Summer is in full swing, and while that means more time spent outdoors, it also means more time spent indoors, where pests can cause trouble. Summer is prime time for various problems to invade your home, from ants and spiders to mosquitoes and termites. Nevertheless, there are a variety of measures you can take to aid in preventing their entry. You've found the right place if you're in the market for some summer pest control advice. This article will cover some of the best methods for avoiding pests this summer at home. If an infestation happens, we will also advise you on how to handle it.
Summer's warmer temperatures are one of the season's most anticipated features. The emergence of summer pests will also ruin some people's outdoor plans at this time.
Five main factors cause an increase in the activity of these pests during the summer. The first is how hot or cold it is. The weather may influence pests' development and behaviour. Due to the warmer weather, the activity levels of many of these creatures rise. However, other problems will try to find refuge inside your home when the temperature outside rises. The summer's high humidity exacerbates insect invasions. Infestations are more common in humid areas because water is essential for most pests. Pests flourish in the summer due to favourable high humidity conditions and frequent rain. Because of the lack of water outside, they will venture inside.
The days are longer, and the nights are shorter during the summer. Pests will be more active throughout the day because they will have more hours to find food. Another factor that drives pest activity in the summer is food availability. In the summer, grass and other plants flourish, providing a bountiful meal for many insects. Furthermore, this is an excellent place for them to hide. As a final point, summer is a pivotal time for developing many common pests. To increase their numbers before things slow down for the winter, they breed rapidly during this time. Many also embark on foraging expeditions in search of supplies for their upcoming brumation or hibernation.
Summer Pest Control Tips
Get Rid Of The Things That Cockroaches Eat.
Unfortunately, there is a cost to enjoying the summer's mild breezes. In Tennessee, cockroaches become active during the summer and may invade your home.
A fully grown cockroach can reach a length of up to three inches. Their colour is somewhere between mahogany and reddish-brown. Cockroaches are more likely to invade our homes when the temperature rises, or it begins to rain.
Cockroaches will eat just about anything. Bugs will munch on anything from unrefrigerated pet food to decaying leaves and fungi.
Cockroaches are not only annoying in the home but can also spread disease.
You can prevent cockroaches as ants can by maintaining a clean kitchen and stowing away any open food in airtight containers.
Keep your trash cans regularly emptied throughout the summer. Every night before going to bed, open your trash can. Keep your head covered during the day.
Since roaches forage for food at night, it's important to sweep the kitchen and dining area before turning in. You can remove roach faeces and egg sacs by vacuuming your home every two to three days.
Do not sprinkle around your home scraps of paper or cardboard. Cockroaches will be attracted to the materials and use them as a place to hide.
Be aware that professionals in your area can assist you with a cockroach problem if you encounter any this summer.
Protect Your Home From Centipede Infestation By Sealing Cracks
House centipedes are not insects but rather arthropods. Their lengths are relatively consistent, between three and six centimetres. While most house centipedes are shades of grey or brown, occasionally, you'll see ones with more vibrant colours like purple and blue.
Among the insects and other arthropods that centipedes prey upon are flies, cockroaches, moths, and spiders.
Usually, centipedes get inside a house through broken windows or crevices. A house centipede is most likely found in dark and damp places, such as a basement, shed, bathroom, or even inside your home's walls.
As summer approaches, take precautions to keep centipedes out of your home. Make sure the pipes in the bathroom are in working order. The high humidity and moisture caused by dripping faucets are ideal for a centipede's habitat.
Centipedes are attracted to the items because they contain insects that they eat.
To keep centipedes out of your house, hang mosquito netting over any openings. Close up any holes or crevices that could allow insects or rodents access.
Clean Kitchens Deter Ants
There are ants in your pants. Not in there, and hopefully not even in your underwear. However, an entire ant colony will be attracted to a kitchen constantly covered in crumbs.
When you're done eating, wash the dishes. A hungry ant's ideal food source consists of discarded scraps and unwashed dishes. While it's unpleasant, washing dishes as soon as they're used can significantly reduce ant populations in the home.
