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This is the perfect time of year to keep pests out of your home. Pests thrive in warm, moist environments, and this is where rain gutters come in. Rain gutters keep water away from pests, and they also provide an opportunity to create a clean, sterile environment for your plants. As the scent of fresh flowers can attract insects, planting orchids around your house will further attract them into the garden. Here are 10 ways you can keep pests out this spring:
1. Hire an Exterminator
Exterminators are great tools for keeping ants from invading homes and yards. The device sprays tiny pellets that stick to ants' legs and then fall to the ground, killing them instantly. By spraying exterminators on any ant trails, you can trap nests and prevent them from spreading throughout your yard. It is important to note that while these devices kill pests, they do not sterilize an area that has been sprayed; it takes several days for the spray to dry. This can also harm plants. However, exterminators are a good solution if ants have invaded a room that cannot be cleaned immediately (such as inside a wall or ceiling). Also, exterminating does not work well indoors. You may need to use a different method when dealing with indoor pests such as spiders and cockroaches.
2. Screening
Screening over soil beds prevents soil-borne pests like slugs and snails from entering your home. Snail fencing is available at most gardening stores and comes in many sizes. Planting flowers in pots helps deter some insect invasions as well. Use tall, slender containers rather than wide ones, allowing insects to enter easier. If you choose to plant outside, grow bulbs and perennials with large leaves. These will discourage bugs. Insecticide sprays are available as well. Be sure to read labels carefully and follow all label instructions when using pesticides. Some products contain low levels of DDT, a toxin that poses serious health risks. Spraying pesticide outdoors should only be done during daylight hours.
3. Clean Up Your Yard
When wasps begin nesting near your home, they usually land on trees or shrubs. If you notice wasp nests in trees nearby, try pulling down branches and cutting off limbs until they are gone. Wasps prefer dark areas to take shelter, so cover it up with something black if you find one under a porch light. Dampen the surrounding grass with water, making sure to get rid of weeds first. Then mow the lawn regularly to ensure no weeds are growing between blades. Mowing too close together may cause the wasp larvae to suffocate. This technique may not eliminate all pest problems, but it is a simple way to reduce their numbers.
4. Citronella candles
A citronella candle works just like a mosquito repellant. These candles emit a strong scent called "citronella" that repels mosquitoes. Many people prefer this product because it smells better than commercial DEET sprays. Citronella candles are also safer than aerosol insecticides because the chemical formula is more concentrated, meaning less product is needed. Candles normally last longer than sprays and can be used in multiple rooms. In addition, citronella candles are safe around pets, children, pregnant women, and anyone sensitive to chemicals. They also burn cleaner than regular candles. These candles are used in exterminating long island mosquitoes, ticks, roaches, fleas, bedbugs, silverfish, and even silverfish. Although the fragrance isn't very strong, it's enough to keep those pesky critters away.
5. Monitor Houseplants
You don't want pests living in houseplants, so check for signs of infestation on a weekly basis. Remove any plant parts showing symptoms of the disease. Inspect roots closely for small worms and insects. Dust houseplants with anti-cime powder once a month. Cime powder contains sugar that attracts ants. It also discourages ants from laying eggs. Make sure houseplant containers are clean and water frequently. Watering often encourages natural predators to feed on pests. Ants dislike warm temperatures and high humidity, so make sure all pots have drainage holes and containers are kept away from heat sources.
Monitoring houseplants is also a way of exterminating on long island pests of Suffolk County that enter through cracks or crevices, such as spiders, cockroaches, and centipedes. Regularly cleaning potting soil reduces the chances of pests getting into house plants. Check for signs of mold growth on houseplants by lifting a lid and looking inside. Moldy leaves let pests colonize the inside quickly. As soon as you see signs of mold, remove infected leaves.
