4-7-10: Spring Arrives in North Carolina and Brings Unwanted Pests
State’s Pest Management Association Urges Homeowners to Add Pest Management Strategies to Spring Cleaning
Raleigh, N.C. – The warm, sunny days of Spring have arrived and so have the Spring pests. Today, the North Carolina Pest Management Association (NCPMA), urged homeowners to include pest management strategies in their spring cleaning and lawn maintenance to prevent potential problems.
“Spring is a time when many pests make their reappearance after a winter of lying low,” said Lee Smith, board member of NCPMA. “As we begin to venture outdoors to enjoy the spring weather, pests like ants, spiders and ticks become active and can become a nuisance or even a health threat.”
According to the association, ignoring the increased presence of pests in the spring months can result in serious infestations and other problems that can bring health risks to families.
“Keeping pests at bay during the Spring months is not just about cleaning. It is also about keeping you and your family healthy,” Smith said. “Because the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services recently announced that Lyme Disease had been discovered in several of the state’s counties, it is important that all North Carolinians take the proper steps to ensure that their homes and lawns are protected.”
The NCPMA has offered the following tips for families to help ensure a pest-free spring cleaning:
- Keep it closed. Keep windows and doors closed to keep pests from coming inside the home.
- Do a pest check. Before coming inside from the outdoors, check exposed skin, clothes and shoes for insects.
- Wear the right clothes. When you are outside, wear long sleeves to prevent insects from touching your skin.
- Bag it! Reduce dust-mites, carpet beetles and spiders in your home by vacuuming your home thoroughly including carpets, draperies and mattresses and box springs.
- Clean your closets. To reduce carpet beetles and moths in your home, get rid of unwanted clothing in your closet and especially on your floor.
- Keep an eye on pets. Make sure you watch your pets closely, especially if they spend time outdoors. Check your pets’ fur for ticks regularly and make sure you speak with your veterinarian about flea protection.
- Schedule regular pest inspections. Get your home inspected regularly by a qualified, licensed pest professional. Your pest professional can recommend steps you can take to make sure your home stays pest-free. Visit www.ncpca.org to find a pest professional in your area.
About the NCPMA
Founded in 1952, the North Carolina Pest Management Association (NCPMA), is the trade association representing the professional pest management industry in North Carolina. NCPMA promotes the continued cooperation and success of all pest management businesses in North Carolina. Formerly, the North Carolina Pest Control Association, NCPMA is the only statewide association dedicated to representing and educating North Carolina’s pest management professionals. To learn more about NCPMA, please visit www.ncpestmanagement.org.
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