Sugary and sticky foods also entice ants. That necessitates speedy consumption of all remaining sweet tea and popsicle juice. Ants are most active in the summer, so washing your kitchen counter several times a day is essential. There won't be any ant problems if you get rid of the sticky residue.
Lastly, always use airtight containers when storing food that has been opened. Put away any food that might get stale on the counter. Compared to other insects, ants have four to five times as many olfactory receptors, allowing them to detect open food sources at great distances.
The appearance of ants in your home should not cause undue alarm. Lemon juice, vinegar, cinnamon, and mint are some common household ingredients that are effective in repelling ants. Do not hesitate to get help from experts if your ant problem worsens.
Get Rid Of Pools Of Water
When we recommend getting rid of pools of water, we don't mean you should throw away your swimming facility. The chlorine in your pool can help keep insects at bay. Instead, we recommend that you try to minimise the amount of water collected in containers around the house, such as buckets and flower pots. You don't want mosquitoes bugging you, so stay away from stagnant water. The next step in warding off summer pests is getting rid of any pools of water that may have collected on your property.
If an item causes water to pool in a particular area, you should bring it inside.
The design of a property can increase the likelihood of puddles forming in certain spots. Get in touch with a professional to help with water drainage issues or low areas in your yard.
Tend To Your Garden
Keep your yard clean, and you'll see fewer mosquitoes. It aids mosquito control but also reduces the habitat of some of the worst garden pests. You should keep your yard clean by picking up trash, mowing the grass, and pruning the bushes.
Keep Firewood In A Dry Place
Have you ever heard of the fact that termites find firewood particularly appetising? You're essentially providing them with a staging area before they launch an attack on your house. Firewood should be kept at least five feet from home, preferably more than ten. Don't let it sit on the floor, either; use racks of some description.
About half the time, we don't even realise we've been bitten by something until we look at the bite and try to figure out what kind of insect it was.
That cannot be said about another type of pest that frequently invades homes and yards. Yes, we are discussing snakes. If you don't want to see a rise in the snake population around your house, it's essential to eliminate things like lawn debris and dense shrubbery that provide shelter for snakes and food, like mice and rodents.
Bed Bug Infestations Can Ruin A Vacation, So Check The Beds And Furniture In Your Rental Or Hotel Thoroughly.
Not all insect bites are indeed created equal. While there are many remedies for bug bites, some insects cause such severe itching that even home remedies are useless. This class includes the dreaded bed bug. Look for blood and faeces on the mattress by lifting the sheets (including the mattress cover) during your hotel or vacation rental stay. Parts of the bed that might otherwise go unnoticed can be uncovered by simply running a credit card along the mattress's edge.
Keep The Drought Out!
Whether you're trying to keep out mosquitoes, wasps, or even spiders during the summer, making sure your doors and windows are shut tight is the best bet. Repair any draughty doors or holes in the window screens you find.
Get Professional Help With Pests
Insect repellent is a great way to keep the bugs away when you're out and about. However, insects shouldn't bother you when you're inside your own four walls. Every summer, a large number of homes are plagued by pests.
You Should Replace The Weatherstripping.
When trying to rid your home of pests, you should begin on the inside. We advise homeowners to check their homes' exit and entry points for any cracks or holes that could serve as entryways for insects. Take a close look at the windows and doors in your house to identify vulnerable areas.
Landscaping Trimming
Your landscaping also provides more places for summertime pests to call home. Maintaining a low insect population requires early spring attention to the landscaping around your home's perimeter. Pest numbers will increase and get closer to your home if you let the bushes and trees grow too large.
Also, make sure the weeds are kept in check. To prevent further weed growth in your landscaped areas, start weeding garden areas and applying mulch. Use weed-control products to ensure that your entire property remains weed-free, including shady, cool places.
Consider which plants in your yard attract the most bothersome insects and get rid of them. Lavender, catnip, and basil are some plants that may discourage mosquitoes from establishing breeding grounds in your yard.
Look Over Patio Sets
Insects may also try to make a home in patio furniture. Some pests like to make a home in the hollows of wicker and other common patio furniture materials.
