Summer is all about longer days, backyard barbecues, and enjoying the outdoors but it's also prime time for pests to invade your home. From ants and mosquitoes to wasps and even mice, these unwelcome guests can quickly put a damper on your summer fun.
The good news? With just a few simple precautions, you can keep pests at bay and fully enjoy everything summer has to offer. Here’s how to protect your home and yard from unwanted visitors.
Seal the Entry Points
Your first step in pest-proofing is making sure there’s no easy way in. Walk around your home’s exterior and look for cracks, gaps, or holes near doors, windows, pipes, and vents. Seal small gaps with caulk, use weatherstripping around doors, and patch or replace any torn window screens. These small fixes can make a big difference in keeping bugs out.
Keep the Kitchen Clean
Summer pests are especially drawn to your kitchen. Ants, flies, and roaches are on the lookout for easy meals, so keep food sealed and crumbs off the counters. Wipe up spills promptly, take out the trash regularly, and don’t forget to clean under appliances where food can hide.
Eliminate Standing Water
Mosquitoes need only a small amount of stagnant water to breed. Check your yard for hidden sources: clogged gutters, flowerpot trays, kiddie pools, and pet bowls. Empty or refresh water sources regularly, and consider installing a small fountain or aerator in ponds to keep the water moving.
Tidy Up the Yard
A well-kept yard doesn’t just look nice — it helps deter pests. Keep your lawn mowed and your bushes trimmed to remove hiding spots for ticks, spiders, and rodents. Remove piles of leaves, fallen branches, or clutter that might serve as shelter for unwanted critters. If you have a garden, try to harvest ripe produce promptly, as overripe fruits can attract everything from flies to raccoons.
Try Natural Deterrents
Looking for a chemical-free way to repel pests? Essential oils like peppermint, eucalyptus, citronella, and tea tree oil can help. Mix a few drops with water in a spray bottle and spritz around baseboards, windows, doors, and outdoor seating areas. For ants, sprinkle cinnamon, cayenne, or coffee grounds near entry points — these natural deterrents can be surprisingly effective.
Consider a Barrier Treatment
If you’ve dealt with recurring pest problems in the past, it might be worth applying a perimeter insecticide. Many over-the-counter options are safe for residential use — just be sure to follow the instructions closely. You can also look into seasonal treatments from pest control professionals for added protection.
A Little Prevention Goes a Long Way
Pest-proofing doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive — it just takes a little time and consistency. By sealing up entry points, keeping things clean, and maintaining your yard, you’ll create a strong first line of defense. So go ahead and enjoy the summer — without uninvited guests crashing the party.
