Our porches, yards, and gardens are extensions of our indoor living spaces, especially during the warm months of the year. Unfortunately, that's also when the unwanted pests come in droves.
Did you know that there are as many as two million death worldwide each year that are attributable to insects? (Smithsonian) If you include non-fatal diseases contracted from insects, many of which are serious and can have lifelong impacts, the number skyrockets. It is so important that your family and pets can enjoy being in your outside living spaces and do so safely. One of the best ways to make it nice and safe for them is by controlling unwanted pest populations.
Replace Lightbulbs
As you can probably tell by the swarms of bugs around bright lights in the evening, insects are often attracted to light. Replacing your incandescent bulbs with LEDs will reduce the draw, and therefore the insect swarm, around your lights.
Standing Water
Insects are often looking for water. Standing water is a great attractant. Eliminating or routinely changing the standing water in your yard (like kiddie pools, bird feeders, low spots that puddle, or other areas where water tends to sit for extended periods of time), will reduce the bug population in those areas.
Groom Your Yard
Keeping your yard clean and tidy will help reduce bug populations in multiple ways. Keeping trash sealed and outside cans clean will reduce the influx of insects, such as flies and yellowjackets, that are attracted to spills, rotting garbage, and other trash. Maintaining a groomed yard, free of rotting organic material, such as leaf piles, old wood, or overgrown vegetation will make your yard less habitable for insects to want to take up residence.
Citronella or Other Repellents
You could try to use citronella, essential oils, or various other DIY pest repellents. All these products work with varying degrees of effectiveness, so don't expect too much from any one DIY solution. The Journal of Insect Science indicates that most of these products have "a weak repellent effect or were no better than no protection at all" so you'll need to be careful in selecting products that seem to work for you. However, there may be some benefit in certain circumstances and with certain products.
"Citronella candles are great for setting a mood, but they're not so great for the very thing they're advertised to do: repel mosquitoes." – American Association for the Advancement of Science
Professional Pest Control
Professional pest control is one sure way to protect your outdoor areas for the enjoyment of those you love. When applied properly, preventative outdoor pest control can reduce insect populations almost entirely and is safe for humans and pets.
We would love the opportunity to help you protect your home and loved ones. Give us a call today!
Comments