Mosquitoes and ticks seem to thrive in New England in the summertime, and somehow these pesky creatures make their way from neighborhood parks and other outdoor grounds to your backyard, deck, and even inside your home.
They not only make enjoying those relaxing summer outings difficult, but they wreak havoc on your skin and even put your health in jeopardy. Fortunately, there are a number of things you can do to eradicate these pests from your home so that you and your family can enjoy what’s left of these lazy days of summer.
Kick Mosquitoes to the Curb
These simple tips can help keep you and your family itch-free.
- Seal things up. Don’t invite these disease-carrying nuisances to feast on your family. Instead, make sure your home is adequately sealed to keep the bugs out. Check that screens on doors and windows are in good repair and free from tears, and seal up any cracks and crevices around entryways and doors.
- Eliminate standing water. An effective way to control the mosquito population is to get rid of their preferred breeding grounds. Keep old tires, buckets, and other water-catchers emptied out, make sure your gutters are clear, and be certain to keep the water circulating in swimming pools and water features in your yard.
- Use landscaping to your advantage. There are a number of plants that can help control mosquitoes naturally, like citronella, marigolds, and even catnip. Just be sure to clear away clutter and keep bushes and shrubs trimmed to help eliminate hiding spots.
Tackle Ticks
Control these blood-sucking pests from your home with a few tricks of the trade.
- Keep the areas around your home well-maintained. Ticks flourish in areas with long grass or weeds, lots of shade, and an abundance of debris. Get rid of places for them to hide and breed and let the sun shine on your property as much as possible.
- Keep excessive moisture at bay. Like many other bugs, ticks prefer moist environments. Overwatering, standing water, and poor drainage are all invitations for these irritating (and disease-spreading) insects.
- Limit wildlife and inspect your furry friends. Warm-blooded animals are known for transporting ticks, and this includes squirrels, rabbits, cats, and even your family dog. Keep visiting animals at bay with fences when possible, and be sure to check your pet’s bedding areas and hangouts for ticks frequently.
- Make use of natural remedies. Cedar mulch is very effective at repelling ticks (and other insects). Use it to create barriers around your yard and home to help your property stay tick-free. Consider cedar oil for inside the home as well.
While these pest prevention tips can help protect your home and yard from mosquito and tick infestations, these pesky creatures can still invade your property. If you are already suffering from a mosquito, tick, or other type of pest invasion, be sure to call one of our professional pest management specialists at Bain Pest Control Services right away.