Ways to Prevent Bugs from Invading Your Home During Summer

Home Improvement

Are you looking for ways to keep your home free from bugs?
©iStockphoto.com/timsa

Imagine finding a beautiful, spacious home with delicious food that is all free for you to take. You would be excited to move in, wouldn’t you? That’s exactly what ants, stink bugs, and crickets do when they discover your home. While it is hard to blame them for wanting to enjoy a slice of heaven during their short time on Earth, you wouldn’t want to give them the keys to your house. Insects can bring germs into your home, and a trail of ants in your kitchen is not the best way to welcome guests. They tend to show up in places that make small children and visitors uncomfortable.

As the saying goes, the best way to avoid an invasion is to have a good defense. You can stop pests before they enter your home by blocking their entry points and monitoring their movement around your house. Any opening that allows light and air to pass through could be a possible portal for bugs. Here are some quick tips to keep your home bug-free:

• Seal up window frames, plumbing pipes, dryer vents, and air conditioning units with caulking
• Repair holes in siding and cracks in mortar
• Install door sweeps at thresholds
• Use fine mesh screens on windows

Want to know how to prevent bugs from entering your home in the first place? Find out on the following page.

 

Bug Repellent

Natural bug repellents are a great way to keep insects away from your home, both indoors and outdoors. Pungent plants like mint and rosemary can repel insects while also being used as cooking herbs. Lemongrass and geraniums contain Citronella oil, which is an insect repellent. Integrated pest management, which involves fighting insects with their natural enemies, can help control their population. Many common songbirds love to eat insects, so encourage sparrows, cardinals, and chickadees to visit your home with suet cakes (special varieties that won’t melt in warm weather). You can also encourage these birds to stay by building them a birdhouse. You can also welcome spiders, bats, and geckos (within reason) as they can help kill bugs. A single gecko can have the same bug-killing ability as an application of insecticide.

If you don’t mind getting rid of the bugs yourself, you can sprinkle a mixture of borax and sugar where ants gather. This will kill them, but not before they share it with the rest of the colony. Diatomaceous earth, a type of soil sold in gardening shops, contains tiny shells that can cut bugs. A solution of liquid dishwashing detergent and water is fatal to box elders and Japanese beetles, but avoid spraying it on plants, as it can damage them.

Catching a Ride

Pests can hitchhike on pets, even if they live indoors. Check your cats and dogs for fleas and ticks, as these bloodsuckers can be difficult to get rid of once they are inside. Speak to your vet about tick and flea prevention treatments before bug season starts. Some treatments, such as pills and topical medications, require a head start.

Keep It Clean

Clean up any food debris that falls on the floor.
©iStockphoto.com/Denisa

To prevent bugs from entering your home, keep your kitchen clean and tidy. Get rid of garbage regularly and wipe down counters after cooking. Store food in sealed plastic, metal, or other pest-proof containers. Do not leave dirty dishes out overnight, especially when roaches and other nocturnal bugs are active.

Bugs tend to gravitate towards dark, warm, and moist areas. To prevent infestations, make sure to fix any leaky pipes and unclog gutters. Increase ventilation in attics and crawl spaces, and store firewood and landscaping materials away from the home. Be sure to regularly inspect items made of cardboard, wood, and bamboo, as they can serve as both transportation and food for beetles, roaches, and borers.

Looking for more information on how to debug your house? Check out the next page for additional tips and guidance.

Additional Information

Related Articles

• The Ultimate Pest Control Quiz
• Can bug zappers be used indoors?
• How to Kill Bees

