Keeping Your House Pest-Free

Why would you be in need of the same pest control services Jacksonville, Florida residents have come to appreciate? Summer is almost out, and just as we're breaking out the swimsuits and the surfboards for our last-minute enjoyment, many insects are breaking out of the last of the winter's sluggishness and are now out in force. While a number of insects are active contributors to the environment, they can become pests if their business takes them too close to our homes. It'll be hard to enjoy your last summer days to the fullest if you have to worry about bees inside your house! If you find yourself in the middle of a severe infestation, it's time to call in the experts. However, if you're not at that point yet, here are some simple tips to keep your home pest-free.

Dealing with Winged Insects

Many insects can be deterred without the use of harsh chemicals that can be harmful to you. Mosquitoes, specifically, can be controlled by keeping an eye out for pockets of stagnant water where mosquito larvae can live in. You'd be amazed at the likelihood of a mosquito plague being caused by a simple clogged gutter! Be watchful for empty soda bottles that have collected some rainwater, wheelbarrows, bird feeders, and other innocuous objects that mosquitoes can use as a breeding pool. As for the mosquitoes that are already in your home, you can try citronella scents, which deter the little pests while being quite appealing to humans.

How to Handle Crawling Pests

As for pests of the crawling kind, you'd be surprised how far simple cleanliness can go. See, many crawling insects like cockroaches and ants get attracted to human homes by the prospect of food—and that's exactly what they find! Errant crumbs on the floor or the occasional harmless uneaten bag of chips lying around is a feast to these insects, and they're likely to come back with friends. Keeping food where it's supposed to be kept can go a long way in making your home less inviting to pests. It's also good to look for holes or cracks that ants use to get into your home. If you see a trail of ants, it's a good idea to trace it back to where line begins so you can plug or caulk the hole up. Building a “moat” with a solution of soap and water is also effective in discouraging ants from treating your house like a buffet.

The summertime should always be a season of fun with friends and family. Pests should never get factored into the equation. With a little awareness, you can keep your home pest-free.