With the promise of summer also comes the promise of bugs. Homeowners have to stay vigilant, lest they find ants - or worse - rifling through their food.
Grandparents Magazine suggested that homeowners increase their pest proofing efforts, especially if they see one or two ants in their home. These are typically "scout" ants that are looking for food and water - and they may bring many more ants with them if they find a food source. The publication suggested cleaning up any messes which could attract these pests, including stray crumbs in the kitchen or spilled dry goods in the pantry.
The next step is to tightly seal any foods in your cabinets. Since ants love sweet foods, place fruits in the refrigerator, which will slow the ripening process - and give you a chance to eat it before ants do! Don't overlook your trash: It has banana peels, egg shells and leftovers from dinner - all of which ants may love. Take out the trash regularly and use a can that has a tight seal on it. This prevents ants from finding a food source. Yahoo noted that dry dog or cat food is an attractive food source as well. House ants love greasy foods, reported The Standard Times, making these the perfect snack.
In addition to removing food sources, owners should remove standing water inside and outside their homes. That means keeping your sink empty of dirty dishes, Grandparents Magazine advised. You should also check plants in your home that may have standing water: It can be the perfect place for ants to make a home.
Take preventative measures and wipe down your counters and cabinets with white vinegar. It removes any ant trails as well as keeping these pests away, as they hate the smell. However, the pungent odor of vinegar affects homeowners too! There are other do-it-yourself methods you can use. Salt is an effective deterrent. This basic condiment creates a barricade that ants refuse to cross, AOL noted. You can use leftover coffee grounds with lemon juice, as ants hate the smell.
You may also need to turn your attention to the grass right outside your home. AOL suggested spraying the area of your lawn party with a solution of water and peppermint oil to keep the ground free of ants. With these tips, you can keep your home ant-free and enjoy the warm weather!
As the weather cools, you'll probably see fewer pests than you did during the warmer months, but that doesn't mean they're all gone just yet. Some insects can actually come out in full force during the autumn, while others might seek refuge in your warm home. Here are some key tips to keep in mind as fall gets underway:
Not every creature that visits your property is a dangerous nuisance. Many animals actually offer a number of benefits that keep your yard healthy. Predatory animals, in particular, actually offer natural pest control. Here are five common suburban creatures that can help keep more difficult or annoying animals at bay:
The customer is always right, and this is especially true if he or she is complaining about seeing a mouse or cockroach. Pests have no place in your organization, as bugs and rodents will turn away potential business or even lead to a possible lawsuit. Keeping your company protected requires a proactive approach. Work with a pest removal specialist to identify the best ways to stop creatures from infesting your business. Here are just a few ideas for successfully mitigating and preventing any issues:
You might see an influx of rodents at this time of year, because as the weather cools mice and rats seek warmth anywhere they can find it. Unfortunately, that often means inside residential homes. Many homes may experience rodent infestations at this time of year more than any other. Whether they're getting into your garage, basement or kitchen, it's important to put a stop to them before the problem becomes too serious and requires the intervention of a professional pest control agency.
Summer is almost here and before you head out on a family trip or even if you travel for work, consider doing a little research so you become familiar with bed bugs. This will help you identify them quickly and it could keep you from bringing them home unknowingly!
With the promise of summer also comes the promise of bugs. Homeowners have to stay vigilant, lest they find ants - or worse - rifling through their food.
For some, the garage is a primarily a storage unit. If your household is one that keeps its vehicles parked in the driveway, you may have considered clearing out the garage or at least organizing it so that you can better locate your things. Another good reason to do so it because a cluttered garage makes it easier for pests to hide. In the summer months, pests might invade the space looking for some shade. During winter, rodents may take shelter from the cold. Perhaps worst of all, a swarm of bees or wasps could decide that an open wall is the perfect spot to build a nest. For these reasons alone, you should consider cleaning out your garage and inspecting it for pest damage. Read on to learn how:
