Start Spring Off on the Right Foot

March is the month that spring officially starts. With the start of warm weather comes an increase in the pest population. What are some steps you can take to make your spring more enjoyable both inside and outside? Here are three tips to get your spring started on the right foot.

Many people think spring is a great time to open windows and let in the fresh air we have not enjoyed since last fall. Although this is a great mood booster for many, don’t forget that open windows let in pollen, so if you have allergies you may want to forego this particular right of spring. If you do want to let the fresh air in, make sure that pests aren’t coming in as well. Any window you open should have a screen in it. Make sure to check the screens for any rips or tears. If you have any issues, fix the screen prior to leaving the window open. Any number of pests from ants, to flies, to bees can come in through poorly maintained screens.

If you are outside, wear insect repellent. Make sure to read the directions and apply it properly. It is also a good idea to wear light colored clothes, as they make it easier to see ticks. If you are willing to throw fashion out the door, tucking your pants into your socks can also help to prevent tick bites. If you have tried these ideas and still find a tick on you, do not panic. Remove the tick with a clean pair of fine-tipped tweezers. If you develop a rash, fever, body aches, fatigue, headache, or a stiff neck, it is a good idea to contact a health care provider.

Being outside in the spring means stings and bites can happen. It is a good idea to keep an over-the-counter painkiller, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, on hand in case of a painful sting. If you feel nauseous or lightheaded, begin vomiting, have swelling in areas other than the general sting site, or have a sharp drop in blood pressure, you could be experiencing an allergic reaction and should seek medical advice quickly.

Spring is the warm-up for the even bigger invasion of pests that come in the summer. That makes spring the ideal time to call a pest control company, like us, in order to stop the infestation before it starts. Using Cowleys means you can decrease the chance of coming in contact with problematic bugs both in your yard and in your home. 
Speak to us here at Cowleys about Home Protection Plans such as a Mosquito and Tick Reduction Program. Our program will run from March to November, with a monthly application of mosquito and tick repellent. Although this program won’t help you on a hike, it does give you greater peace of mind when you, your family members, or your pets, are enjoying your yard. 
Spring is also the time to make sure that you are working closely with a pest control professional, like Cowleys, to secure your home. We can help you come up with a plan that best suits your needs. Making sure these plans are in place in the early spring will give you peace of mind throughout the warmer months.