Protect Your Home From Insect Invasions
Do you share your home with ants? How about bees or wasps?
Perhaps you don't want to admit to hosting roaches. You are in
good company. Millions of homeowners struggle with evicting
unwanted insects and bugs that invade their homes and take up
residence, establishing colonies that can number in the
thousands. Some bugs, like spiders, are relatively clean and do
their share of chores by eating other insects, such as flies.
But there are those that harbor bacteria or leave feces lying
around that can stir up allergies or contaminate food left
sitting out. Some flying insects can be downright lethal for
those who are allergic to bee or wasp venom, should they be
stung. To keep your home pest-free as much as possible, follow
a few simple tips like these to discourage bugs from moving in
with you.
1. Keep food and beverages covered. While a bowl of apples and
oranges sitting on the dining room table might prove harmless,
don't let kids toss peels on the floor or leave cores lying on
tables. Their sweet scent can attract bugs from quite a distance
if the windows or doors are open, albeit covered by screens.
Keep lids on the butter dish and cookie jar, and put away any
food that will not be eaten soon.
2. Clean up promptly. Don't let sugar granules sit on the
kitchen counter. Pop stains need to be blotted and then cleaned
with soapy water. Empty pop cans or dirty dishes should be put
in their respective receptacles immediately. Chip bags or cookie
pouches need to be tightly closed and clipped or folded.
Remember that the scent of food, though almost indiscernible to
humans in these amounts just described, may prove irresistible
to lurking ants, bees, or other types of bugs who are hungrily
sniffing the air.
3. Eliminate standing water. Fix leaky faucets, unclog drains,
and clean up yard puddles. Check under the sinks or in the tubs
as well as around hoses or water tanks to patch leaks. Many
types of insects are drawn to damp or moist areas, especially
those that are located in the dark. Get rid of these watering
holes to keep bugs at bay.
4. Seal cracks, holes, and openings. Inspect your home's
foundation outside and patch any openings where insects could
get inside your home. Do the same indoors by checking around
window and door frames, as well as baseboards and cupboards.
Look through the basement and attic to see if you can find areas
where bugs might be able to find an entrance.
5. Don't let pet food or snacks sit out in the open. Give your
dog or cat just enough to eat for each meal, if possible.
Certain insects, like flies, love pet food and will make every
effort to reach it, attracted by the strong scent, in your
garage or inside your home.
6. Keep the yard clean. Pick up fallen fruit from apple trees
or other fruit-bearing plants, especially those located near
your home. Keep garbage cans tightly closed and clean outside as
well as inside, as much as possible.
Lacking food, water, and a welcome, most bugs won't hang
around very long. If they do, you can always resort to natural
pesticides or bug traps.