Spring is finally here! While the warmer weather is a welcome change, it also means bugs and other pests start to wake up. Did you know that regular cleaning and home maintenance can help create a pest-free home? A solid spring cleaning routine not only freshens your living spaces but also prevents ants, termites, spiders, and other unwelcome guests from settling in.

This spring cleaning checklist will guide you through simple yet effective steps to keep your home clean, organized, and pest-free all season long.

1. Start with Decluttering

Clutter provides hiding spots for pests like rodents and insects. Go through your storage areas such as attics, basements, closets, and garages.

• Toss or donate anything you no longer use.
• Store belongings in sturdy plastic bins with tight lids instead of cardboard boxes, which pests can easily chew through.
• Keep the floor clear and avoid stacking items, as cluttered corners make it easy for pests to hide and build nests.

2. Deep Clean the Kitchen

The kitchen is one of the most attractive places for pests due to the presence of food and water.

• Empty and wipe down all pantry shelves and cabinets to remove crumbs or spills.
• Store dry goods like grains and pet food in airtight containers.
• Clean behind and under appliances such as the stove, refrigerator, and dishwasher, where grease and crumbs can collect.
• Wash garbage bins inside and out, and use liners to avoid residue buildup.
• Check for leaks under the sink and repair them immediately to eliminate water sources for bugs.

3. Tidy Bathrooms and Laundry Rooms

Moisture-prone areas are magnets for pests like silverfish, cockroaches, and ants.

• Scrub sinks, tubs, and showers to remove soap scum and buildup.
• Pour a drain cleaner down the bathroom and laundry drains to prevent pests from living in or feeding on organic material.
• Fix leaky faucets, running toilets, or dripping pipes that can create damp conditions.
• Clean behind washers and dryers, where lint and debris often collect.

4. Seal Cracks and Entry Points

Even the smallest cracks can be an open door for pests.

• Check around doors, windows, vents, and utility pipes for gaps or holes.
• Use caulk, weatherstripping, or steel wool to seal cracks and close off entry points.
• Inspect and repair any damaged screens to keep flying insects from sneaking in.

5. Remove Moisture and Standing Water

Damp areas around your home can attract mosquitoes, termites, and other insects.

• Clean and clear gutters to ensure water drains properly.
• Empty flowerpots, buckets, and toys that may collect water.
• Level any low spots in the yard that tend to hold puddles.
• Keep crawl spaces dry and consider using a dehumidifier to reduce humidity indoors.

6. Clean and Organize Living Spaces

Dust and crumbs are a food source for pests, and clutter gives them places to hide.

• Vacuum carpets, rugs, and under furniture.
• Wash bedding, blankets, and pet beds.
• Wipe down window sills, blinds, and curtain rods to remove dust and cobwebs.
• Keep playrooms and living rooms free of food messes, especially if kids snack outside the kitchen.

7. Focus on the Yard

Your outdoor space can either attract or repel pests.

• Rake leaves, remove dead plants, and clear yard debris where bugs and rodents can hide.
• Trim bushes and trees so they don’t touch your house or roof.
• Keep firewood at least 20–25 feet from your home and off the ground.
• Clean outdoor furniture and sweep patios to remove dirt, crumbs, and cobwebs.

Final Tip: Staying on top of these tasks throughout the spring will keep your home looking fresh and discourage pests from moving in. A clean and well-maintained home, both inside and out, is the easiest way to enjoy a pest-free home all year long.