Not necessarily, but an empty seasonal home can give pests more time to get established without anyone noticing.
Just because a home on the Jersey Shore is vacant for a lot of the year doesn’t automatically make it more attractive to insects or rodents. They’re after shelter, moisture, food, and warmth. And they need a way inside. They'll do this whether you're there or not. But the big difference with seasonal homes is that pests can go inside when no one is looking and then go unnoticed for a long time.
Pests often move in long before you notice them. A mouse might spend weeks quietly exploring a crawl space before leaving any obvious clues. Similarly, stink bugs could slip inside and hide out of sight until they wake up to warmer weather.
Vacant properties also tend to develop conditions that would otherwise be caught quickly. For example, plumbing leaks would be repaired and damaged screens replaced more quickly in most primary residences. Seasonal homes could be left for weeks or months without these problems being noticed. Likewise, food left in the pantry can be eaten by pests for a long time before anyone notices.
This is why it’s especially important to prepare a seasonal home for the end of the season before leaving it unattended for a long time. Store food securely or remove it and take out the trash. Inspect doors and windows and repair damaged screens and seals. It’s also smart to trim back vegetation before you go too.
It is always a good idea to walk through your property when you return from being away. Spotting new exterior gaps or finding dead insects near the windows can give you a helpful early warning before a minor pest issue escalates.
If pest activity is showing up in or around your seasonal home, Mosquito Squad of the Jersey Shore can help identify the problem and develop an appropriate pest control plan. Call (732) 716-3346 or request a free quote online.