You should give cloth padding on outdoor furniture extra care. Fabric cushions and covers can be removed from outdoor furniture such as chairs, benches, and sofas, but they will likely wear out quickly in the hot summer sun.
These furniture pads may provide a haven for small insects. If you take the cloth off and wash it once a week, you can keep the bugs at bay. It's essential to clean the other pieces of furniture as well, as dust and insect droppings can spread quickly.
Using a spray or insect repellent product on the furniture is another option for pest control. Essential peppermint oil is an efficient repellent. Choose straightforward, unfussy styles for your outdoor furniture. Fewer places for bugs to hide will be present in more minimalist designs.
Use The Services Of A Professional Pest Management Company
Working with a professional pest control service is best for a pest-free summer. A pest control company can help you prepare your home and yard for a stress-free summer. An expert in pest management can inspect your house and yard and recommend an effective pest management strategy.
Tick and mosquito treatment sprays for the yard and outside may be the first thing your pest control technician recommends. Thanks to the population control benefits of these products, you and your family will not have to deal with an endless stream of mosquito and tick bites. It makes the yard a better place to spend the summer.
A pest control service can provide you with the most effective methods of eliminating any existing pest population, whether they are located inside or outside your home. Routine pest control services make it possible by removing pest problems and restoring a state of health and comfort to your home.
Protect Your Family's Haven
If you don't want bugs in your house, the first thing to do is seal up any possible entry points.
You should inspect screens for holes and, if found, repair or replace them. Letting the evening breeze in is refreshing, but you should be prepared to keep the bugs out.
It's Essential To Maintain A Tidy Cooking Space.
When temperatures rise, bugs like ants and roaches may find their way indoors, searching for food. Keep your kitchen as spotless as possible to avoid them discovering any. Crumbs on the floor or table can be a fantastic feast for pests.
When you're done using the kitchen for food preparation or consumption, always clean up after yourself by scrubbing the counters and sweeping the floors. You should also take your garbage cans outside at least once every few days.
Drain-All Standing Water
Eliminating mosquito breeding grounds by draining any standing water is a valuable strategy. Look for water pooling in unusual places, such as near the air conditioner or in the downspouts. Don't forget to empty the birdbath and wash out the dish for the dog's water, and bring the kids' toys inside.
Consider installing drainage to eliminate puddles and low spots in your yard.
Remove The Litter From Your Yard
Untidy yards are an eyesore and may be a breeding ground for the insects plaguing your home.
You'll also need to pull weeds and rake up fallen leaves. It is not only an excellent spring cleaning project but also an efficient means of pest control during the summer.
Throw Away Waste Carefully
Regular trash collection is essential, but you should exercise caution around perishable meat. You should store meat inside unless you pick up the trash within 48 hours. If it begins to rot in the heat, it will attract a wide variety of pests to your yard.
Keep Firewood In A Dry Place
Termites can invade your home if you store firewood too close to it. It is more than just an annoyance; it can cause expensive structural damage. Keep wood piles at least five feet away from your house or storage shed to avoid this.
The 5-foot rule is a bare minimum. If you can safely keep it at a greater distance, by all means, do so. You should also keep it in racks that are not directly on the floor.
Before Using Your Patio Set, Make Sure It's In Good Condition.
Spider egg sacs can be effectively captured before they can hatch. If you regularly knock down spider webs, the spiders may decide to move on to other areas instead of multiplying in and around your home.
Don't Bring Unwanted Pests Inside The House.
It's not unusual for kids to abandon their playthings in the yard. Make sure to clean them with a rag or a quick hose down outside before bringing them inside. So that you don't have to keep dealing with this problem, try to limit certain toys to either indoor or outdoor play.
Examine Your Animals
It's not uncommon for pets like cats and dogs to bring in unwanted summer guests. You should check them for ticks every day.
All household pets should be on flea prevention medication. If you want to avoid problems later on, you should prevent them from ever occurring.
What To Do To Prevent Pests
Keep your yard free of pests by not providing them with a suitable environment to multiply. Possible examples of this are places with plenty of food or a safe place to build a nest.
