Serving Memphis, Cordova, Germantown & Collierville TN
A survey completed in 2024 found that 80% of Americans now complete a spring cleaning each year. This may be a deep clean of your entire home, a chance to declutter your space or both. Did you know that a thorough spring cleaning also can mitigate your chances of experiencing a pest infestation? Read on, as your Memphis pest control experts at AAA Termite & Pest have compiled this spring cleaning guide that can help prevent pests.
The kitchen
Pests seek out food and water like any other creature, which makes the kitchen a prime target for these insects and rodents. Thoroughly cleaning your kitchen each spring – ideally early in the spring – can help mitigate against all types of pests.
Your spring cleaning routine in the kitchen should include:
- Removing any spoiled and expired food from your fridge, cupboards and pantry
- Clearing out everything from the cabinet under your sink, checking for water leaks
- Cleaning inside, under and around all your appliances
- Wiping down all surfaces thoroughly
- Watching for signs of pests such as cockroaches, ants and rodents
The bathroom
Water leaks can be a major problem when it comes to pests. Even small areas of standing water can attract pests who need to survive off the water or look to use it to reproduce. Check around your toilet, shower and tub for any leaks or signs of water damage. Clean out the cabinet under your bathroom sink the same way you did the cabinet under your kitchen sink.
Your spring cleaning routine in the bathroom should include:
- Deep cleaning the sink, shower, toilet and tub
- Wiping down the counters, floors and walls
- Fixing any leaking pipes or faucets
- Organizing the shelves or medicine cabinet, removing any old or expired products
- Disposing properly of any expired medication by taking it to a pharmacy or local police station so it can be destroyed
The laundry room
A leaky washing machine can cause the same types of problems as a leaking kitchen appliance or bathroom fixture.
Just follow this spring cleaning routine in your laundry area:
- Clean the space behind your washer and dryer
- Wipe down the outside of the washer and dryer
- Run your washer on the sanitize cycle
- Organize your laundry products and/or linen closet
The living room and dining room
Pests seek out food and you would be surprised by the crumbs and other detritus that can accumulate between the cushions of your furniture or under your couch.
Your regimen of cleaning in these spaces should include:
- Thoroughly vacuuming or mopping the floors
- Cleaning under and behind your furniture, including under your cushions
- Take down and clean your curtains
- Dust curtain rods and blinds
- Wipe down all furniture and tables
The bedroom
What do fleas, ants, cockroaches, spiders and silverfish have in common? They are all types of pests that can be found in your bedroom, and you don’t want to experience any of them.
Your regimen of spring cleaning in the bedroom should include:
- Washing all bedding
- Decluttering your closets and drawers
- Cleaning thoroughly under and behind the bed
- Rotating the mattress
Wiping down and cleaning all furniture
The storage area
Whether it be your basement, crawl space or an extra room that you use to keep extra things, storage spaces can serve as a cozy home for spiders, rodents and bugs. Cardboard boxes in particular can attract these pests; rodents can chew through the cardboard or spiders can build nests in the out-of-the-way places.
The regimen of spring cleaning in a storage area should include:
- Organizing any shelves
- Storing your items in plastic bins with sealed lids, as opposed to cardboard boxes
- Donating or throwing away any unwanted items
- Removing as much clutter off of the floor that you can
Pest control services in Memphis and Cordova in Tennessee
Even with the most diligent spring cleaning, your best defense against pests is to receive preventive treatments from a professional, experienced pest control company like AAA Termite & Pest. We have been serving homes and businesses in the Memphis area for more than 40 years. To schedule a complimentary consultation with one of our technicians, call (901) 737-7378 or contact us online.