Summer is here, which means it’s time for dinners outside, sitting poolside, and evening bonfires. However, with the warmer weather comes a variety of pesky bugs that are dying to find their way into your yard or house this summer.
Here are three tips to keep bugs from putting a damper on your summer of fun:
- Check window screens for holes and tears: Window screens are prone to easy punctures – especially if you have small children or pets in the home. Double check all your windows and any other screened in areas (think screen doors, sleeping/sun porches) so you can enjoy a fresh summer breeze without worrying about letting insects inside your home.
- Outdoor cleaning: While you may have already completed your spring cleaning tasks inside, your backyard could be sending out signals to summer bugs for infestation. Get rid of any standing water in flowerpots, gutters, birdbaths and bird feeders – mosquitos love to breed in stagnant water. Clear out brush or piles of unnecessary garden waste that could be harboring unwanted pests. Additionally, trim back any bushes, shrubs, or trees that are directly in contact with the walls of your home; these will act as a bridge for any ambitious bugs to make their way inside.
- Set out traps, bait or pest repellent: Depending on your area, take a look at what insects are most likely to sneak into your home and head to your local hardware or grocery store for bait or repellent. Please make sure that if you have any children or pets in your home, you opt for safer repellent options and keep them out of reach!