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🬢 Termite Prevention — March Priority
- CriticalInspect foundation for mud tubesPencil-width mud tubes along the foundation = active subterranean termites. Check inside and outside the full perimeter.
- CriticalCheck window sills for discarded wingsTiny piles of identical wings near windows = recent termite swarm from inside or nearby. Requires immediate professional inspection.
- CriticalSchedule professional termite inspectionIf 12+ months since last inspection — schedule before March swarmer season. Catch new colonies before significant damage occurs.
- ImportantClear all wood-to-soil contactLumber, firewood, or debris touching soil at the foundation = termite access. Remove and maintain 6-inch clearance.
- ImportantFix foundation moisture issuesTermites follow moisture. Fix downspout discharge, regrade pooling soil, repair crawlspace moisture sources.
🐜 Ant & Perimeter Treatment — March–April
- Critical (South)Apply fire ant bait across full lawn (Southern states)First Amdro or Advion application before queen flights begin. Soil dry, temp 65–95°F, no rain in 24 hours.
- ImportantFirst Bifenthrin perimeter sprayWhen soil temp reaches 50°F — 3 ft up and 3 ft out from foundation. Apply in early morning or evening.
- ImportantPull mulch 6 inches from foundationMulch against the foundation holds moisture and provides ant harborage. Clear buffer zone before insects become active.
- ImportantWalk perimeter and caulk all gapsFull exterior caulk walk — gaps around utility penetrations, window frames, foundation-sill interface.
- ImportantClean gutters of winter debrisClogged gutters create standing water, rot fascia, and attract carpenter ants. Clean before spring rains.
Mosquito Prevention — April–May
- CriticalAudit all standing water sources on propertyWalk the full property and list every potential breeding site: pots, tarps, gutters, birdbaths, water features.
- ImportantInstall Bti dunks in water you can't drainPonds, rain barrels, tree holes. One dunk per 100 sq ft lasts 30 days. Order before April to avoid shortages.
- ImportantClear and extend downspoutsClogged gutters = mosquito breeding. Clean gutters and ensure downspouts drain away from the structure.
- PrepStock up on DEET and permethrinOrder Sawyer Permethrin and 25-30% DEET before warm weather creates retail shortages. Treat clothing now.
🫡 Tick Prevention — April–May
- CriticalTreat outdoor clothing with permethrinApply Sawyer Permethrin to pants, socks, shoes, shirts. Dry 2–4 hours. Kills ticks on contact through 6+ washes.
- ImportantFirst tick yard spray (lawn-woodland edge)Bifenthrin to the 9-foot transition zone between lawn and wooded/tall grass areas. Targets nymph season (May–July peak).
- ImportantClear leaf litter from yard edgesTicks shelter in moist leaf litter at the woodland edge. Removing it reduces tick habitat significantly.
- CriticalStart tick and flea prevention on all petsMonthly prevention starting April through November. NexGard, Simparica, or Bravecto. All pets in the household simultaneously.
🌿 Garden & Lawn
- ImportantApply white grub control granules (May timing)Imidacloprid granules in May before grubs hatch. Prevents August grub damage to lawn with a single spring application.
- Mid-AtlanticCheck trees for Spotted Lanternfly egg masses (Mid-Atlantic)Gray mud-like smears on smooth bark. Scrape into a bag with rubbing alcohol. Report the sighting to state ag department.
- OptionalTreat ornamental shrubs with Imidacloprid drench if aphid historySingle soil drench gives systemic protection all season. Non-flowering shrubs only — never near blooming plants.
🏠 Structural Maintenance
- ImportantInspect all window and door screensCheck every screen for holes or tears before warm weather. Even small holes let mosquitoes and gnats enter.
- ImportantCheck and replace door sweepsCompressed or worn sweeps create gaps. Replace any that allow daylight under the door when closed.
- ImportantSeal all utility penetrations with mesh and foamGaps around gas lines, conduit, water pipes entering the structure. Xcluder mesh packed in + foam sealant over top.
- MaintenanceInspect attic and crawlspace vents for intact screeningScreen damage from winter allows stink bugs, squirrels, and bats. Repair with 1/4 inch hardware cloth.
- MaintenanceTrim all vegetation touching the structureBranches touching the roof or walls = insect and rodent bridges. Maintain 3-foot clearance from all sides.
📚 Products & Preparation
- PrepStock up on Bifenthrin concentrateBuy Talstar P or Bifen IT 32oz or gallon. You'll apply 4–6 times through spring/summer. Buying now is cheaper than urgent retail.
- MaintenanceReplace snap trap bait with fresh peanut butterPeanut butter oxidizes over winter and loses attractiveness. Refresh all traps in March before spring rodent activity.
- OptionalUpdate your pest activity log from last yearWhere did pests appear? What worked? What didn't? Use last year's experience to prioritize this year's prevention focus areas.