Annual Home Maintenance Checklist: Keep Your Home in Top Shape

A pest infestation can quickly turn your home or business into an uncomfortable and unhealthy environment. From ants and cockroaches to rodents and spiders, unwanted pests are not only annoying but can also pose health risks and damage your property. The good news is, with a few proactive measures, you can prevent infestations and keep pests out of your space. Here’s how: 1. Seal Entry Points Pests can find their way into your home through even the smallest cracks and openings. To block these potential entry points, inspect your home’s foundation, windows, doors, and walls for any gaps or cracks. Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal these areas and keep pests from entering. 2. Keep a Clean Environment Pests are always on the hunt for food, and even small crumbs or spills can attract them. Make it a habit to clean up food spills immediately, wipe down countertops, and sweep or vacuum regularly to keep your floors free of debris. In the kitchen, store food in airtight containers to eliminate easy access for pests like ants, mice, and pantry moths. 3. Proper Waste Management Trash is one of the biggest attractants for pests. Make sure to take out the garbage regularly and use trash bins with tight-fitting lids. Clean the area around your trash cans, and avoid letting garbage pile up, as it can become a feeding ground for pests. 4. Eliminate Moisture Sources Pests are drawn to water just as much as food. Leaky pipes, dripping faucets, or areas with standing water can attract pests such as cockroaches, termites, and mosquitoes. Fix any plumbing issues promptly and ensure your home stays dry. For areas prone to moisture, like basements or bathrooms, consider using a dehumidifier to control the humidity levels. 5. Keep Landscaping in Check Pests can make their way into your home from outside, so it’s important to maintain your yard as well. Trim back trees, bushes, and plants that are too close to your home, as overgrown landscaping can provide shelter for pests. Additionally, eliminate standing water in birdbaths, gutters, and other outdoor containers, as these can be breeding grounds for mosquitoes. 6. Regular Inspections Regularly inspect your property for signs of pests, such as droppings, gnawed wires, or nests. Catching a problem early on can prevent a full-blown infestation. It may also be beneficial to schedule regular pest control inspections with a professional to keep your home protected. By following these simple steps, you can maintain a pest-free environment and avoid the headaches that come with infestations. Prevention is key, and a little effort now can save you a lot of trouble down the road. Stay proactive, stay clean, and keep pests at bay! Contact WCS for any assistance needed with keeping a safe home environment.

Taking care of your home doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By tackling a few key maintenance tasks once a year, you can keep your home in excellent condition and avoid costly repairs down the line. To help you stay organized, here’s an annual home maintenance checklist that covers both indoor and outdoor tasks. Indoor Maintenance Tasks Flush Your Water Heater Over time, sediment can build up inside your water heater, reducing its efficiency and potentially shortening its lifespan. Flushing the tank annually will help remove sediment buildup, improving performance and extending the heater’s life. Declutter Your Home Take time to go through unused items in your home. Consider donating or discarding things you no longer need. Decluttering will free up space, keep your home organized, and make it easier to clean. Clean Out Crawl Spaces and Inspect Insulation Crawl spaces are often neglected, but they can impact your home’s energy efficiency. Clear out debris and inspect the insulation to ensure your home is properly protected from heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer. Seal Tile and Grout Tiles, especially in bathrooms and kitchens, are prone to mold and mildew if not sealed properly. Ensure that the grout and tiles are sealed to protect them from water damage and to make cleaning easier. Scrub Around Sinks and Tubs Over time, caulking around sinks and tubs can wear down, allowing water to seep into places it shouldn’t. Scrub these areas thoroughly and look out for damaged sections to prevent water damage. Schedule a Termite Inspection Termites can cause significant structural damage to a home if left unchecked. An annual termite inspection by a professional can catch any issues early, saving you from extensive and expensive repairs. Outdoor Maintenance Tasks Inspect and Repair Driveways and Walkways Cracks and damage to driveways and walkways can worsen over time, creating hazards. Inspect these areas annually and repair any damage to prevent further deterioration and improve safety. Empty and Inspect Your Septic Tank Your septic system requires regular care to avoid backups and failures. Having the septic tank emptied and inspected once a year will help keep your system functioning properly. Check the Grading Around Your Foundation Water should always flow away from your home’s foundation. Check the grading around your home to ensure it slopes correctly, and regrade if necessary to prevent water from pooling near the foundation. Inspect the Foundation for Cracks or Flaws Even small cracks in your foundation can lead to big problems over time. Inspect your home’s foundation annually for any cracks or other signs of damage, and repair them promptly to avoid costly issues. Conclusion By staying on top of these essential annual maintenance tasks, you can keep your home safe, efficient, and running smoothly. A little attention each year can save you from the headaches and costs associated with major repairs down the road.