[Updated May 28, 2020]
Summer weather means sending the kids outside to play, yet as soon as they head outdoors, you may find them running back in because of pests. Ants, mosquitoes, and other insect infestations can make your outdoor areas a miserable place for your family. Summer pest control can make it easier to enjoy the outdoors, helping you prevent insect infestations and protect your home and family. Here are some quick summer pest control tips to help make your summer more enjoyable.
Types of Summer Pests
Summer pests can come in all shapes and sizes. From tiny ticks that carry Lyme disease to explosive rodent populations that host a suite of diseases, you can face a number of problems in the summer. Some common pests during the summer months include:
- Insects and arachnids
- Ants – House ants, carpenter ants, pavement ants, and others
- Spiders – Black widow spiders, brown recluse spiders, hobo spiders, and others
- Mosquitoes
- Bed Bugs
- Fruit Flies
- Boxelder Bugs
- Ticks
- Rodents – Mice and rats are the primary problems
- Stinging Insects – Wasps and certain types of bees
If you’re noticing problems with these pests, then it’s time to think about pest control measures you can take. For DIY pest management, use these pest prevention tips.
What to Do to Prevent Pests
The primary way to prevent pests in your yard is to avoid creating the right breeding ground for them. This may include ideal environments for creating nests or food sources.
First, remove or clean all sources of stagnant water, including bird baths, buckets, cans, or similar locations. Insects such as mosquitoes are attracted to standing water where they can lay their eggs.
If you have these items in your yard, regularly remove and replace the water. This is a perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes. Similarly, keep the drainage areas and gutters clean and free flowing. Make sure rain water is diverted from your home.
Next, keep your yard tidy. Litter can hold water or provide a dark place for other types of pests to breed. Tall, unkempt landscaping is the perfect hiding place for ticks and other pests. If you’re finding you have a problem with pests in your home, consider replacing the weather stripping around windows and doors to keep pests from entering your home.
Then, keep kitchen counters and floors swept and cleaned to avoid attracting them. Make sure food is put away and secured in pest-proof containers, including pet food. Again, be sure to check seals around windows and baseboards to ensure that there are no potential entry points for pests where they might be coming in.
What Not to Do to Control Pests
If you’re taking a strong stand against pests, you may find yourself with quite a bit of misinformation at your fingertips. Many methods are used to control pests that are less than effective.
If you plan to use pesticides, DO NOT use outdoor chemicals inside. Properly store and dispose of leftover chemicals. Be sure to follow the instructions and safety warnings on the labels.
Failure to follow instructions could result in serious injury or even death. Learn more at EPA.Gov.
If you’re serious about having a pest-free home and yard this summer, you need to partner with a summer pest control professional.
Reach out to Senske Services to learn more about how to keep pests away from your summer BBQs, so you can enjoy your outdoor fun this year.