The summer season is a great time of year, but not when the bugs are flying and the pests are swirling. All manner of household pests, from wasps and bees to mice and other rodents, love the warm weather and long days as much as you do. If you want to protect yourself, your family and your home, you need to keep those pests at bay.
You do not have to spend a fortune or alter your summer lifestyle to enjoy a pest-free season. Here are 10 simple things you can do to keep pests away all summer long.
1.Watch what you wear. Bees, wasps, mosquitoes and other flying insects are attracted to certain scents, so go easy on the perfume and scented skin conditioners.
2.Screen in your porch. Your porch can be a great place to hang out, but summer pests can make the experience decidedly unpleasant. Screening in your porch lets you take advantage of the great outdoors without dealing with all the bugs.
3.Cover your picnic goodies. Summer picnics are lots of fun, but not when pests share in the bounty. Cover your leftovers promptly to keep them pest-free, and take your food indoors as soon as you are done eating.
4.Remove standing water. Standing water is a magnet for mosquitoes, so empty buckets and other containers that could hold moisture.
5.Use pest strips. Something as simple as sticky tape can greatly reduce the bug population around your home, so line your outdoor environment with these inexpensive items.
6.Use natural pest repellents. Plants like mint can create natural barriers to keep ants and other pests out of your home, so use these natural solutions whenever and wherever you can.
7.Stay inside at dawn and dusk. Flying insects are more active at dawn and dusk, so plan your day accordingly. Avoiding the bite could be as easy as going inside when the sun goes down.
8.Carry bug spray. Applying bug spray is a great way to keep the pests away, but the effectiveness is reduced over time. Carry a small bottle of bug spray in your pocket or purse, and reapply it as necessary.
9.Store food properly. Improperly stored leftovers are a bounty for mice, so keep your goodies out of sight.
10.Keep a sharp eye out for signs of an infestation. Pest infestations may start small, but they rarely end up that way. Watch for droppings, ant trails and other telltale signs, and call an exterminator if you suspect a problem.
Keeping your summer home pest free does not have to be difficult. With a few common sense precautions, you can keep your home and backyard pest free all summer long, so you can enjoy the season without worry.
