Some Clermont homeowners leave their properties for the summer and return in the fall. During those months, the house can remain closed while Florida’s heat and rainfall continue outside. Owners who arrange professional pest control services before they leave can reduce the chance of returning to pest activity that went unnoticed for weeks.
An empty house can lose the routine checks that catch small pest problems early. Unused drains can dry out, leaks can go unnoticed, and moisture can build up indoors. A few parts of the house deserve particular attention before a long absence.
Dry Drains Open a Path Inside
Every drain has a U-shaped trap that holds a little water. That water blocks insects and sewer gas from coming up the pipe. When a house stays empty for weeks, the water in those traps dries out. An open, dry drain then lets roaches and other insects climb straight up into the house.
Before leaving, run water through every sink, tub, shower, and other rarely used drain so the traps have water in them. Put stoppers in drains where appropriate, and have someone check the house during a long absence to refill traps if needed.
Heat and Humidity Build Up
Florida’s summer humidity can create problems inside a closed house. UF/IFAS recommends leaving the air conditioner operating during a seasonal absence so it can remove moisture. Guidance for seasonal homes places the thermostat around 80-85°F. A humidity sensor or humidistat can help monitor indoor moisture. Keeping indoor relative humidity below about 60% also reduces the conditions that support mold growth.
Food, Trash, and the Yard
Pests need food and water, and an empty house can still offer both. Clear out the pantry before a long trip. Throw away cereal, crackers, pasta, and anything else that draws ants, roaches, or rodents. Store what stays behind in sealed containers. Empty the trash and recycling so nothing is left to attract pests.
The yard can invite pests too. Overgrown plants against the house give pests a path to the walls. Standing water can provide mosquito breeding sites, so arrange for someone to empty containers and clear other places where rain collects. A neglected pool or other water feature can become a problem if it develops stagnant areas, so arrange for regular service while the house is empty.
Check Garages, Attics, and Utility Areas
The rooms people use least can be easy to overlook before a summer departure. Garages, attics, storage areas, and utility spaces should be checked for droppings, nesting material, damaged screens, and gaps around pipes or wiring. Rodents can use small openings to reach sheltered areas, while insects can enter through gaps around doors and utility penetrations.
Do not leave pet food or bird seed exposed in these areas, and avoid piling cardboard or gardening supplies where they can provide hidden shelter for pests. Move stored items away from walls where possible so a returning owner or house-watcher can see signs of activity. Checking these spaces before departure also makes it easier to spot a leak, damaged seal, or other change during the summer.
Check the House Before and During the Trip
A short check before departure can remove several easy sources of pest activity. Seal cracks and openings around doors, windows, pipes, and vents. Set the drains and the thermostat as above. Remove the food and the trash.
A pest service such as Saela can treat the home on a schedule and check it while the owner is away, so the house stays protected through the summer. A monthly walk-through by a trusted person or technician can reveal a leak, signs of a swarm, or evidence of rodents before a small problem goes unnoticed for several more weeks. These preparations reduce the opportunities for pests to enter and make it easier to catch leaks, standing water, or pest activity while the home is empty.
