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Spring is in the air… and so are the bugs. As the weather warms up and we throw open our windows to let in that fresh breeze, the flies, ants, and mystery critters get the same invite.
And let’s be honest: even though they’re small, they somehow take over fast. But instead of instantly grabbing the nearest fly swatter or shoe, there are more effective (and less morbid) ways to keep them out and prevent future invasions.
When Are Bugs the Most Active?
Have you experienced having a bug-free home in the winter and then as soon as April or May comes around, you’re faced with an endless stream of ants, bugs, or flies in your home? Home maintenance is a huge part of owning a home, and that includes dealing with pesky insects that always seem determined to invade your home.
Bugs are not specific to one season; they are a year-round problem. While you might not notice them as much in the winter, it’s not because they’ve disappeared. They’re usually just lying low and out of sight. Most insects go dormant during the colder months, then re-emerge in the spring and early summer when it’s warm enough to start searching for food again. That’s when they start showing up around the house.
6 Common Bugs That Love Your Home
Have you ever spotted a bug in your house and immediately turned into a full-blown detective? Thoughts start to swarm your mind, like what even is that and how fast can I get it out without screaming?
You’re not alone. Recognizing the usual suspects makes it way easier to handle them. Here are five of the most common bugs that sneak into our homes:
- Ants: Especially sugar ants and carpenter ants. They’re attracted to food (especially sweets) and can form big colonies in or around your home.
- Cockroaches: These guys love dark, moist areas like under sinks and behind appliances. Compared to other bugs, cockroaches are more difficult to clear out of your home once they settle.
- Spiders: Most are harmless, but nobody loves finding one in their shower. They often come inside hunting for smaller bugs.
- Bed Bugs: These tiny, reddish-brown insects hide in mattresses, bed frames, and furniture. They feed on blood while you sleep and can be difficult to get rid of without professional treatment.
- Silverfish: These silvery, wiggly insects love paper, glue, and starchy materials. You’ll find them in basements, bathrooms, or wherever it’s damp.
- Houseflies or Fruit Flies: Flies are common kitchen invaders, but fruit flies are especially prevalent if you leave produce out. They reproduce quickly and can be a pain to eliminate.
How to Get Rid of Flies and Bugs
Listen, bugs and flies freak me out too. It’s wild how something so tiny can make us jump, right? But even though they give us the creeps, I try not to go straight to squashing them. They’ve got their place in the world too! So instead of reaching for the nearest shoe, here are peaceful ways to keep them out of your home.
- Keep food sealed: Store pantry items in airtight containers and don’t leave fruit or leftovers out.
- Clean up spills quickly: Crumbs and sticky spots are like an open buffet to ants and flies.
- Take the trash out regularly: Especially if it contains food waste.
- Use natural repellents: Essential oils like peppermint, citronella, or eucalyptus can help deter bugs.
- Set traps: Apple cider vinegar traps work wonders for fruit flies. Sticky traps can help with silverfish and roaches.
- Seal up entry points: Check window screens, door gaps, and cracks around your home. If bugs can’t get in, they won’t be a problem.
How to Keep Bugs Out for Good
If you’ve already kicked the bugs out or just want to avoid a surprise swarm down the line, now’s the time to go on the defensive. Bugs will happily go after crumbs on the counter, open doors, and even the tiniest cracks in your walls. Staying one step ahead with some light maintenance can make a huge difference.
Start by keeping your space clean, especially in high-traffic areas like the kitchen and bathroom. Regularly wiping down surfaces, vacuuming, and taking out the trash can cut off their food supply. Then, walk around your home and check for gaps or cracks around doors, windows, and baseboards. Sealing up those entry points will help keep bugs outside, where they belong.
Stay One Step Ahead of the Swarm
Bugs are a part of life, but that doesn’t mean you have to share your home with them. With a little extra attention this season and some simple preventative steps, you can enjoy the warm weather without uninvited guests crawling around the wonderful living space you created.
If you’re feeling inspired to dive into some serious home maintenance this season, here are a few extra spring cleaning tips every homeowner should benefit from.
