Pest Control Now

It's that time of year again, and how else to better beat the heat than staying indoors? Unfortunately, this is exactly what many pests are doing as well, and that leaves you having to deal with them. Whether it's getting bit by mosquitoes near your grill or having to deal with cockroaches in your kitchen, knowing proper pest control should be a top priority. It is also important to consider organic pest control so you can keep your family safe from pests and any toxic chemicals as well. So, here are just a few safe methods that are effective for the most common summertime pests:

1. Mosquitoes- Probably the most pesky of summertime pests, these bugs love the heat and humidity. Pest control sprays and chemical deterrents work, but due to high DDT concentrations homeowners should use them sparingly. Some alternatives to sprays include using a mixture of apple cider vinegar, witch hazel and eucalyptus oil or even liquefied garlic on the skin, although this smell is unbearable to more than just mosquitoes! Your best bet would be to use Thai Lemon Grass oil, especially using the liquid from Thai Lemon stalk applied directly on skin. For an area of effect, use citronella based candles or catnip plants to deter them, or consider planting marigolds for them to feed on as an alternative to skin.

2. Ants- Stepping in ant hill is no joke, and with fire ants this is an even more painful event. For a fun way to trap ants, try mixing sugar or honey in water on a shallow plate to lure and kill them. Mix soap, water and alcohol for a lethal concoction you can use directly on these pests. Two more methods, applying borax to the mix or pouring boiling water on hills, also work although they are more dangerous. Additional methods include sprinkling cinnamon or cayenne peppers in high traffic areas, as ants hate these scents.

3. Cockroaches- Cockroaches can spread bacteria and filth around any surfaces they cover, making you or your pets vulnerable. Apply baking soda around your pets' food bowls to preven them from invading their food. For unseen infestations, place Diatomaceous earth over any traffic areas as it will kill them and don't worry, this earth is completely safe for humans and animals. If you don't have a cat, then consider placing catnip in certain areas to repel additional cockroaches, as well as bay leaves, cucumber slices, or garlic. For a fun pest control project, you could try to combine beer soaked bread with a slippery container in order to trap and kill these pests.

4. Flies- Flies carry a number of airborne diseases and can spread dangerous pathogens. To repel flies, set minty oils in a popular location or apply strategically throughout your home. Since there is not really a way to find an infestation, trapping and killing flies works the best. Try placing overripe fruit with some fruit juice in a bowl covered with plastic wrap and then pole holes just big enough. A similar concept is to have a funnel with place in a container with apple cider vinegar. Either way will trap the flies and eliminate them by drowning and can also be fun to make with the kids.

5. Bed Bugs- Nobody wants to have bugs in their beds, and as you stay in hotels throughout the vacation season, you are more likely to bring bed bugs back to your home as they thrive in warm, moist weather. This is a more serious infestation, as they can spread diseases and bite you throughout your sleep. Note that only preventive measures are possible, so spraying chemicals around the bed is ineffective and bad for your health. One thing to make sure of is to expose your mattresses to extreme cold or heat so that there is less possibility of bed bugs growing in numbers. Also, cleaning and maintaining your house is important, with an emphasis on vacuuming. Be sure to wash your sheets and clothing in hot water whenever possible, to kill possible eggs. Ultimately, if you do spot an infestation then you need to call a pest control expert to manage the problem.

Bonus: Termites! Probably the most recluse of pests, they are especially prevalent in the summer as rotting wood is more likely to form due to the heat and humidity. These pests will affect your home rather than yourself directly. As such, they can cause you thousands of dollars of property damage if ignored. Proper termite control is important, and should be employed before further damage accumulates. The only green treatments are heat treatment, using orange oil, or replacing wood with pesticide covered wood. Although, the biggest issue is finding the origin of the colony, and only a pest control specialist can successfully find and diagnose a house.

Don't let these pests bring you down this summer season, there are so many ways to fight back! If your kids are looking for things to do, try making these traps for fun as they are easy, safe and effective!