First, disinfect or empty any bird baths, buckets, cans, or other containers that may be collecting water that could attract mosquitoes. Mosquitoes and other insects seeking breeding grounds are drawn to stagnant water.
It's a mosquito breeding ground. Similarly, make sure the gutters and downspouts are clear and unclogged. Rainwater must be redirected away from the structure.
Next, make sure your lawn is always neat. Litter can collect moisture or provide a dark hiding place for rodents and other pests. Ticks and other pests love to take refuge in overgrown, overhanging vegetation. You should replace weather stripping around windows and doors if pests are a problem in your home.
Then, regularly sweep and disinfect the kitchen floor and counters. Always store food in containers that pests can't open, including pet food. Again, ensure no cracks or gaps in the seals around your windows and baseboards that problems could use to sneak inside.
What Not To Do To Control Pests
Ineffective methods for pest control abound.
Do not bring pesticides intended for outdoor use into the house. You should keep the remaining chemical materials in a secure location until disposal. Carefully read and adhere to all labelled instructions and safety precautions.
Conclusion
While summer is a great time to take advantage of the warmer weather, it can also bring unwanted pests into your home. If you want to enjoy your home this summer without worrying about pests, read for some helpful pest control advice. You should contact an exterminator if you are having trouble eliminating a specific problem. They'll be in a position to evaluate the circumstance and propose a solution. Don't forget these pointers as summer approaches, and you can relax knowing that your house is protected from pests.
Content Summary
- If you are looking for guidance on how to deal with pests throughout the summer, you have come to the right place.
- A few of the most effective strategies for keeping unwanted guests out of your home this summer are discussed here.
- Sealing cracks is an effective way to prevent centipede infestation in your home.
- Centipedes found in the home are classified as arthropods, not insects.
- It's important to take protection against centipedes as summer approaches.
- You should clean up the table after you're done eating.
- Do away with stagnant puddles.
- When we say "get rid of pools of water," we don't mean to imply that the swimming pool itself should be discarded.
- In order to prevent mosquitoes and other summer pests from settling in, you should drain any standing water on your property.
- Do Some Garden Maintenance
- Mosquitoes can be kept at bay by maintaining a tidy yard.
- In order to successfully exterminate unwanted pests, it is best to start from within the property.
- Pick simple, uncomplicated designs for your patio furniture.
- Call in the Big Guns of the Pest Control Industry
- The best way to ensure a pest-free summer is to hire a professional pest control service.
- Contacting a pest control service will help you get your house and yard ready for summer without the hassle of unwanted pests.
- If you have a pest problem, whether it's inside or outside your home, a pest control agency can show you the best way to get rid of it.
- Having your property restored to its original level of health and comfort is now attainable thanks to routine pest control services.
- Avoid them finding any food by keeping your kitchen as clean as possible.
- If you want to get rid of puddles and low areas in your yard, drainage may be what you need to do so.
- Insect and Rodent Control Measures
- Eliminate pests from your yard by eliminating conditions that would allow them to thrive.
- Maintain a tidy lawn, that's the next step.
- Read on for some useful tips on pest management if you want to spend the summer in your house pest-free.
- Fumigation, fogging, and heat treatment are the other three of the top six pest management tactics, among many others.
- We advise quarterly or even bimonthly pest control treatments for effective avoidance of common pests or if you move into a new home or apartment.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is recommended that you have your home sprayed in the early spring. You can destroy pest nests and colonies at a lower population density if you time your spraying for the spring. The treatment requires less effort on the patient's part, so it lasts longer and has a more significant impact.
In addition to the many options already mentioned, fumigation, fogging, and heat treatment round out the top six types of pest management strategies.
Pests can be divided into four categories: rodents, insects, birds, and other wildlife.
Bed bugs may become more active when temperatures and humidity rise, as in the summer and early fall. If they are "more active," they will seek out food and procreate more frequently. However, as bed bugs are indoor pest that does not hibernate during the winter, constant vigilance is required.
For effective prevention of common pests or when you move into a new home or apartment, we recommend regular pest control treatments on a quarterly or even bi-monthly basis. More severe infestations should be treated once a month for three to six months.