April 27, 2020
Flying into Spring
In the spring, we want to freshen up our outside and inside environments, and pest control is an important part of that. In part two, we’ll share our tips on spring cleaning for pest control indoors.
Summer brings a lot of bugs, bites, and annoyance. Flying insects can be just annoying, like fruit flies, to unhygienic like house flies, to dangerous like mosquitoes and wasps. You can nip a lot of that in the bud with some wisdom from the Pest Pro.
Buzzing Around
Today, Rochester Pest Pro wants to teach you a bit about what kind of insects are going to start appearing outside, what kind of damage they can do, and some DIY directions on how you can identify pests and protect your home. Help your bug guy help you by following our home maintenance tips that will help prevent infestations and make your outdoors much more comfortable and enjoyable.
Clean Up
Clean your gutters and downspouts. These are often full of decaying plant matter, which provides cover, food, and nesting materials for flyers and crawlies.
Dry Up
Remove standing water, as it’s prime real estate for mosquito larvae. If you really want a piece of standing water, like a birdbath, in your yard, keep mosquito larvae away with a mosquito donut. These contain insecticide that is safe for birds and other animals like outdoor pets.
Seal Up
Check for and caulk around cracks or gaps in windows outside. Window openings are common entry and exit points for flying insects and other pests.
Stack Up
Check for cracks and gaps in foundation that not only destabilize your building (and let in water) but also serve as entry/exit points for pests.
Rake It Up
Get leaves, mulch, and woodpiles away from the sides of the building, foundations, and deck. These retain moisture and provide plenty of cover and food for pests of all kinds, from termites to ants to mice.
Grow Up
If you garden, install plants that keep pests away and encourage some creatures you might want, like butterflies. Try planting some pest-controlling beauties like marigolds or petunias. Some pest-deterring plants are also tasty, like basil, lemongrass, chives, garlic, mint (mint is invasive, so we suggest potted mint), and rosemary. No green thumb? No problem, as many of these plants thrive with little attention.
Pair Up
Insects and pests all have their place on the food chain, and some creatures aren’t bad to have around. If you have the space, try hanging purple marten nests, build a bat house (on the outside!), maybe install a toad house in the garden.
Oil It Up
Essential oils aren’t just good for aromatherapy. Dilute lavender or eucalyptus essential oil with water and spray around your deck, patio, and/or fence. Giving yourself a light spritz (stay away from your mouth and eyes) can also help keep the bugs off you.
Light It Up
Citronella candles are a well-known way to keep mosquitoes and other flying trouble away. They smell refreshing and lend a warm ambiance to your outdoor space. Use the same caution as you should with any flame or heat source and follow all directions on the candle’s label.
Pour It Up
Mix some hydrogen peroxide into water and spray your outdoor surfaces and the perimeter of your yard, making sure to clear away all food, drink, and utensils. Another option is vodka and water, as flies hate the smell.
Call Us Up
If you’re seeing flying pests often, indoors, or in numbers, call Rochester Pest Pro at (585) 831-0844 or visit our website at https://rochesterpestpro.com/contact for more information. We are available by appointment to serve your pest control needs with exterior spray services.