Summer is the perfect time to enjoy the sunshine, have barbecues in the garden, and spend time with loved ones. But with the warmer weather comes a less welcome guest: pests. From ants invading your kitchen to mosquitoes buzzing around your evenings, summer pests can quickly become a nuisance. But don’t worry—with a few straightforward cleaning and prevention strategies, you can keep your home pest-free and enjoy the season without the hassle.

Why Summer Brings More Pests Indoors
When the temperatures rise, so does the activity of pests. Insects like ants, flies, and mosquitoes thrive in the warm weather, making your home a tempting target. The combination of easy access to food, water, and shelter makes your living space an attractive place for these pests to settle. Understanding why pests are more active in the summer is the first step to keeping them out.

Start with a Clean Kitchen to Deter Pests
Your kitchen is a top destination for summer pests because it’s where they find food. Keeping this area clean is crucial in preventing infestations. After every meal, make it a habit to wipe down counters, clean up crumbs, and wash dirty dishes. Store food in airtight containers and regularly take out the rubbish to eliminate any potential food sources for pests. Don’t forget to clean under appliances and in hard-to-reach places, as these spots can accumulate food debris that attracts unwanted visitors.

Regular Floor Cleaning to Keep Pests Away
It’s easy to overlook the floors, but they can quickly become a feeding ground for pests, especially if you have children or pets. Sweeping, vacuuming, and mopping your floors regularly helps to remove crumbs and dirt that pests feed on. Pay special attention to areas under furniture and along skirting boards, where debris often gathers unnoticed. Keeping your floors clean makes your home less inviting to insects and rodents.

Manage Moisture to Prevent Pest Problems
Pests like cockroaches and mosquitoes are particularly drawn to moisture. Kitchens, bathrooms, and basements can all harbour dampness that attracts these pests. Make sure to fix any leaking taps or pipes, wipe down wet surfaces, and consider using a dehumidifier in particularly damp areas. By keeping your home dry, you make it far less appealing to moisture-loving pests.

Declutter to Reduce Pest Hiding Spots
Clutter provides the perfect hiding spots for pests. Old newspapers, cardboard boxes, and piles of clothes can become a refuge for insects and rodents. Take the time to declutter your home, focusing on storage areas like the attic, basement, and garage. Keep these spaces organised and tidy, reducing the places where pests can hide. A decluttered home is not only more pleasant to live in but also less inviting to unwanted guests.

Seal Entry Points to Keep Pests Out
Once your home is clean and tidy, the next step is to stop pests from getting in. Check your windows, doors, and any other potential entry points for gaps or cracks. Even the smallest opening can be an invitation for pests. Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal up any gaps, and consider installing door sweeps to block out insects and rodents. By sealing off entry points, you make it much harder for pests to invade your space.

Use Natural Repellents for an Eco-Friendly Solution
If you’re looking for a way to keep pests at bay without resorting to harsh chemicals, natural repellents can be very effective. Essential oils like peppermint, lavender, and eucalyptus are known to repel ants, flies, and mosquitoes. You can create a simple spray by mixing a few drops of essential oil with water and spraying it around windows, doors, and other entry points. Not only does this keep pests away, but it also leaves your home smelling fresh.

Keep Your Garden Tidy to Prevent Pests
Your garden is another area that can attract pests, especially if it’s overgrown. Keeping your garden tidy is key to preventing insects from making their way into your home. Regularly trim bushes, mow the lawn, and clear away any standing water where mosquitoes could breed. Removing fallen fruit and garden debris will also reduce the chances of pests setting up camp outside your door. A well-maintained garden not only looks great but also helps keep your home pest-free.

How to Deal with Common Summer Pests
While general cleaning and prevention tips are essential, different pests require different strategies. Here’s how to tackle some of the most common summer pests:

Ants:
Ants are often drawn to sweet or greasy foods, making kitchens their favourite spot. To prevent ants, keep your kitchen as clean as possible and store food in sealed containers. If you notice an ant trail, trace it back to the entry point and seal it. Natural deterrents like cinnamon, coffee grounds, or vinegar can help keep ants at bay.

Flies:
Flies are not just annoying; they can also spread disease. To keep them out, ensure your bins have tight-fitting lids and empty them regularly. Keep windows and doors closed or use screens to prevent flies from entering. You can also place herbs like basil or mint on your windowsills to naturally repel flies.

Mosquitoes:
Mosquitoes thrive in warm, humid weather. To reduce their numbers around your home, eliminate standing water where they breed, such as in plant saucers or clogged gutters. Use mosquito nets or screens on your windows and doors, and consider using citronella candles or plants like lemon balm to keep mosquitoes at bay.

Maintain a Pest-Free Home All Summer
Even after you’ve dealt with the immediate problem, ongoing maintenance is key to keeping your home pest-free throughout the summer. Here’s how:

Regular Inspections:
 Make a habit of checking your home for signs of pests, such as droppings, nests, or chew marks. Early detection allows you to address any issues before they turn into larger infestations.

Stay on Top of Rubbish Disposal:
 Bins full of rubbish are a magnet for pests, so make sure they’re emptied regularly. Keep your bins covered and store them away from the house if possible to further reduce the risk of attracting pests.

Groom Your Pets:
 Pets can unwittingly bring pests like fleas and ticks into your home. Regular grooming and checking your pets for pests, especially after they’ve been outside, can help minimise the risk of an infestation.

FAQs About Summer Pest Control

How can I keep ants out of my kitchen without using chemicals?
Natural deterrents like cinnamon, vinegar, or lemon juice can be very effective. Apply these around entry points where ants are coming in, and keep your kitchen clean and food sealed.

What’s the best way to keep mosquitoes away from outdoor areas?
Removing standing water, using citronella candles, and planting mosquito-repelling plants like lemon balm or lavender around your outdoor space can all help reduce the presence of mosquitoes.

How do I prevent flies from entering my home during the summer?
 Keep windows and doors closed or use screens, ensure your bins are tightly sealed, and place herbs like basil or mint near entry points to naturally repel flies.

Summer should be a time to enjoy your home, and not worry about pests. With these tips, you can keep those unwelcome guests out and enjoy a pest-free season. Do you have any tried-and-true pest prevention methods? Share your tips and experiences in the comments below, and if you found this guide helpful, don’t forget to share it with friends and family!

© Cleaning Agency Ltd