At some point it’s going to happen. No matter how much you clean, you’ll eventually come across insects that have snuck inside.
Pest Control Tips
Many homeowners don’t want to share their house with bugs, but it’s equally important to keep them under control outside. After all, indoor insects were once outdoors. During the summer, enjoying your yard safely means getting rid of yard pests that can pose health risks and damage your property.
Here are four essential steps homeowners can take to control pests inside and outside of the house.
Find a Pest Control Company That Puts Safety First
There are many techniques and treatments that can be used to evict pests from your yard. History has shown some treatments are safer than others. If you have kids, there are pets roaming around outdoors or you’re concerned about harsh chemicals, look for pest control services that put safety first.
Some companies offer natural treatments in place of chemicals. Even when chemicals are used, some options are relatively safe and the application technique can also make a difference. The pest control company should also be fully licensed, which helps ensure safety.
Know Which Bugs Are Beneficial
Some people fear all bugs, but many insects are actually beneficial. They help the environment, can make your garden grow and pose no threat to people, animals or property.
Surprisingly, many spiders are considered beneficial since they’re predatory and eat other bugs. The only ones you have to watch out for are black widows, and brown recluses.
Ladybugs are another insect you’ll want to attract. They are great gardening partners because they feed on destructive pests rather than plants.
Make Sure There’s No Stagnant Water on Your Property
Mosquitoes aren’t just annoying pests that ruin a backyard BBQ. They’re the most dangerous animal on the planet. They spread vector-borne diseases that kill hundreds of thousands of people every year.
The best thing you can do to prevent mosquito bites is remove all standing, stagnant water. Mosquitoes only need an inch of water to lay eggs that grow into larvae in a matter of days. Even water pooled in a planter dish or tire swing can lead to a mosquito infestation.
Take a walk around your yard to look for places where water can become a stagnant problem. Common trouble spots include:
- Leaky outdoor faucets
- Broken or clogged gutters
- Low points, dips and uneven spots in the yard
- Pots
- Broken sprinkler heads
- Bird feeders
It’s also important to not over water the grass since mosquitoes thrive in moist areas. And if you have ponds or fountains, make sure the water flows continuously.
Use Integrated Pest Control
When it comes to insect management, the Environmental Protection Agency recommends that homeowners take an integrated approach. Integrated pest control means that you take a number of preventative and corrective steps to keep insects under control.
Integrated pest control includes:
Keeping an eye out for insect activity – You’re the first line of defense. Watch out for signs of insect activity, like dead insects, feces and structural damage. If you see insects, take action immediately to correct the problem before it becomes a full-blown infestation.
Weatherizing around the house – You can limit insects’ access to the indoors by weatherizing around windows and doors. You’ll also want to caulk and fill in cracks around the foundation and siding.
Fix leaks – Moisture can cause just as many pest problems inside as they do outside, especially during the hot summer months. Insects need water to survive just like humans. Fix leaks indoors and outdoors and you’ll avoid welcoming unwanted guests.
Keep the house squeaky clean – Some insects are also scavengers that eat whatever humans leave behind. Cleaning up food crumbs, wiping down the kitchen counters, rinsing dishes immediately and using a tightly sealed trash can will cut off their food source.
Professional pest control services – Working with a pest control company is an important part of an integrated approach. For a serious issue, such as a termite infestation, it’s best to call in the pros.
By taking the steps outlined above, you can keep your family safe and dramatically reduce the number of insects that try to call your house home.
Featured Image Source: Flickr
