Summer Pest Control Tips: Keep Your Home Bug-Free This Season

Howard Author: Howard Griner | Updated on May 23, 2024

Summer is a time for enjoying the great outdoors but can also be a time for battling pesky insects. From ants and mosquitoes to termites and bees, summer pests can cause many headaches for homeowners.

Fortunately, you can take many preventative measures and DIY pest control strategies to keep your home pest-free this season.

Understanding summer pests is the first step in preventing infestations. Many insects thrive in warm weather and can quickly become a problem if left unchecked. Some common summer pests include mosquitoes, ants, termites, bees, wasps, and spiders.

Knowing what to look for and how to identify these pests can help you take action before an infestation occurs.

Key Takeaway

  • Common summer pests include: mosquitos, ants, cockroaches and flies.
  • Preventative measures like keeping your home clean and dry can go a long way in keeping pests at bay.
  • Homemade solutions with Borax and Sugar can help in dealing with infestations before resorting to professional extermination services.

Understanding Summer Pests

  1. Common Summer Pests
  2. Behavior of Pests in Summer

Summer is a time for outdoor activities, barbecues, and fun in the sun. Unfortunately, it is also the time when pests become more active and can invade your home. Understanding the behavior of summer pests and knowing how to prevent them is crucial to keeping your home pest-free.

1. Common Summer Pests

common summer pests

Several pests are more active during the summer months. Here are some of the most common ones:

  • Mosquitoes: These pesky insects breed in stagnant water and are most active during the early morning and evening. They can transmit diseases such as West Nile virus and Zika virus.
  • Ants: Ants are attracted to food and water sources, making your home an ideal destination for them during the summer months.
  • Cockroaches: In summer, cockroaches invade your home because they thrive in warm and humid environments..
  • Flies: Flies are attracted to food and garbage, making them a common problem during the summer months.

2. Behavior of Pests in Summer

Behavior of Pests in Summer

Pests are more active in summer due to the warm weather and longer days. They are also attracted to food and water sources, making your home an ideal destination. Cockroaches, for example, are attracted to food crumbs and grease, while mosquitoes breed in stagnant water.

To prevent summer pests from invading your home, it is essential to:

  • Keep your home clean and dry.
  • Make sure to seal any cracks or crevices around doors and windows
  • Keep your garbage cans tightly sealed.
  • Use natural repellents such as citronella candles to keep mosquitoes away.

Taking the necessary precautions and home extermination tips for summer allows you to enjoy a pest-free, safe, and comfortable home even in the hot weather.

Preventative Measures

  1. Home Sealing
  2. Natural Repellents

When it comes to summer pest control, prevention is key. By taking a few simple steps, you can greatly reduce the likelihood of pests invading your home and yard. Here are some pest prevention tips for summers you can take:

1. Home Sealing

One of the best ways to prevent pests from entering your home is to seal up any potential entry points. This includes cracks in the walls, gaps around windows and doors, and holes in the foundation.

You can use caulk or weatherstripping to seal up these areas. Make sure to also check for any openings around pipes and electrical wiring, as these can also provide access for pests.

2. Repellents

Repellents

Several natural repellents can help keep pests at bay. Some standard options include:

  • Essential oils: Peppermint, lavender, and eucalyptus oils are all known to repel insects. You can dilute these oils with water and spray them around your home and yard.
  • Citrus: Many insects, including ants and flies, are repelled by citrus scents. You can use lemon or orange peels to create a natural repellent.
  • Plants: Certain plants, such as marigolds, lavender, and basil, are known to repel insects. Consider planting these around your home and yard to help keep pests away.

These preventative measures can significantly reduce the likelihood of pests invading your home and yard this summer. Remember to keep your home clean and tidy, which can help deter pests.

DIY Pest Control Strategies

  1. Homemade Solutions
  2. Safe Use of Pesticides

If you're looking for ways to keep pests out of your home during the summer months, there are a few DIY pest control strategies you can try. Here are some summer pest control tips to help you get started.