Sources

• Animal Planet. “Fleas.” (April 28, 2011)http://animal.discovery.com/cat-guide/cat-care/cat-health/cat-fleas.html
• Colorado State University. “Plants Help Keep Mosquitoes Away.” Jan. 5, 2010. (May 5, 2011)http://www.colostate.edu/Dept/CoopExt/4dmg/Pests/mosquito.htm
• Cornell Lab of Ornithology. “What to Feed Birds.” (May 4, 2011)http://www.birds.cornell.edu/pfw/About BirdsandFeeding/BirdFoods.htm
• Cranshaw, W.S. “Insect Control: Soaps and Detergents.” May 12, 2010. (May 6, 2011)http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/incest/05547.html
• J.C. Ehrlich, Co. “Bamboo Borer.”http://www.jcerlich.com/pest-guides/insects-and-spiders/wood-damaging-beetles/bamboo-borer/index.html (May 5, 2011)
• McDonough, Margo. “Stink Bugs.” UDaily, March 30, 2011. (May 3, 2011)http://www.udel.edu/udaily/2011/mar/stink-bugs/033011.html
• Nick, Jean. “The Nickel Pincher: Beat Back Household Bugs.” (April 29, 2011)http://www.rodale.com/natural-insect-control
• Nolan, Kate. “Don’t bug out: Gecko lizards pose no threat.” Arizona Republic, June 4, 2005. (May 4, 2011)http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/local/articles/0604B3-env-gecko04.html?&wired
• North Country Organics. “Diatomaceous Earth.” (May 3, 2011)http://www.norganics.com/products/pestcontrol/diamotaceous-earth.html
• Rayor, Linda S. “All About Spiders.” Jan. 5, 2010. (May 4, 2011)http://www.coopext.colostate.edu/4dmg/Pests/spiders.htm
• Terminix Services, Inc. “Tips for Prevention.” (April 27, 2011)http://trustterminix.com/learning_center/tips.php
• Whitworth, Robert J. and Ahmad, Aqeel. “Cockroaches.” March 2007. (May 3, 2011)http://www.ksre.ksu.edu/library/entml2/MF2765.pdf

FAQ

1. What are the most common summer bugs found in homes?

During the summer, some of the most common bugs found in homes include mosquitoes, flies, ants, cockroaches, and spiders. These bugs are attracted to the warmth and humidity of homes and can quickly become a nuisance.

2. What are some natural ways to repel bugs?

There are several natural ways to repel bugs, including using essential oils such as peppermint, lavender, and eucalyptus, using citronella candles or torches, and planting bug-repelling plants like marigolds, lavender, and mint around your home. Additionally, keeping your home clean and free of food debris can help deter bugs from entering.

3. How can I prevent mosquitoes from breeding in my home?

To prevent mosquitoes from breeding in your home, you should eliminate any standing water sources, such as empty flower pots or birdbaths. You can also use mosquito dunks, which are a natural way to kill mosquito larvae in standing water.

4. What are some ways to keep ants out of my home?

To keep ants out of your home, you should seal any cracks or gaps in your home’s foundation and walls, keep your kitchen clean and free of crumbs or spills, and store food in airtight containers. Additionally, you can use natural ant repellents such as vinegar, cinnamon, and black pepper.

5. How can I prevent cockroaches from infesting my home?

To prevent cockroaches from infesting your home, you should keep your home clean and free of food debris, seal any cracks or gaps in your home’s foundation and walls, and store food in airtight containers. Additionally, you can use cockroach baits or hire a pest control professional to treat your home.

6. What are some natural ways to repel spiders?

Some natural ways to repel spiders include using essential oils such as peppermint or tea tree oil, using chestnuts or horse chestnuts around the perimeter of your home, and keeping your home clean and free of clutter.

7. How can I keep flies out of my home?

To keep flies out of your home, you should keep your home clean and free of food debris, seal any cracks or gaps in your home’s foundation and walls, and use fly screens on windows and doors. Additionally, you can use natural fly repellents such as basil, mint, and lavender.

8. What should I do if I have a bed bug infestation?

If you suspect a bed bug infestation in your home, you should contact a pest control professional immediately. They can assess the extent of the infestation and recommend the best treatment options, which may include heat treatment or chemical treatments.

9. How can I keep my pets safe from bugs?

To keep your pets safe from bugs, you should use pet-safe insect repellents and avoid using products containing DEET. Additionally, you should keep your pets’ food and water bowls clean and free of debris, and regularly groom and bathe your pets to prevent flea and tick infestations.