Bugs and pests are a common part of outdoor life. If you’re spending more time outdoors this year than ever, you’ve likely noticed the influx of insects! Especially here in Washington, pests are at full-force in the summer and early fall. But they don’t have to ruin your time spent outside. To avoid mosquitoes in your birdbath, ants on your barbecue, or wasps in your deck, it’s important to learn how to make your yard less attractive to pests. At Western Exterminator, formerly Pratt Pest, we are committed to ensuring our customers live pest-free—both inside and outside their home. Keep reading to learn more about our best bug-free outdoor living tips and tricks.
Top Tips to Prevent Pests in Your Yard
Most pests are simply a nuisance. House flies surrounding your outdoor trash cans or spiders crawling around in your garden are to be expected. But what about mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas? Because these pests in particular can be dangerous for you and your family, it’s important to learn what to do to prevent them. Our top tips to keep pests away from your outdoor living space are:
- Remove standing water. Mosquitoes only need a half inch of standing water to breed.
- Keep your lawn and shrubs trimmed. Overgrown grass provides mosquitoes and ticks with shelter.
- Be on the lookout for ant hills. Even a tiny mound can contain thousands of ants inside.
- Thoroughly inspect wood structures. Your deck or porch may be vulnerable to termite or carpenter bees.
- Regularly clean up your outdoor space. Crumbs or spilled liquids will attract ants and other insects.
- Burn a few citronella candles. While not a long-term solution, this will repel mosquitoes.
- Try replacing light bulbs. Yellow bulbs or sodium vapor lights will not attract as many insects.
- Apply an insect repellent. Any repellent with DEET will help repel mosquitoes and ticks.
- Wear appropriate clothing. If you are going to be outdoors for a longer period of time, consider wearing long sleeves or pants to keep pests from biting.
- Use a tight-fitting lid on your trash can. Food items in an unsealed container will attract all types of pests.
- Store firewood away from the home. Piles of wood are a magnet for multiple kinds of pests.
- Plant a garden. Certain plants and herbs, including marigolds, mint, and basil, act as a natural insect repellent.
Hep With Outdoor Pests
To avoid a pest infestation inside, you need to prevent them outside first! If you are looking to implement pest prevention into your yard maintenance routine, the pest control and lawn care experts at Western are happy to help. Call our team today to learn more!