A professional treatment does the heavy lifting. But pest pressure in North Texas never really stops, and what you do between pest control visits decides how long that treatment holds. The good news is that none of it takes much time. Most of it is ten minutes on a Saturday.
Here is what we tell Dallas, Richardson, and Plano homeowners to keep an eye on through the year.
What to do between pest control visits, month by month
Spring (March–May)
- Walk the foundation and look for new cracks after winter ground movement.
- Clear leaf litter and mulch back a few inches from the exterior walls.
- Check window and door screens for tears before you start opening windows.
- Dump standing water — plant saucers, buckets, clogged gutters, low spots in the yard.
Summer (June–August)
- Keep grass trimmed and shrubs cut back off the siding, so pests lose the bridge indoors.
- Take trash out on a set schedule and rinse bins — Texas heat turns a sticky can into an ant highway fast.
- Watch for new ant mounds in the yard and note where they show up.
- Store pet food in sealed containers, not open bags in the garage.
Fall (September–November)
- Seal gaps around pipes, dryer vents, and utility lines — this is when rodents start looking for a warm place.
- Replace worn weather stripping under exterior doors.
- Move firewood off the ground and away from the house.
- Check the attic and garage for droppings or chewed insulation.
Winter (December–February)
- Listen for scratching in walls and ceilings at night.
- Keep pantry goods in sealed containers to head off pantry moths and beetles.
- Check under sinks for slow leaks — moisture draws roaches and silverfish year-round.
- Note anything you see now and mention it at your next service visit.
Why this matters more than people expect
Treatments work on the pests present and on the pathways they use. Housekeeping between pest control visits removes the food, water, and entry points that let a new population build back up. It is the difference between a treatment that lasts the full quarter and one that feels like it faded early. If you are not sure how often your home should be serviced in the first place, we covered that in how often you should get pest control in Dallas.
When to call instead of waiting
Do not sit on these until your next scheduled visit: droppings in the attic or pantry, scratching inside walls, a sudden surge of ants indoors, or any sign of damage to wood or wiring. Those are rodent and structural issues that get more expensive the longer they run. More common questions are answered on our FAQ page.
Talk to a licensed technician
HK Pest Control Services is licensed and insured in Texas under TPCL #13923 and serves Dallas, Richardson, and Plano. Call 469-618-9991 for a free quote or to ask about anything you spotted on this checklist — it is backed by our guarantee.
