While the warm weather of summer and early fall is great for fun in the sun, it is the prime season for unwanted pests finding their way indoors. The best and most effective way to ward off these insects is by hiring a pest control professional to spray the interior and exterior of your home. If you would like to avoid using chemicals or do it yourself, several home remedies are available. Follow these tips to prevent pests from invading your home this summer:
Mosquitoes – Mosquitoes need standing water to breed, so eliminating as many water sources as possible will help keep these pesky critters at bay. Dispose of empty soda cans and water bottles, drain wading pools, and clear gutters. Make sure any screens on your windows and porches are in good condition so mosquitoes don’t sneak through.
Flies – Summer is the high season for houseflies. Outside, they lay eggs in anything that is decomposing (garbage, soil, lawn clippings, sewage, water, animal waste, rotting food, etc.). Dispose of all your litter to keep breeding grounds at a minimum. Don't leave doors or windows open and be sure to seal all food items in your home.
Ants – Sprinkle borax powder or boric acid on your doorstep and around the edges of your home, porches, and garages to discourage ants from entering. You can dust infested areas inside your home with a boric acid and flour mixture. Be sure to keep this mixture away from children and pets.
Bees and Wasps – Open food is the No. 1 attraction for these pests. Keep food closed and take out the garbage regularly. Nests are usually made around buildings, under eaves of homes, or in bushes – and they can be dangerous to remove. It's best to have a pest control professional remove the nests rather than trying to do so yourself.
Roaches – Roaches roam at night and are attracted to crumbs, paper, glue, and pet food. Good sanitation is the best way to ward off roaches; they won't wander and nibble if there is nothing around to eat. For a home-remedy repellent, you can mix shortening and sugar until creamy. Stir boric acid and flour together and then add in the shortening mixture. Add enough water to form soft dough and then roll into small balls. Place the balls in the area you have seen roaches but be sure to keep them away from children and pets.
Owning and maintaining a home is an exciting time in your life! When you are ready to buy a new home or refinance the home you have, know that I am here to help make sure your purchase process goes smoothly. Call me to set up an appointment!
