top of the line roof.

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team