You’ve been ready for summer all year, but how prepared is your home? This time of year is the perfect opportunity to make memories, spend time with family, and relax. Unfortunately, it’s also the ideal time for bug invasions, massive home messes, and unpredictable mishaps. Make sure your summer goes according to plan by following these 6 summer home prep must do’s.

Increase Your Home’s SecurityVacation Time!!!! If you’re planning to go on vacation this summer with the family, you need to prepare your home before you leave. Criminals will be on the lookout for empty-looking homes, so make it seem like someone is always home by asking a neighbor to collect the mail or use a timer to have a light come on during the evening hours. You can also ask a family member, neighbor, or friend in town to periodically drive by to check that everything is looking normal.

Learn more about home security with Home Point

Prepare for an Empty HomeLeaving your home empty for any time requires preparation. Create a checklist before hitting the road to make sure you cover all your bases. Make sure you unplug all appliances and all electronics, set thermostats to energy saving settings and put all food away and clean up crumbs, grease, and liquids to discourage bugs from setting up camp while you’re gone. Arrange for a friend or neighbor to check on your house, water your plants, and to notify you about suspicious activity.

Be careful to not post vacation dates on social media.

Weatherproof Your HomeSummer is the season for heat, severe rainstorms, lightning, floods, tornadoes, and hurricanes. Keep your family safe by preparing for all types of inclement weather. If you live in a region with extreme heat, you can keep your home cool by checking windows and doors for air leaks. Depending on where you live, you’ll need to plan for specific weather events that are likely to occur.  It is a good idea to secure outdoor furniture. Have an emergency supply kit ready with water, non-perishables, first aid, blankets and clothing for up to five days.  If there is a weather issue while you are out of town, send someone to your home to check for any damage.

Critter Prevention and Control

The heat of summertime creates the perfect breeding ground for cockroaches, ants, bees, and other household pests. Protect your home against invasive bugs by checking your doors, windows, and house foundation for cracks where bugs can enter. Consider hiring a pest control person to inspect your home for possible entry points.

Prepare Your Home for Guests

If you plan to have the neighbors over for backyard barbecues, or if relatives are flying in to stay for the summer, you’ll need to prepare your house for guests. Freshen up your guest-rooms by cleaning the sheets, dusting the furniture, and opening a window to let in fresh air. Check on decks, patios, or if you have a nice refreshing pool, ensure they’re safe for guests to enjoy.

Keep Your Lawn Beautiful

Whether summer brings dry heat or lots of rain, you’ll need to prepare your lawn for the elements. Add extra fertilizer to keep grass alive and prevent it from turning brown. Consider planting some new plants and flowers to enhance curb appeal. Take a look at your trees/shrubs and trim if needed.

Let Summer Inside

Take full advantage of summer by bringing it into your home—in moderation of course. Fill your home with summer scents by picking bouquets of wildflowers or summer-themed air fresheners. Enjoying summer is all about protecting your home from harm while still making the most out of the summer weather.

Stay Cool for the Summer and make sure that whatever your plans are for the summer, you and your family stay safe. With these simple 6 must do's out of the way, you're ready to enjoy the summer weather - and relax on your summer vacation.