August in the North bay is a time of transition. The long summer days begin to give way to the familiar rhythms of the back-to-school season. As you check off lists for new notebooks, sneakers, and lunchboxes, there’s one more checklist every parent should consider: pest-proofing.
As our kids begin moving between home, school, friends’ houses, and after-school activities, they can unknowingly create pathways for pests to enter our homes. At North Point Pest Solutions, we want to help you start the school year with confidence by pest-proofing your routine.
The Backpack: A Pest’s First-Class Ticket
A backpack’s journey is vast. It sits on classroom floors, in lockers, on the bus, and at sleepovers. This makes it the perfect vehicle for pests like cockroaches or, in some cases, bed bugs to hitch a ride into your home.
- Your Checklist:
- Designate a “Drop Zone”: Create a specific spot for backpacks to be stored as soon as kids get home. A hook in the mudroom or garage is ideal. Avoid letting backpacks get dropped on beds or sofas.
- Empty and Inspect Weekly: Once a week, have your kids completely empty their backpacks. Shake them out outdoors and wipe down the interior. This not only gets rid of old papers and food wrappers but also allows for a quick pest inspection.
The Lunchbox: An Open Invitation for Ants
A forgotten lunchbox can become a feast for household pests, particularly ants. Spilled juice, leftover crumbs, or a piece of fruit left over the weekend can attract a line of ants straight to your child’s room.
- Your Checklist:
- Empty and Clean Daily: Make it a non-negotiable rule to empty lunchboxes every single day after school.
- Wipe It Down: Use a disinfecting wipe or soap and water to clean the interior and remove any sticky residue.
- Store in the Kitchen: Once clean, store the lunchbox in the kitchen, not in bedrooms or backpacks.
For the College Student: Dorm Room Defense
Dormitories can be hotspots for pests like cockroaches and bed bugs due to the high density of people and varying levels of cleanliness.
- Your Checklist:
- Inspect on Move-In Day: Before unpacking, thoroughly inspect the mattress, bed frame, and furniture for any signs of bed bugs (rust-colored spots, shed skins).
- Use Mattress Encasements: A high-quality mattress and box spring encasement can help protect a bed from a potential infestation.
- Practice Cleanliness: Keep food in sealed containers and clean up messes promptly to avoid attracting cockroaches and other pests.
A Quick Note on Head Lice
While head lice are a common back-to-school concern, it’s important to note that they are human parasites, not structural pests. They are spread through head-to-head contact and are not a sign of a pest problem in your home. For lice treatment, you should consult your pharmacist or family doctor, not a pest control company.
Your Home is the Best Defense
The best way to prevent a stray pest from becoming a full-blown infestation is to ensure your home is well-defended. Sealing cracks and entry points, keeping kitchen surfaces clean, and having a professional pest control plan in place creates a powerful barrier.
Let North Point Pest Solutions be your partner in keeping your home healthy and pest-free this school year, so you can focus on what really matters.
Start the school year with total peace of mind. Contact North Point Pest Solutions today for a comprehensive home inspection.
About North Point Pest Solutions:
North Point Pest Solutions is a leading provider of comprehensive pest control services in the North bay and the surrounding areas. We are dedicated to providing our customers with effective, environmentally responsible solutions to their pest problems. Our team of experienced and certified technicians is committed to delivering exceptional service and lasting results.
