There's a specific kind of homecoming most Guelph homeowners dread. You've been gone two weeks. You unlock the door, drop the bags, and immediately notice: droppings on the counter. A wasp bouncing off a window. A trail of ants along the baseboard.
Empty houses are exactly what pests are looking for. Quiet, undisturbed, still with food and warmth. Here's how to prepare so vacation doesn't become a pest problem.
Why Empty Houses Attract Pests
A few things change when a house sits empty:
- No vibration or activity to disturb potential nesting areas
- Food and moisture remain unless you specifically address them
- Wasps and ants explore further without human activity to deter them
- Rodents scout entry points and establish territory
- Small problems aren't noticed until they've become big ones
Even if your house is normally pest-free during regular use, a week or two of vacancy can shift the balance.
The Pre-Vacation Checklist
Ideally start 3–4 days before you leave. Here's the full sequence:
Kitchen and pantry
- Take out all garbage on the way out the door
- Rinse recyclables and remove them
- Clean out the fridge of anything perishable
- Store all dry goods in sealed containers (glass, hard plastic, or metal)
- Wipe down all counters with disinfectant
- Run the dishwasher and empty it
- Empty coffee grounds and clean the pot
Sinks and drains
- Run water in every sink briefly to flush the traps
- Pour a small amount of baking soda down each drain (helps deter drain flies)
- Fix any dripping taps before leaving
- Check under sinks for any current or forming leaks
Bathrooms
- Empty and take out bathroom garbage
- Leave shower doors and curtains open (helps prevent moisture buildup)
- Store toothbrushes and toiletries in closed containers or drawers
- Fix any running toilets or dripping showers
Bedrooms
- Strip sheets and wash before leaving
- Vacuum thoroughly, especially near baseboards
- Empty all bedroom garbage
- Close closet doors
Living areas
- Vacuum couches, chairs, and area rugs
- Clean up any food debris from between cushions
- Empty vacuum canister into a sealed bag and dispose of outside
Basement and garage
- Check for any active pest activity (droppings, webs, new gaps)
- Empty garbage and recycling from garage
- Store all pet food, bird seed, and grass seed in sealed containers
- Move firewood away from the house exterior if not already
- Turn off any dripping outdoor taps
Outside
- Take out all outside bins
- Cover BBQ properly (clean grease trays first)
- Empty birdbaths, plant saucers, kid pools, wheelbarrows — anything holding water
- Check gutters for standing water
- Move outdoor cushions and pillows inside or into weatherproof storage
- Trim any branches touching the house
Lighting and appearance
- Set interior lights on random timers
- Leave the porch light on (dusk-to-dawn if possible)
- Ask a neighbour to bring in mail, flyers, and any packages
- Make sure no obvious "away" signals from the street
For Longer Trips (2+ Weeks)
Extended time away needs a few extra steps:
- Ask someone to walk through the house periodically. Even weekly visits deter pest activity and catch problems early.
- Turn off the water main. Prevents catastrophic leaks that also attract pests.
- Consider a mid-vacation pest check. If you're on a Summit prevention plan, we can schedule a mid-trip visit for peace of mind.
- Set the AC or heat appropriately. Not off, but conservative. Warm humid houses grow pests fast.
- Address any active issues before leaving. A single mouse in the basement becomes a colony in two weeks.
The Vacation-Proof Backyard
Yards deserve their own attention:
- Cut the lawn short the day before leaving
- Weed and clean garden beds
- Address any standing water in low spots
- Empty and store pool toys, floaties, buckets
- Clean out any bird feeders or take them down for the trip
- Take down hummingbird feeders (sugar water sitting in a hot backyard breeds fermentation problems fast)
If you're gone during peak wasp season, walk the property looking for any early-stage nests near doors, decks, or play areas before leaving.
If You Come Home to a Pest Problem
Common ones after time away:
Ants indoors. Address active trails, wipe with soapy water, treat entry points. Usually manageable if caught within a day of noticing.
Wasps around windows. Usually means a wasp got in and can't get out. Assess whether there might be an interior nest.
Mouse droppings. Set traps immediately, walk the exterior for the entry point, book a pro if activity is significant.
Standing water problems. If mosquito breeding has started in yard water, empty everything and consider a barrier treatment.
Pantry issues. Check all dry goods carefully. Bug or moth activity means a full pantry clear-out.
Bed bug bites. If you noticed any signs during travel, do a full-body check after the first night home. Bites in lines or clusters mean a call.
How Summit Helps Homeowners Away for Extended Trips
For Guelph homeowners on multi-week trips or seasonal absences:
- Pre-vacation check. One visit before you leave to identify any active issues and address exterior pressure.
- Mid-vacation walkthrough (for extended trips). We come by, walk the property, check trap stations, and address anything new.
- Post-vacation inspection. We meet you back home and go through the property before you fully move back in.
- Snowbird and seasonal home services. For homes vacant multiple months per year, a proper program prevents almost all seasonal pest issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can I leave my house before pests become a real risk?Even a week is enough for pest activity to begin. Two weeks is where most homeowners see noticeable problems if no prep was done.
Should I fumigate before leaving?No. DIY fogging is minimally effective and can damage stored items. Focus on cleanup and sealing instead.
Can I use bug bomb foggers as a precaution?Not recommended. Foggers have limited effectiveness, leave residue, and aren't a substitute for proper prep.
What if I don't have anyone who can check on the house?Summit can help — for Guelph and surrounding area clients, we can schedule check-in visits as part of an extended-service package.
Come Back to the Home You Left
Vacation should end with unpacking, not with unexpected pest surprises. A morning of prep saves the frustration.
Summit Pest Control offers pre-vacation and seasonal-home pest services across Guelph and surrounding areas.
Call (226) 780-6446 or request a quick estimate today.