Summer is a prime time for the little critters of the world to take up residence in our homes. The hot, dry weather drives pests and bugs inside in search of water and a cooler environment.

Whether it be flies, ants, moths, beetles, crickets, spiders, or cockroaches, they’re all unwelcome visitors. Once inside, they burrow into nooks and crannies, making it very difficult to get rid of them. 

Your home offers an ideal escape from the summer elements; however, you can discourage them from choosing your place as their new abode.

Food and Water

• Leaving dirty dishes and food scraps out is akin to putting out the welcome mat! Rinse dishes and discard uneaten food immediately.
• Put pet food away each night. 
• Store food in your pantry in sealed containers. 
• Take the rubbish out daily.
• Wipe down benches after use and sweep the floor each day
• Clean any spilt food immediately. 
• Wipe down bottles and jars after use (e.g., jam, honey, sauce). 
• Throw out fruit and vegetables when they’re past their best. 
• Check dried food packages for signs of infestation before purchasing.
• Eliminate excessive water: resolve pooling water, fix any leaky taps or appliances. Cockroaches, ants and silverfish are attracted to water.

Eliminate Access Points

• Make sure all your windows are well-sealed and repair any gaps in doors and doorways. 
• Look for cracks and holes both inside and outside your house. Check along baseboards and around switch plates. 
• Ensure screen doors and windows are in good repair. 
• Replace any rotting wood, sills or weatherboards.
• Seal around any entry points for utilities, electrical lines and pipes. 
• Check soffits and flashings and repair if necessary. 
• Keep attics and basements dry and well aired. 
• Keep lids on your rubbish bins and wash out your recycling (cans, plastics, etc.)
• Keep shrubs trimmed back from brushing against the walls or roof of your house. 
• Don’t stack firewood up against the wall of your house – store it at least 6 metres away and off the ground. 
• Resist using wood mulch in gardens around your house; this provides a haven for unwanted pests. The next step is for them to come inside.

Ant trails

Ants leave a scented trail for other ants to follow. If you see ants, spray a mixture of 1-part vinegar with 3-parts water wherever they have travelled; this won’t deal with the ants that are already nesting inside, but it will delete the message they have left for the other ants to follow. 

The cleaner your house is, the less hospitable it’ll be to pests. However, no matter how diligent you are, there is always a chance that pests will take up residence in your home. If they do, it is essential that you respond quickly – the sooner you get rid of them, the less likely they’ll spread or return.

Professional Services

If you have a significant pest problem, it may be time to call the professionals. While Pest-Control services are the perfect solution for eradicating these unwanted guests, the onus of preventing them from entering your home remains with you. 

Look into the exterior treatment options available. An annual treatment could support your prevention efforts and ensure that you don’t experience an influx at any stage.