How to Protect Your Family from Summer Pests?

Summer is a wonderful time for families, with fun and activities. From outdoor barbecues and picnics at the park to just chilling in a backyard, these months are meant for creating memories. Unfortunately for many, summer also has its share of pests.

From mosquitoes to ants, flies to ticks, these pests can make you miserable outdoors while also posing a health threat to your family. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to protect your loved ones from these intruders and enjoy summer other than contacting pest removal Detroit companies.

Here are some useful and practical summer pest prevention measures:

Make Sure Your Home is Clean, and Tidy

When it comes to the summer pest control, cleanliness comes first in line against any pest infestation. Food crumbs, spills, or even standing water can attract a multitude of pests. With regular cleaning and proper storage of food, you can significantly minimize any chances of pest infestation.

Clean Your Kitchen: Wipe down the countertops, sweep the floor, and clean up crumbs after every meal. Never leave dirty dishes in the sink overnight.

Food Storage: Keep food in sealed containers to prevent ants, rodents, and other pests from entering your pantry.

Trash Maintenance: Dispose of rubbish regularly, ensuring it is kept well secured in trash bins.

Pet Food: If you own pets, avoid leaving their food bowls outside for too long, as they can attract ants and other pests.

Seal Cracks, Gaps, and Other Openings

Cracks, gaps, and openings are typical entrances for pests inside your homes. Check the exterior of your home for possible entry points for pests around the windows, doors, and vents. Caulk and weather stripping can be used to seal these openings, thus making it more difficult for insects and rodents to enter.

Window and Door Screens: Keep window and door screens in good condition without holes so that when you decide to have some fresh air, the screens will not allow in any pests, like mosquitoes.

Chimneys and vents should be checked for damage or wear and repaired quickly so that pests can't get in.

Foundation: Examine your home's foundation for cracks or gaps that may attract pests. If you notice any major damages, you may need to seek professional advice.

Use Natural Pest Repellents

There are plenty of natural repellents to try to avoid the harsh chemicals. Essential oils like citronella, eucalyptus, and lavender form a strong resistance against mosquitoes, flies, and other insects. Consider these natural options:

Citronella Candles: You can place these outdoors during barbecue nights and parties to keep the mosquitoes at bay.

Essential Oil Sprays: Mixed with water, spray around the house and yard to form a natural barrier for pests.

Herbs and Plants: Some plants like basil, mint, and marigolds repel pests naturally. Planting them in the garden or on the patio could help keep bugs away.

Apart from these natural remedies for pest control, garlic, cayenne pepper, or even neem oil can be helpful in repelling pests like aphids, mosquitoes, and ants. If these remedies are not working, contact a pest control or exterminator Detroit.

Standing Water Management

For protecting the family against the mosquitoes, it is necessary to clear all mosquito breeding places, which are stagnant water sources. Empty or treat any container or area that is collecting water outside.

Birdbaths and Small Pools: Regularly change the water in the birdbaths and kiddie pools. If the pool is not regularly in use, cover it to avoid water collection.

Gutters and Downspouts: Get gutters cleaned from time to time and free from debris so that no water collection for the mosquitoes to occupy.

Outdoor Containers: Any container that can collect rainfall water, like buckets, flower pots, or watering cans, should be turned upside down.

By eliminating standing water, the opportunities for mosquito and other pest breeding in your home environment are greatly reduced.

Keep the Lawn and Garden Clean

A clean garden is great for the aesthetic appeal as well as discouraging pest presence. Overgrown grass and shrubs are a good hiding area for ticks, fleas, and mosquitoes.

Mowing: Insect development can be retarded by keeping the grass short and regularly mowing the lawn.

Pruning: Prune any overgrown bushes or trees that could house insects such as ants, termites, or bees.

Mulch: For gardens with mulch, ensure that the mulch is at least a few inches away from the house foundation to prevent these pests from being able to enter inside.

You can also plant pest-repellent plants such as lavender, citronella grass, and lemongrass in your garden area so that insects get discouraged from entering.

Seek Professional Assistance for Pest Control

In the case of some summer pest problems, calling in the experts might be the best option for protecting your family. These mosquito control Detroit are trained in handling all kinds of infestations and can come up with long-term solutions for keeping your home safe in the meanwhile. They can provide either monthly or quarterly treatments to curb these pests before they become a greater problem.

Regular Inspections: Pest control professionals can do regular inspections for your home to catch any signs of infestations early.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM): Many offer IPM programs that favor non-chemical pest control measures, especially with children or pets in mind.

Outdoor Protection for the Family

Special precautions must be taken to protect oneself and family from pests.

Wear Protective Clothing: While hiking or walking in areas with tall grass or heavy vegetation, long sleeves, long pants, and closed-toe shoes should be worn to minimize the threat of ticks and other insects.

Repellents: Skin and clothing should be treated with insect repellent, especially if the area is known to have a high mosquito presence.

Avoid Dangerous Hours: Most of the pest activity, including mosquitoes, peaks during sunset and sunrise. Thus, plan outdoor activities for other times of the day.

Ensure Your Family Receives Proper Pest Safety Education

Educating your family about pest safety and prevention can help protect them even more from bites and infestation. Teach children not to poke or disturb insects and to inform an adult whenever something unusual is spotted in or outside of the house.

End Note

Being proactive about pest control will guarantee that your family enjoys a safe and fun-filled summer without the hassles and hazards posed by usual summer pests.