Ladybug running along on blade of green grass. Beautiful nature
Summer Bugs and How to Deal with Them
School’s out, the pool is ready, the BBQ and block parties are beginning… Ah, summertime! While it’s officially the most beloved time of the year for many, it’s also an active time for certain insects. Here are some common pests during summertime and how to avoid “running into” them.
Solution: Check for nests first. Inspect your home (including loft spaces, garages, sheds, cavity walls, and under eaves) and your garden for walnut or golf ball sized nests. These will be newer nests and these contain fewer wasps. Make sure all outside bins are sealed tightly. Keep them at a distance from your doors and windows so wasps won’t be drawn by the contents inside. Keep all windows and doors shut so they won’t enter your home. Most importantly, remember to practice caution. If you spot a nest, keep your children and pets away from it.
Solution: It can be dangerous using pesticides and sprays in the kitchen, as you wouldn’t want for your food to become contaminated. But, there are other ways you can prevent ants from entering your home. Clear up all food and liquid spills as soon as they occur. Sweep up any crumbs; including those that fall under appliances and units. Keep your food stored in tightly sealed containers, including pet food. Seal all cracks and crevices around doors and windows. As for your garden, keep your compost enclosed and make sure all of your garbage bins are tightly sealed.
Solution: Make sure all cracks and crevices are sealed around doors and windows. Use screens or draw your curtains at nighttime to prevent them from entering through doors and windows. Vacuum your home on a regular basis, especially under large pieces of furniture and sofas. This will remove any eggs that are present before they hatch. Store your textiles in a sealed bag or suitcase. Finally, do your laundry! Moths are drawn to dirty clothing, so make sure you keep up with your laundry on a regular basis.
Solution: Once night falls, keep your doors and windows closed, and block out any light by drawing your curtains. Utilize screens on windows and doors, particularly ones around the kitchen and areas where you keep waste materials. Keep all food covered; especially if cooking or eating outdoors. Clear away any food debris and spills as soon as they occur, especially those under appliances and units. Make sure all garbage bins are tightly sealed. Clean up after your pets. Clean up any dead flies, as they can attract the likes of carpet beetles and various other bugs that eat dead flies. Get rid of any standing water; this will attract the likes of mosquitoes. If you have a pond, add goldfish to it (they consume fly larvae).
Solution: Do your laundry at the highest possible temperature. De-clutter your home so they won’t have places to hide. If you have bed bugs, don’t take any clothing, suitcases, or furniture to the homes of your friends and family; this will likely cause their homes to become invaded. Keep your bedroom clean, especially the floor around and under your bed, as well as your bedside cabinets/night stands.
Solution: Prevent them from obtaining food, water, and shelter. Clean up all crumbs and spills, and de-clutter your home on a regular basis. Remove uneaten pet food and drink, and empty litter boxes each evening before going to bed. Varnish or paint any wooden shelves to seal them, and clean them regularly. Inspect cracks, crevices, vents, sewers, and pipe drains often.