Do you have a growing list of home improvement projects?
Don’t wait until those humid summers or frosty winters to square away essential tasks like gutter cleaning, pest control, or yard maintenance. Spring is the ideal time window to tackle your checklist, especially in March, when the weather is most agreeable.
Here are 10 spring tasks that every homeowner should finish before the season’s end.
1. Clear Your Gutters and Downspouts
Monsoon season typically starts in April, making gutter and downspout cleaning a priority for early spring, from February to March. The goal is to clear out all of that winter debris, like oak leaves, pine needles, and pooling water.
Unclogging these areas will channel rainwater away from your home, protecting your foundation.
2. Inspect for Pests By April
Clogged gutters and downspouts can also attract common household pests, including larger critters like rodents, opossums, and raccoons. Spring is also the opportune time to book Greensboro NC pest control services to remove common household pests, including:
- Ants
- Cockroaches
- Wasps
- Stinkbugs
- Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are attracted to standing water when it’s humid.
Termites also swarm in the humid summer months, making these tasks a top priority for Spring.
3. Yard Drainage
March is the best time to make any necessary changes to your yard drainage before mosquito season hits. North Carolina is known for its clay-heavy soil, which can make drainage challenging. Keep an eye on lower areas of the yard where water pools the most, and make sure your downspouts can direct water 5 to 10 feet away from the house.
4. Tree Trimming and Pruning
Trim back any tree limbs or shrubs that are growing into your roofing or siding. Rapid Spring growth can attract carpenter ant infestations and squirrels. As a rule of thumb, maintain 12 inches of space between your yard plants and exterior; this will help prevent material rot from monsoons.
5. Seal Off Gaps
Before humidity rises, inspect your home’s exterior for any gaps that could attract pest infestation. Inspect and replace any worn weatherstripping and caulking. Seal and replace any windows that could attract pests.
6. Repair Window Screens
Make sure your window replacements have proper screens by March. Even the smallest tears can attract ants, and worse yet, mosquitoes. Window screens also protect against heavy pollen seasons.
7. Clean up Your Desks and Patios
Check your patio and deck areas for any wood rot or algae growth from winter frost. The freezing cycles can also cause loose boards and cracks. Finish off with a thorough power wash to remove any surface grime.
8. Dehumidify Your Crawlspaces
If you have an attic or crawl spaces with access doors, you know how humidity can affect these areas. Excess moisture can cause mold growth within the wood, necessitating repair or replacement. Avoid extra costs by dehumidifying these areas and creating vapor barriers.
9. Clear Out Trash and Firewood
Remember that summer pests are drawn to decaying elements, like rotting gutter leaves and waterlogged debris. Clear out any remaining trash and rotted firewood. Secure your outdoor trash bins to prevent raccoons and opossums from rummaging.
10. Check Your HVAC System and Air Quality
Make sure your central AC is working properly before those humid summers approach. You’ll likely need air filter replacements, especially as pollen season nears. Routine duct cleaning will also improve indoor air quality, creating a breathable retreat from the humidity.
Start Your Spring Task Checklist
Use this guide to create your spring project task list. Create a short list of reputable local services for pest control, window replacements, HVAC repair, and tree trimming. Completing these 10 tasks by April will help you weather everything from Monsoons to pollen season.
