Are you looking forward to those nice, warm evenings under the stars? A cold drink in one hand, a hot grill, maybe friends and family gathered around the backyard fire pit? Well, there are a few little minor inconveniences that you need to prepare for ahead of time. Bugs. In particular, biting bugs. While there are many different types of biting predators, mosquitoes tend to be the most bothersome.
Here is how you can get a jump start on a bite-free summer.
Cut Back on Bug Breeding Grounds
Most ticks and mosquitoes thrive in a wet, moist environment. That is why it's important to keep areas they may frequent at bay. If you live near the woods, try to cut back on extra brush and leggy branches. Always keep your yard trimmed back and don't let areas near your backyard get carried away with weeds and overgrowth. Ticks especially love to hang out in tall grass areas. If you have areas around your home where water pools up or floods, address it right away. You may need to clean your gutters, get new ones, or install an irrigation system that will help divert water away from your low-lying areas. If you have a pond, be sure to treat it with a wildlife-friendly insecticide to cut back on flies, mosquito and other bugs.
Protect Yourself
When enjoying outdoor activities this spring and summer, be sure to protect yourself against biting pests. Wear long-sleeved tops and pants when at all possible. Use all-natural insect repellent to help keep bites from occurring. Use citronella candles and other bug-away devices to help control bothersome insects so you can enjoy your time outdoors. Don't forget to treat your pets with a flea and tick repellent, too.
Call In a Pest Control Pro
If you are having an issue with breeding mosquitoes that are bothersome or hard to control, it's time to call in a pest control professional. They will be able to come to your home and evaluate any bug hot spots. They may offer several recommendations, including a mosquito misting system. This is an advanced system that can be attached to fences or other areas around your home and offer time-released sprays to control the mosquito population. If you spend a lot of time outdoors or have an overpopulation of biting bugs, this solution may be the safest and most cost-effective method to utilize.
It's never too late to be proactive about the upcoming bug season. This includes making sure your yard and your family are ready for biting critters. Whether it's ticks, flies or mosquitoes, gear up and be ready! Talk to a pest control company like Jacksons Mosquito & Pest Control today.
Having pests in your home is more than just annoying. Many of the common pests that invade homes are actually dangerous. Rats can bite young children, spreading serious diseases like leptospirosis and salmonella. Cockroaches can spread E. coli, and many people are allergic to proteins in their bodies. Regardless of which pest is bothering you, it is important to get rid of it as soon as possible. Pest control companies can do a lot of this work, but it is also important to be informed. After all, you are the one who lives in your home and needs to take preventative measures against pests every day. Learn the basics here on this blog, and put them to use.