The Entomological Society of America report states there are more than a billion bugs per person in the world. This basically means that insects and bugs ARE everywhere. When the temperature starts rising every spring time, bugs and insects arise looking for water and food. How can you tackle the attack? The National Pest Management Association advises to “include pest-proofing as part of their spring cleaning and yard clean up routines.” We have a few suggestions for you.

How to Keep Insects Away from Your Home

While roaches are expected to survive a nuclear war, and mosquitoes can fly away from your spray, they can’t magically appear. You should watch for problem areas and address them.

An ant colony will send “scouts” to evaluate your place. Even a couple of ants can mean it’s time to act before the scouts give the OK to the group.

Examine your outdoors. Firewood is a prime spot for termites and ants. Store wood at least 20 feet from the house.

Mosquitoes rapidly breed in standing water. Yards with bird baths, play sets with tire swings, tree houses, fire pits and catch basins to recycle water should all be checked regularly, and water tipped.

Also, so that bugs don’t have an easy way into your house, keep branches and shrubs well-groomed away from walls.

Block Entrances

All insects originate outdoors. The task before you is to keep them from coming indoors. The most important means to eradicate a pest problem is to work from the outside to the inside.

Roof shingles, chimneys, windows, vents, and pipes are to insects what the front door is to you. Repair things like torn window screens or loose weather-stripping to close those doors. If you find open spaces near pipes or vents, use steel wool to fill large gaps or caulk to fill small cracks.

Keep Things Clean

Since messes are bug magnets, keeping your home clean is the best way to keep pests away. The kitchen, where crumbs and other potential treats can be found, is especially critical. Vacuum up once a week. Cover your bins or even seal them.

Did you know cockroaches love the smell of paper and hate the light? Address areas where bugs can congregate, such as stacks of magazines, boxes, or bags.

Keep Everything Dry

Water is both a water fountain and a breeding ground for the creepy-crawlies. A sink filled with dirty dishes and standing water is obvious, but anywhere water can pool must be addressed. If the pipes under the sink or in the bathroom are leaky, or there is moisture in the basement or attic, call in a plumber. A dehumidifier may also be needed. Cockroaches are constantly searching for water, which is why they have acquired the “waterbug” nickname.

Put Away the Food

You want to go to bed, but guests don’t want to leave. If you can send a message you want people to leave, take away the hospitable atmosphere. As far as getting rid of people or pests goes, the absence of food will get the message across. Don’t leave food out – put it in the refrigerator and/or in something that can be sealed. Also, keep pet bowls clean so your pet doesn’t have to fight off ants to eat dinner.

Make Your Own Poison for Ants

In years past, the can of Raid was all we needed. Today, we’re more focused on natural products.  Many such products are readily available. Ants hate certain smells. Clean your cupboards with vinegar – it disinfects and ants can’t stand it. If you miss the Raid, you can make your own spray. Simple soapy water both kills ants, plus it eliminates their chemical trail that other ants could find later. Even the spice rack is your ally. Ants avoid cinnamon, mint, turmeric, black pepper, and red chili powder, among others. Put a light dusting where ants have been spotted. You may also use this trick – leave fresh cucumber peels in high ant-traffic areas.

Make Your Own Poison for Roaches

Making your own roach poison is quite easy. You combine something roaches love (like sugar or cocoa powder) with something deadly such as Borax.

Know When to Give In

Pests are remarkably resilient. Sometimes they can outlast you. Other times, they are simply hard to kill. If you are getting itchy bites in bed, you’re up against a brutal enemy. Bed bugs require a pest professional to eliminate.

Termites can do prolific and expensive damage, so a licensed exterminator is needed for them as well. If you find piles of discarded wings or piles of termite droppings, that may mean a colony is already set up, so a pro would be the best option.

It’s important to consult with a licensed professional pest management company to evaluate the extent of the problem. That goes for any type of pest invasion.

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