One of the exciting facets of a being a first-time homebuyer is unveiling your deck and backyard to friends and family during the summer months. You can relax outside or host a barbecue - but many first-timers don't know how to get their decks and patios protected against the pests of summer.
Here are the pests to watch out for this upcoming summer:
These are the ultimate pests for any summer outing. After just a few minutes, you may be slapping your legs to try to get mosquitos away from you. First-time homeowners can mosquito-proof by removing any standing water - like from a birdbath or an overflowing flower pot - that might become a breeding ground for mosquitos. The next step homeowners can take is to throw out their citronella candles. Consumer Reports found that these candles, along with a battery-powered diffuser, couldn't keep mosquitos away. Instead, the publication prefers an oscillating fan to make sure these bugs stay away. In addition, if your party runs into the evening, turn on LED lights - which act as a repellant.
House flies can be a nuisance when you're trying to relax outdoors. They may even contaminate your food. These pests "mark their territory" when they land on food by regurgitating on it - so stay away from any burgers house flies touch! They could transmit diseases like E. coli or salmonella. To keep them away, make sure foods are tightly covered - and dispose of any extras immediately, as that could entice flies to linger. You can also hang fly paper near the doors and windows to make sure that if you take the party inside, the flies won't try to follow. Or use lemon to keep these pests away. Keep a few slices in a decorative bowl to deter flies from interrupting the party, Today.com recommended. For an extra dose of protection, sprinkle ground cloves over lemon slices - flies can't stand the smell. You can also add a few drops of fresh lemon juice to 1/2 cup water and spray down your tables. The flies will stay away - and your guests will never discover your secret!
With these tips, you'll be able to host barbecues and bonfires all summer long without worrying about pesky flies or mosquitos. Here's to a relaxing summer!
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.
You might've heard that cockroaches can survive a nuclear blast. If the worst should happen and the world succumbs to nuclear war, the cockroaches would reign supreme as the one and only organism left on earth. This hardly seems fair - consider how much time humans have spent trying to control cockroach populations. You might've chased one of them out of the bathroom this morning! So, if they really can withstand a nuclear blast, what chance do we have of managing cockroach infestations at home?
