It’s here! Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial start of summer. This time of year millions of people head outdoors for games, water sports, picnics, and barbecue after months of hibernation.
Unfortunately, pests of all kinds also emerge from their cool weather hideouts this time of year, and they are not afraid to crash your parties!
We’re glad to report there are lots of things you can do to thwart their plans. Here are ten best practices for controlling pests around your house and yard. The best thing is most of these recommendations cost little more than a bit of your time and attention to detail!
- Block Their Entry
The concept here is simple: make it hard for pests to get inside. Check all door and window screens for holes, and repair or replace screens as necessary. Look around your doors and windows for gaps you should fill, and replace window stripping as needed. Be sure to examine places where pipes and wires enter your house, and close any gaps you find.
- Clean The Kitchen…
Leftover crumbs and food on your counters, tables, and floors are a veritable buffet for insects and mice. Encourage them to dine elsewhere–far away from your home–by making sure there’s nothing to eat in your kitchen. Wipe counters, sweep floors, and take trash out regularly. Be sure to put uneaten food away quickly after meals.
- But Don’t Take Meat Outside Too Soon
While it’s sound practice to empty indoor trash receptacles frequently, meat scraps require special handling. That’s because they’re a big draw for pests of all kinds. The odor of decaying meat is often too much for insects (like flies) and wild animals to resist. Ideally, meat trimmings should not sit outside more than 48 hours. Keep scraps inside, perhaps in your refrigerator, as long as possible before moving to your outside trash cans.
- Eat Your Vegetables
Don’t let fruits or veggies become overripe on your table or counter. Ripened fruit becomes moldy and attracts fruit flies. Believe me, eliminating them is a headache you don’t want to have!
- Drain Standing Water
Stagnant water is home to a lot of pests, notably mosquitoes. They live and breed in standing water. Don’t let them make a home around your home! Walk around your property keeping an eye out for standing water in unexpected places. No spot is too small for mosquitoes to breed. In addition to large reservoirs like buckets and pots, look for puddles in and around rain spouts, in planting beds, etc. Be sure to check for leaks near your air conditioning unit, empty wheelbarrows, and pick up toys scattered throughout your yard.
- Maintain Your Yard
Overgrown vegetation provides a perfect environment for pests to thrive. They love building nests where predators can’t see them and moisture is available. A tidy lawn not only looks great, it discourages pesky invaders. Mow your yard regularly (we recommend bagging the clippings), trim bushes and trees near your house, dispose of leaves, dispose of debris, and yes – remove weeds. - Store Firewood Properly
Piles of wood attract termites. If you keep firewood on your property, store it as far away from your house and outbuildings as possible. The same is true for other lumber and building materials you have. Stack items at least five feet away from structures, preferably further. For maximum protection, store materials in above-ground racks.
- Inspect Outdoor Furniture
Regularly check chains and corners of your swing sets and outdoor furniture for spider webs and egg sacks. They love to nest in recessed areas and inside pipes. Remove immediately if you see any.
- Keep the Outside Out
Don’t bring outside toys into your house, or take inside toys to the yard. If you must bring a toy, chair, or table indoors, thoroughly inspect for bugs and wipe it down before taking it inside.
- Use a Pest Control Service
Hire a local pest control service to come to regularly spray for bugs and rodents that commonly live your area. Proactive treatments can prevent flea, tick, and ant infestations from starting. Plus, pest control professionals are trained to spot pest problems you didn’t know you had.
Now is a perfect time to pest-proof your property. Work through these tips to help make this summer one of your best ever. Should you find a problem that requires help, or if you want to start a preventative routine, contact us at (405) 679-8729. We’re here to help!
