It’s a cosy winter evening, and you are enjoying a moment of repose by the fire with a warm cup of tea when all of a sudden the incessant buzzing of a house fly interrupts your peaceful silence talk about a buzz kill. Many believe bugs often die during the winter, and therefore, pest control is only necessary in the warmer months
However, in reality, many creepy crawlers take refuge in our homes and go dormant during the colder seasons. Taking steps to prevent an influx of critters after winter is essential during this downtime.
1. Take a Stand
Standing water is a breeding ground for all kinds of pesky little beasts. Inspect all moisture sites both inside and outside of the home. Leaking pipes and clogged drains can harbour mould and bacteria, so pay close attention to kitchens and bathrooms, both of which are vulnerable to cockroach infestations.
Checking your backyard for any puddles in hidden areas after a rainfall will help prevent the potential invasion of hostile insects. Check the divots in your table covers where water could have likely collected. Gutters and downspouts are also popular locations for pests to convene – especially if they’re clogged.
2. Silent but Deadly
Essential oils can play a big part in keeping insects away while also creating a rejuvenating and peaceful atmosphere with relaxing scents. Lemongrass, eucalyptus, peppermint, and citronella are some of the most popular oils used to repel pests. They can be found at your local market. Use an oil diffuser, yard sprays, or scented candles to spread these insect-repelling aromas.
3. Signed, Sealed, No Critters
One of the best ways to prevent any unwanted guests from invading your home is to seal off all potential entry points. Check every nook and cranny of your home for crevices or cracks that pests can slip through. The space under doors, holes in window screens, and even hairline cracks in the foundation could all be possible entrances for crawlers.
For holes and cracks, you’ll want to use steel wool and caulk, as these materials are the most durable and will be able to withstand the harsh winter months. Vents and chimneys can also give access to outside invaders, so add screens to prevent them from sneaking in. Finally, check the insulation around your doors and install a door sweeper to brush away insects trying to make their way inside.
4. Cleanliness is Next to Pestlessness
Keeping a clean home will do wonders for preventing a bug infestation. Pests such as cockroaches and rodents like to hide in the shadows of clutter, so keeping your space mess-free will reduce the amount of hiding spots for these pesky critters.
Leaving food out will also attract many hungry pests, so be sure to do dishes regularly and throw away any leftover waste. Take the trash out as often as possible and keep the garbage far from your home because a can full of rotting leftovers is heaven for insects and other unwanted pests.
5. Let There Be Light
Lighting can also play a very significant role in the fight against pests. You might think that flying insects are attracted to light, but their eyesight can only see shorter wavelengths like blues and purples. Swapping out the patio lights with warmer bulbs will give your home a romantic ambiance while keeping out buzzing intruders.
6. Mighty and Tidy
Letting grass and weeds run wild in your backyard not only looks unruly and uninviting, but it also harbours ticks and other parasites. To prevent these creepy crawlers from latching onto you or your pets, be sure to regularly mow your lawn and tidy any shrubs or bushes that have gone awry.
Long tree branches and unkempt bushes near your home provide easy access for pests to enter, so consistent trimming works well to lower the risk of an insect invasion. A well-manicured yard does wonders for deterring these tiny nuisances.
7. Splash of Colour
Similar to using plants to decorate your patio and deter insects, painting an outdoor area with certain colours helps discourage those tiny invaders. Bugs often have trouble distinguishing lighter colours, so pick pastel shades that also complement your colour palette to give your patio a flair that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
This concept can also be used to deter bugs from taking refuge in your chair covers. If you want to keep the paint cohesive with the rest of your patio, try using colours that compliment a fire pit cover or bbq cover.
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