Bugs can really put a damper on your indoor and outdoor activities when the weather gets warm. And no one wants to start spraying and sprinkling harmful chemical-filled products in places where their family spends time. But there are natural ways to ward off those creepy crawlies.
Follow These 15 Rules To Naturally Get Rid Of Summer Pests:
1) Repair Screens With Holes
One of the main ways bugs slip in our home is through screen holes. So, you’ll want to check all the screens in your homes for holes. If you find one, make sure you repair it right away.
2) Get Rid of Standing Water
Mosquitoes love to breed in pools of standing water. So make sure you drain and get rid of stagnant pools of water in your yard. If you have a birdbath or pond make sure you change the water regularly or add an agitator or aerator.
3) Keep Your Food Containers
Bugs love to go after our yummy food. So, you’ll want to all your food and beverages in well-sealed coolers and containers when not in use. If possible, try to serve your food and beverage inside and use outdoor spaces for eating and entertaining.
4) Rinse Before You Toss
All empty food and drink containers should be rinsed before they are disposed of. This will keep pests from smelling the food and flocking to it.
5) Keep Garbage Away From Guests
Toss garbage in tightly sealed garbage cans. Be sure to place the garbage cans away from guests. Bugs tend to hang out near garbage cans, so you want to keep your guests separate from the bugs.
6) Bring Utensils In
Anything that has food on it or touched food should be covered. They should be brought inside immediately after they are no longer in use. This includes dishware, serving forks and spoons, and grill tongs.
7) Clean Up Messes ASAP
Don’t get it later, get it now. If someone spills something or you see a pile of crumbs, make sure you clean it up ASAP. If not, you’ll find some new unwanted insect guests at your BBQ.
8) Know When Mosquitos Are Active
Mosquitoes like to come out at dusk and dawn. So you’ll want to plan your outdoor cooking accordingly. Citronella is known to keep them away, as is garlic, and lemon eucalyptus oil.
9) Keep Fragrances To a Minimum
Some bugs, like yellowjackets, are attracted to floral and fruity fragrances. So, you want to keep things like scented shampoos, perfumes, and scented candles to a minimum when you’re outside. Otherwise you’re pretty much just asking winged creatures to join you.
10) Keep It Clear
If possible, use clear plates or cups. This will make it easier to see any bugs that are invading your food or drink. What’s even better is those clear plastic tumblers with tops that you can get from the dollar store.
11) Add A Sprinkle of Cinnamon
Cinnamon not only tastes good but it will keep the bugs away. Sprinkle a line of cinnamon where bugs are invading. They won’t cross it. You can even use this to keep bugs out of the sandbox.
12) Dryer Sheets In Your Pockets
You might want to hand out dryer sheets at your next BBQ. Some say that putting these in your pockets will repel bugs. Learn how to make your own here.
13) Keep a B0wl of Onions Out
No one likes the smell of onions, including bugs. Try slicing some up and putting them in a bowl of water to keep them away. You can also plant onions in your yard.
14) Keep It Light
Most of us wear light-colored clothing in the summer to stay cool. But this can also help keep bugs at bay. Insects are said to be attracted to dark colors.
15) Consider Building A Bat House
Consider building a bat house. Bats are known to eat 1,000 to 3,000 mosquitoes in one night. You can learn how to make one in the tutorial below but make sure you research all the facts on this and figure you where the best place to put one on your property.
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