5. Fix Leaky Windows & Doors
Leaking windows and doors let moisture build up within homes. This makes places prone to pests. Repair leaks before they become larger issues. Window screens are a great tool for preventing mosquitoes from getting inside homes as well. Cover windows that face outward with screening. This keeps insects out while allowing in the fresh air. You can also buy mosquito coils that emit smoke into the room. This method kills adult insects without harming humans. Install screen door hardware so that the latch does not allow insects access to houses. If insects invade, you might consider checking out these pest control tips. Once you identify an issue, start following proper steps. Exterminators in Suffolk County will help you find the best solution and offer professional recommendations.
6. Create Windbreaks
Windbreaks consist of tree trunks planted horizontally to create wind barriers. The goal is to redirect strong winds, losing their strength and velocity. Stronger winds knock off leaves, debris, seeds, and pollen from trees, bushes, and ground covering. This results in better quality air for people who breathe through their nasal passages and lungs. Avoid digging trenches around them when planting new trees and use narrow planting strips instead to minimize damage. As far as bushes go, look for non-spiny varieties. Spiky shrubs aren't ideal for windbreaks because they can block airflow. Exterminators in Nassau County will recommend what's best for your particular area.
7. Put Up Bait Traps
Prey traps in Nassau County offer a quick and easy way exterminating of fleas and ticks. They consist of a food source for animals – normally sugar or corn syrup – placed on a flat surface covered by a fine wire mesh. Bugs walk across the surface until they reach a sticky surface where they stick and die. Be sure to change the bait every few days to ensure maximum effectiveness. There are also granular baits available that need to be sprinkled onto your lawn. This technique works best if used along pathways to prevent rodents from moving between your yard and woods.
8. Use Deet Insect Repellents
Insect repellent sprays are another option for protecting yourself from bugs. Deet is one of the most effective chemical products on the market. It won't harm pets, nor will it cause skin irritation or make you grow hair. Read label directions carefully, though, so you know how much product to apply. Spray directly on exposed areas of skin, including feet and wrists, for outdoor use only. Do not rub onto clothing or shoes. Apply after bathing. Some deet insect repellent sprays contain additional ingredients that may interfere with sunscreen application. So read labels carefully. These insect repellents also help in reducing tick populations.
9. Plant Bug Resistant Plants
If you live near fields, wooded areas, parks, etc., you need to watch plants that can protect against insect pests. Popular choices include hostas, geraniums, coleus, impatiens, begonias, marigolds, petunias, nasturtium, sunflower, tomato, zinnia, lavender, sage, oregano, thyme, rosemary, catnip, wormwood, mint, pennyroyal — even some flowers! Many of these plants naturally repel aphids, Japanese beetles, ants, cockroaches, and other garden invaders. Just remember to water them regularly.
Planting bug-resistant plants also encourage native butterflies, bees, hummingbirds, and birds. Suppose you want to attract natural pollinators to your backyard plants flowering herbs such as tansy or wild bergamot. Or choose fruits such as grapes, peaches, figs, apples, pears, quinces, plums, persimmons, and cherries instead of vegetables like tomatoes. Make sure to place any plantings at least 15 inches away from crops like melons and cucumbers. This will limit soil-borne diseases. In addition, choose low-growing, dwarf cultivars instead of tall ones. Tall plants require more space which increases exposure to predators. Also, place ornamental grasses in pots to reduce erosion in gardens.
10. Use Lawn Mower Guards
Lawnmowers come equipped with guards designed to extend the life of the blade. Most have two guard options: plastic shields that snap over the blade (useful when storing mowers) and rigid guards made of metal or rubber (more durable). Choose a guard that provides good protection but is lightweight enough to fit easily into place. Larger lawnmowers tend to require larger guards, while smaller ones usually don't; check before purchasing.
Are you looking for an exterminator in Suffolk? General Exterminating is a professional exterminator offering fast, professional extermination pest control solutions to residential clients throughout Suffolk County. Contact us today for free quotes and estimates if we haven't already served your area. We help homeowners like you get rid of unwanted pests, no matter what type or quantity.