Press: 10 Pest Control Tips to Keep Pests Away This Summer
Press: Pest Control Tips to Keep Pests Away This Summer
When it comes to keeping pests away over the enjoyable summer months there are ten key things that you can do as a homeowner that will keep your home and yard pest-free. While it is always recommended to utilize the expert skills of a trained pest control technician there are a few natural remedies you can incorporate into your pest deterrent process to double up on the repelling factors. Check out the 10 Pest Control Tips to Keep Pests Away This Summer brought to you by Guard Pest Control in Australia.
#1 Do A Perimeter Check
The first thing that you should do is perform a standard perimeter check of your property once the winter weather breaks. Look for any cracks, burrows or holes.
These are areas where rodents and birds could find entrance into your home. Additionally, you should inspect woodpiles and sheds to check for signs of rodents, birds or insects.
If you discover disturbances or signs of pests act quickly by following these steps:
- Investigate further to determine how many pests are present
- Carefully extract any birds or mice if there is a limited number
- Once it is confirmed the burrow or hole is empty you can safely secure it and seal it
- Contact a pest control expert to properly handle the pests if you are unsure of how to remove them
#2 Utilize Peppermint To Deter Pests
Mice, rabbits, spiders and other insects typically dislike the strong scent of peppermint. If you enjoy entertaining outdoors incorporate peppermint plants around your landscaping. You can also utilize peppermint essential oil around door frames and window sills to keep insects out of the home.
#3 Perform An Interior Check Of Windows And Doors
Carefully inspect all screens on windows and patio doors. Any holes can allow flies or other bugs to enter your home. Also check door sweeps for wear and tear that may have occurred over the winter months. These cracks can also allow ants and other crawling bugs easy access into your home.
#4 Secure Your Pantry
In the event that pests have broken the barrier and found a gap in a window or door sweep you must ensure your pantry is secure to keep them from seeking out easily accessible food. Food should be properly sealed and if possible stored in air tight containers.
#5 Clean With Vinegar
Insects and rodents detest the smell of vinegar. Purchase cleaners that contain vinegar or create your own with a mixture of white distilled vinegar and purified water. Add even parts of each to a reusable cleaning spray bottle.
You can add peppermint essential oil to help further deter pests and a few drops of tea tree oil as a natural anti-microbial agent in the even that any have gained access to your home and have been spotted on counters or cabinets. You can check these 5 DIY Hacks to Keep bugs away this summer From accuweather.com.
#6 Keep Your Yard Properly Maintained
If you become lax in cutting your grass and tending to flower beds you are creating a natural habitat for rodents and pests.
#7 Keep Trash Contained
Make sure you are storing your trash in a container with a tight sealing lid. This will keep larger pests such as raccoons and possums away from your residence. Some storage ideas to prevent larger pests include:
- Place a brick on top of a can if you notice wildlife gaining entrance
- Store garbage cans inside of your garage or shed
- Keep trash in tightly tied bags before the bags are placed in a trash can
#8 Secure Your Garden
If you enjoy gardening you can bet that the bunnies and other local wildlife are also going to enjoy your gardening efforts. Make sure you use proper fencing to secure your garden. These techniques will help control garden pests:
- Use a raised garden bed that is set off the ground
- Wrap your garden perimeter with chicken fencing
- Create a true fenced-in garden complete with a gate
#9 Check For And Remediate Standing Water
It is popular to have a birdbath. They are beneficial for birds to cool off on hot summer days. Birdbaths are also great garden pieces. If the water becomes stagnant then mosquitos will be drawn to them.
Make sure if you are going to utilize a birdbath that you dump it at night and add fresh water in the morning to cut back on mosquitos.
#10 Hire A Professional Exterminator
If you are unsure of how to properly keep pests out of your yard and notice an uptick of pests in your house you will want to hire the services of a certified exterminator. Many offer all-natural approaches at pest control and removal and also offer yearly …