Spring Pest Prevention Tips for Cottage Owners in Midland & Surrounding Areas

As cottage season kicks off across Midland, Penetang and Georgian Bay, you're probably excited to open the doors, soak in the view and NOT discover surprise guests like squirrels in the attic or ants in the kitchen.

Here are our top spring pest prevention tips to help keep your cottage pest-free so you can actually relax this season:

1. Do a Full Perimeter Check

   Inspect your cottage's foundation, siding, vents, windows and rooflines for holes, cracks or loose materials. Even a gap the size of a dime is enough for mice to sneak in.

PRO TIP: Use steel wool or caulking to seal small gaps. Pests hate it!

2. Clear Out Overgrown Vegetation

   Branches, shrubs or wood piles touching your cottage create the perfect bridge for pests to get inside.

   PRO TIP: Keep vegetation trimmed back at least a foot from your cottage walls and move firewood at least 20 feet away. 

3. Check the Attic & Crawl Spaces

   Spring is when many pests become active again, especially squirrels, bats and raccoons that may have overwintered. It's key to look for droppings, nesting material or chewed insulation.

   PRO TIP: If you hear movement or find evidence, call us! Many wildlife species in Ontario are protected and need to be handled humanely.

4. Don't Ignore Standing Water

   Mosquitoes need a bottles cap worth of water to breed. Check clogged gutters, buckets, tarps, bird baths and old tires.

   PRO TIP: Flush bird baths weekly and consider mosquito treatments if your cottage is near wetlands.

5. Inspect Screens & Doors

   Torn screens or unsealed door sweeps are wide open invites for flies, wasps and other bugs.

   Pro Tip: Repair or replace damaged mesh and install door sweeps to block entry at ground level.

6. Keep Food Stored Tight

   From chipmunks to ants, spring is buffet season for pests.

   Pro Tip: Store dry goods in sealed containers and don't leave garbage or recycling inside while you're away.

7. Book a Spring Inspection

   Get ahead of issues with a professional pest control inspection. A technician can spot early signs of activity and apply preventative treatments before pests move in for good.

READY FOR COTTAGE SEASON?

Let Balson Pest Control help you enjoy it stress-free. Contact us today to schedule your spring inspection or preventative treatment.