How to Keep Pests Away During Summer
Be Mindful Outdoors
Spending time outdoors with friends and family is easily our favorite summertime activity, but it’s important to be aware of how get-togethers could increase your risk of a pest infestation.
If you host a barbeque, graduation party, or another outdoor event, make sure that food is covered unless it’s being eaten. If anything is dropped or spilled, clean up thoroughly to avoid attracting pests such as ants and mice.
Regardless of whether your trash and recycling are stored in your garage or outside, you should also make sure that the trash can is sealed tightly and that all recyclables have been thoroughly rinsed.
Keep Your Yard Clean & Maintained
Pests love untended yards. Tall grass provides them with cover and safety, while piles of leaves, wood, and other organic matter all create ideal nesting grounds. As we mentioned above, mosquitoes can breed in extraordinarily small pools of water, and they love large ones even more.
The following tips can all reduce the likelihood of pests taking refuge around your property:
- Regularly mow your lawn and keep bushes trimmed
- Bring your pet’s toys inside each evening
- Clean your gutters to prevent buildup, rot, and standing water
- Inspect patio furniture and children’s playsets for nests, webs, and other signs of pests
- Be on the lookout for bees and wasps
- Store firewood at least 20 feet away from your home
- Ensure that rainwater is diverted from your home
Keep Your Kitchen Clean
The kitchen is one of the most common areas you may find pests, and it’s not hard to understand why. Spills, crumbs, dirty dishes, and improperly stored food can draw pests to your property, especially if you open your doors and windows in the morning to cool your home.
We recommend storing perishables in airtight containers, sweeping daily, and cleaning under and around major appliances at least once each month. Deep cleaning isn’t anyone’s favorite summertime activity, but it makes a significant difference when it comes to keeping unwanted guests out of your home!