Summer is an exciting time but can end sour without some preparation. When the sun comes out, so do summer pests. And sometimes, they even make their way into your home.
Five out of ten pest professionals believe ant infestation is on the rise. This is just one of many common summer pests. Others include snakes, mosquitos, cockroaches, mice, and spiders.
Household pests love summer as most people do. There are more food sources, longer days, and temperatures and moisture levels increase. But they do not have to enjoy summer in your home!
Read on to learn the top summer pest control tips to keep your home pest-free.
1. Maintain Your Yard
It is vital to keep your yard clean to prevent pests from entering your property. There are inevitably some outdoor pests, but you can cut down on the amount that may enter your home. Insects such as bees are not pests, and you should protect them.
Rodents, snakes, and raccoons can damage your yard too, so remove areas where they can make a shelter. Trim any bushes, and mow the lawn frequently.
Spiders love dry yard debris. While most spiders are harmless, it is essential to reduce the risk of spider bites. Remove any food from outdoor areas quickly and clean your barbecue after use.
Termites can also be attracted to firewood. Store your firewood away from your home so they do not move into it! Also, keep wood raised above the ground, such as on shelves, not on the floor.
2. Store Food Correctly
The kitchen is one of the rooms household pests love most, as they have access to food, water, warmth, and shelter. Keep your kitchen clean without food lying around accessible to pests. Do not neglect any crumbs or spills, as it can quickly lead to ant infestation!
Use airtight containers to store food and keep your pantry clean. Any cluttered areas are the perfect nesting site for many common summer pests.
One ant or one bug might not seem like a big deal, but it can quickly escalate! Also, take out the garbage regularly and keep it sealed. A lid on the bin can keep smells in and pests out.
If you notice any leaks around your sink, resolve them quickly. Leaking faucets, dirty drains, and other plumbing issues lead to more moisture. Pests such as cockroaches love moisture.
3. Inspect Attics
Take time to check areas of the home you may not regularly go in, such as attics, basements, and garages. Household pests such as mice, rats, bats, and raccoons can even get in! Do not ignore any noises; inspect them!
Trim trees and bushes back close to your home, as pests can then access your roof. Keep your attic organized with sealed boxes and no clutter.
Keep trash away from your home and in sealed containers. Ideally, waste will not stay outside your home for long periods.
4. Seal Doors, Windows, and Cracks
If you notice any holes or gaps, seal them! Many summer pests can find their way in through the smallest of cracks. Check areas such as windows, doors, and pipes. You can use caulk to fill areas.
If you like to have your windows open wide during warm weather, consider window screens. There are different designs to fit with your home.
Also, inspect your roof for cracks, and inspect your chimney. You can also put mesh over your chimney to prevent pest entry. If you notice any cracks, call a roofing professional.
5. Keep Your Home Tidy
It is not just your kitchen that summer pests like. You need to keep your entire home tidy!
For example, clean clothes before storing them. Seal clothes you are not using to prevent pest infestation. Lavender sachets are also a good smell for cupboards to repel moths.
Vacuum at least once a week and address areas of clutter. Also, plan deep cleans during the month. A professional service can do this for you.
You can also use natural smells that bugs do not like. For example, you can clean surfaces with vinegar, which can prevent ant infestation. Peppermint can also repel pests such as spiders, and it smells great.
6. Remove Standing Water
Standing water is when there is stagnant water in your yard and home. For example, it can be in buckets, plant pots, leaks from air conditioning units, or holes in the ground. And mosquitos use it for breeding!
Removing standing water can reduce the mosquito population by 70% if you do it once a week. It is essential to check for standing water weekly to prevent new eggs from hatching.
7. Check Vacation Beds
You may be aware in your own home, but it is natural to switch off during vacation. However, one of the most common summer pests is bed bugs. Not only do bed bugs leave itchy bites, but they can hitch a ride on your belongings to your own homes.
Over half of bed bug complaints occur in summer and can lead to severe infestations. Always check vacation beds for signs of bed bugs, keep luggage away from beds, and report it! Common signs include dark stains on bed sheets, an unusual odor, and bed bug shells.
8. Call Pest Control
You can follow the pest control tips, but it is essential to know when to admit defeat. If your home or yard has a summer pest control problem, take action. A pest control company will stop the problem from getting worse and eliminate it.
Enjoy Summer With These Pest Control Tips!
Keep your summer enjoyable by following these pest control tips. No matter how much you think the summer pests will go away, it is unlikely they will unless you take action. Prevention is a lot easier to manage than a cure, which can be costly.
And maintaining a tidy yard and home brings many other benefits too! You will feel calmer. Everything is organized, and you reduce allergens.
A professional cleaning service will keep your home clean throughout the year. Contact us today to learn how we can help you!