Start the Year with a Professional Inspection

Just like an annual health check-up, a professional pest inspection sets the foundation for a pest-free year. While homeowners may spot obvious problems, trained technicians know where to look for the subtle warning signs that often go unnoticed until it’s too late. Beginning the year with a thorough inspection ensures you identify risks early and receive a clear plan for prevention.

What a Professional Inspection Covers:

1. Rodent Entry Points

   • Inspect the foundation, siding, and roofline for cracks, gaps, or holes.

   • Pay close attention to areas where utility lines, vents, and pipes enter the home.

   • Even the tiniest gaps (as small as 6 mm) can allow mice to squeeze inside.

2. Overwintering Insects

   • Look for signs of pests like cluster flies, stink bugs, Asian lady beetles, and boxelder bugs that tuck themselves behind walls and insulation.

   • Identify potential entry points around windows, siding, and soffits where these insects often slip through.

   • Early detection prevents infestations from emerging in spring when temperatures rise.

3. Moisture-Prone Areas

   • Check basements, attics, crawl spaces, and bathrooms for leaks, condensation, or damp wood.

   • Moisture attracts silverfish, ants, and carpenter ants, which can cause damage to paper, fabric, and structural wood.

   • Technicians may recommend dehumidifiers, drainage improvements, or repairs to address these conditions.

4. Signs of Active Pest Problems

   • Identify droppings, gnaw marks, nests, or chewed insulation that signal rodents.

   • Spot cobwebs, egg sacs, or discarded insect wings that indicate spider or ant activity.

   • Document pest “hotspots” before they escalate into larger infestations.

Implement Preventative Winter Measures

Winter in Sooke, BC is damp and mild—conditions that make homes especially attractive to pests. Rodents seek warmth and shelter, while spiders and moisture-loving insects gravitate to basements, attics, and crawl spaces. Taking preventative steps during the winter months not only reduces the risk of infestations but also makes spring pest management easier.

Key Actions for Winter Pest Prevention:

1. Seal Entry Points Thoroughly

   • Use caulking to close cracks around windows, doors, and siding.

   • Install weatherstripping along door frames and thresholds to prevent rodents and insects from slipping in.

   • Cover attic vents, crawl space openings, and dryer vents with durable mesh screens that allow airflow but block pests.

   • Pay attention to small gaps—mice can enter through spaces as small as a dime.

2. Inspect Insulation and Wiring

   • Check attics, basements, and crawl spaces for gnaw marks on wiring—a common sign of rodent activity that can create fire hazards.

   • Look for torn insulation, nesting material, or droppings, which indicate that rodents have already started to settle in.

   • Replace damaged insulation and contact a professional if signs of chewing or nesting are found.

3. Store Holiday Decorations Properly

   • Swap cardboard boxes for sealed plastic storage bins—rodents chew through cardboard easily, and cardboard absorbs moisture, making it attractive to insects.

   • Elevate storage bins on shelving to reduce direct contact with floors where moisture and pests are more common.

   • Inspect decorations for any signs of nesting before bringing them into living areas.

4. Declutter Storage Areas

   • Reduce clutter in attics, basements, and garages where pests often find undisturbed hiding spots.

   • Keep items neatly organized and away from walls to make pest inspections easier.

   • Vacuum or sweep storage spaces regularly to remove cobwebs, dust, and insect eggs.

Prepare for Spring Pest Activity

As temperatures rise in Sooke, BC, pests awaken and begin seeking food, shelter, and nesting areas. Early spring preparation is critical—addressing small problems now helps prevent large-scale infestations later. By targeting pests before they become fully active, you can save time, money, and frustration.

Key Actions for Spring Pest Prevention:

1. Inspect for Ants and Carpenter Ants

   • Check wooden structures, decks, fences, and foundations for moisture damage or hollowed wood.

   • Look for sawdust-like debris (frass), which indicates carpenter ant activity.

   • Treat small colonies early before they expand into walls or structural beams.

   • Trim back tree branches touching your home, as they often serve as highways for ants.

2. Address Wasp Nests Early

   • Inspect under eaves, porch roofs, sheds, and play structures for small papery wasp nests.

   • Remove nests in the early stages—before they grow and become aggressive colonies.

   • Seal cracks in siding and soffits where wasps might build concealed nests.

   • Keep outdoor garbage bins tightly sealed to reduce attraction.

3. Eliminate Mosquito Breeding Grounds

   • Dump standing water from gutters, buckets, birdbaths, tires, and plant saucers.

   • Refresh water in birdbaths and pet bowls at least twice a week.

   • Clear clogged gutters and downspouts to prevent stagnant water accumulation.

   • Consider signing up for a seasonal mosquito control program (March–October) for consistent protection.

Protect Your Home During Summer Gatherings

Summer in Sooke, BC is the perfect season for backyard barbecues, family gatherings, and evenings on the patio. Unfortunately, it’s also the peak season for pests. Mosquitoes, ants, rodents, and spiders become especially active, and without preventative steps, they can disrupt your outdoor fun and even pose health risks. By addressing pest concerns before hosting, you’ll ensure your guests enjoy a safe and comfortable environment.

Key Actions for a Pest-Free Summer:

1. Enroll in a Mosquito Control Program

   • Schedule monthly treatments from March to October to keep mosquito populations under control.

   • Professional treatments cover yards up to 4,300 sq. ft., reducing the risk of bites and mosquito-borne diseases.

   • Remove or refresh water sources like birdbaths, pet bowls, and water features between treatments to minimize breeding.

2. Maintain Rodent Monitoring Around Outdoor Spaces

   • Have bait stations inspected and serviced regularly to prevent activity near patios, decks, and outdoor kitchens.

   • Store firewood at least 20 feet away from the home to avoid providing hiding spots for rodents.

   • Keep compost bins and outdoor trash cans tightly sealed to prevent attracting mice and rats.

3. Prioritize Food Safety Outdoors

   • Serve snacks and meals in sealed containers or covered serving trays to reduce ant and fly activity.

   • Promptly clean up crumbs, spills, and sticky drink residue from picnic tables and deck surfaces.

   • Avoid leaving pet food outside unattended—this often attracts ants, wasps, and even rodents.

Make 2026 the year you commit to a healthier, pest-free home. Whether it’s sealing entry points, managing seasonal pests, or scheduling regular treatments, Pest in the City Sooke is here to help.

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