4 Ways to Keep Bugs Out of the House This Summer

From mildly annoying to capable of causing a lot of damage, insects can quickly get out of hand, especially during the warmer months of the year. This is why bug control in summer is so important. Keeping insects in check and outside where they belong is critical, not only for peace of mind but also to protect the integrity of your home. While a wayward bug or two is inevitable, there are steps you can take to reduce the number that finds its way into your home.

Here are four tips for how to keep bugs out of the house this summer.

Get Rid of Food and Water Sources 

Like humans, insects need food and water to survive. By covering or removing these sources from both inside and outside your home, bugs are not as likely to want to come in. And they are not as likely to stick around as long either.

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Indoor insect attractants include:

• Trash cans
• Compost pails
• Fruit bowls
• Cardboard
• Potted plants
• Sinks or dishes with water in them
• Uncovered food
• Pet food and water bowls

Outdoor insect attractants include:

• Ponds
• Birdbaths
• Rain barrels
• Long grass

Wherever possible, reduce or remove the amount of food and water sources attractive to insects. Keep your home clean and make sure that any food spills get cleaned up immediately. Wipe down counters and cupboards often and clean under appliances where food can fall. Keep a tight lid on your trash and compost and empty them regularly. While it is not always possible to remove all attractants, reduce the amount of them wherever you can. This will go a long way to help keep bugs in check.

Identify Potential Points of Entry

Bugs do not need a big opening to get into your home. A small crack or hole is all they need. So make a habit of thoroughly inspecting your home both inside and out every spring to check for potential locations where bugs can get in.

Places to check include:

• Window screens
• Gaps or crevices around doorways or windows
• Damaged or cracked seals around doors and windows
• Chimneys and vents
• Cracks in home foundation

Once your inspection is complete, you can make the repairs needed to seal your home, such as caulking gaps and filling in holes. If the repairs are outside your scope of ability, hire a professional to do them for you.

For bug control in summer, observe the locations throughout your home where bugs are entering. Then, have these points of entry sealed off as soon as possible to prevent more insects from entering.

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Use Insect Traps

You will want to get rid of bugs that do manage to get into your home as soon as possible. To do this, you can use an insect trap designed for use indoors. Insect traps are an effective way to catch bugs in your home and prevent them from staying where they are not welcome.

You can find pest control devices online or at a local hardware and supply store. There are many great options available that use a variety of techniques and technologies. Figure out which one will work best for you and your budget, and make sure that it is safe to use indoors.

Spray Insect Repellent Outside Around Your Home

Occasionally you might find it necessary to use insect repellent to ward off unwanted bugs. Using an insecticide outside and around your home will create an effective barrier of protection. This can be helpful if you have large bodies of standing water near your home, such as a pond or other areas of water that attract insects.

For treatment to be most effective, spray in the spring when insect populations are low. This destroys their nests and colonies and makes your treatment more successful and long-lasting.

When to Call a Professional

Sometimes, bugs still find their way inside despite a homeowner’s best efforts. Unfortunately, this can often lead to an infestation. If this is the case, you will need to act quickly to prevent the insects from multiplying further and causing more damage.

Signs of insect infestation include:

• The presence of bugs
• Bug bites
• Insect droppings
• Dead bugs
• Bad odors
• Visible damage to your home

If you suspect that you have an insect infestation, call an exterminator. Do not treat the infestation yourself. A professional pest control expert will inspect your home and explain your treatment options. They can then create an extermination plan to remove the infestation and help you prevent it from happening again. While there are various methods for how to keep bugs out of the house, the most effective measures are preventative ones. Act before an infestation even has time to develop, and you will be well on your way to a happy and pest-free summer.

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