1. Homemade Solutions

Homemade Solutions

Homemade solutions are one of the easiest ways to keep pests out of your home. For example, you can make a natural insect repellent by mixing equal water and vinegar in a spray bottle. This solution can repel ants, spiders, and other common household pests.

Another homemade solution you can try is a mixture of borax and sugar. This solution can be used to get rid of ants. Mix equal parts of borax and sugar, and sprinkle the mixture around the areas where you've seen ants. The sugar will attract the ants, while the borax will kill them.

2. Safe Use of Pesticides

Safe Use of Pesticides

If homemade solutions don't work, you can also use pesticides. However, using them safely is essential to avoid any health risks. Here are some tips to help you use pesticides safely:

  • Read the label carefully before using any pesticide.
  • When applying pesticides, wear protective clothing, such as gloves and a mask.
  • Keep children and pets away from areas where pesticides have been applied.
  • Store pesticides in a safe place, out of reach of children and pets.

By following these tips, you can use pesticides safely and effectively to keep pests out of your home during summer.

Professional Extermination Services

Professional Extermination Services
  1. When to Call a Professional
  2. Choosing the Right Service

When it comes to pest control, sometimes the job is too big for DIY methods. That's when you need to call in the professionals. Here are some tips on when to call a professional and how to choose the right service.

1. When to Call a Professional

If you've tried DIY methods and they haven't worked, or if you have a severe infestation, it's time to call a professional.

Some pests, such as termites, require specialized equipment and training to eradicate. Additionally, some pests, such as wasps or venomous spiders, can be dangerous to handle on your own.

2. Choosing the Right Service

When choosing a professional extermination service, there are a few things to remember. First, make sure the service is licensed and insured. This will protect you in case of any accidents or damages that occur during the extermination process.

Next, look for a service that offers a guarantee. A good extermination service will stand behind their work and offer to return and re-treat if the pests return.

Finally, consider the type of pest you're dealing with. Some extermination services specialize in certain pests, such as rodents or bed bugs. Ensure the service you choose has experience dealing with the pest you're trying to eradicate.

Professional extermination services can be an excellent option for dealing with summer pest control issues. Choose a reputable service that can handle the job effectively and safely.

Maintaining a Pest-Free Home

  1. Regular Cleaning Tips
  2. Monitoring and Evaluation

Keeping your home pest-free during the summer months requires a proactive approach. Here are some tips to help you maintain a pest-free environment:

1. Regular Cleaning Tips

regular control tips

Regular cleaning is one of the most effective ways to prevent pests from entering your home. Here are some tips to help you keep your home clean and pest-free:

  • Keep your kitchen clean: Clean up any spills or crumbs immediately. Store food in airtight containers and keep your kitchen free of clutter.
  • Vacuum regularly: Vacuum your carpets and floors regularly to remove any food crumbs or pet hair that may attract pests.
  • Clean your garbage cans: Make sure to clean your garbage cans regularly to prevent pests from being attracted to the smell of food.

2.    Monitoring and Evaluation

In addition to regular cleaning, it's important to monitor your home for signs of pests. Here are some tips to help you monitor and evaluate your home:

  • Inspect your home regularly: Check your home for signs of pests, such as droppings, nests, or holes in walls or floors.
  • Seal any cracks or gaps: Seal any cracks or gaps in your home's walls, floors, and foundation to prevent pests from entering.
Seal any cracks or gaps
  • Use pest control products: Use pest control products, such as traps or baits, to eliminate any pests that may have entered your home.

Conclusion

In conclusion, with summer comes the high possibility of pest infestation in your home. The first step in preventing and solving such a situation is understanding the pest infesting your home.

Lastly, following these summer pest control tips, including preventative measures, DIY strategies, or professional extermination, you can maintain a pest-free home and enjoy a comfortable and healthy living environment.

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