Summer is a time for vacations and relaxing, but warm weather is also a great time for home maintenance projects and ensuring the place you live is comfortable and safe.
Here are a few costly mistakes we’ve seen homeowners make.
Neglecting the air conditioners
We don’t want to think about the inevitable day we need to replace our air conditioner. But the good news is you can prolong its life by catching problems early. So make sure you regularly take a look at each of your AC units to see if anything strange is happening. If you notice any unusual sounds or smells, or if it’s just not working as well as it should, get a professional opinion quickly.
Leaving those gaps in the doors and windows
In summer, a little draft in the window isn’t as noticeable a concern as it can be in winter. But gaps in doors and windows are also big welcome signs to pests who want to come in and dine on your wood, your fruit, and your cat kibble. Straightening and sealing any and all gaps don’t just help you save on your heating and cooling costs. They’ll also help prevent an army of ants from marching into your space.
Letting water collect in the yard
Improper irrigation can lead to still water and stagnation, which is a huge draw (and a breeding ground!) for mosquitos. As mosquitos can be annoying — and spread disease — you’ll want to ensure your yard is set up with proper drainage and that bird baths and other water-collection areas are properly attended to.
Not pruning back tree branches
Trees are beautiful, majestic, life-giving miracles of our yards. They’re also a bit of a nuisance, with aggressive roots that grow into your foundation or pipes and branches that can damage your roof and siding. If that weren’t enough of a problem, branches that are growing too near the house can lead to pest infestations. If a bridge is available, they will come. A tree and shrub service, or a generous landscaper, can help advise you about tree growth and offer solutions to keep your home safe and your trees healthy and pretty.
Forgetting about gutters
In the months before summer, leaves and debris may have accumulated inside your gutters. If you don’t thoroughly clean out your gutters every few months, they could back up, flooding your roof and potentially causing serious damage. You can do this yourself, or call someone with experience to come ensure it’s done correctly. (Bonus! Not having dead and decaying leaves in your gutters also cuts back on pest problems.)
Skimping on pest prevention
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Americans spend between $1 billion and $2 billion on termite control and repairs (and up to $9 billion on pest control in general). Many homeowners wait until they see a termite before they call a professional. But waiting to call a pest professional means that all that time you weren’t noticing termites, they were building nests, reproducing, and wreaking havoc in your home. A thorough inspection and a reliable prevention plan with Dixon Pest Services will take the worry away and keep your house termite-free.
You deserve peace of mind! A few routine maintenance chores can go a long, long way. Call Dixon Pest Services today and let us help you save money and prevent catastrophe.