Picture this. You’re sitting comfortably in your living room, enjoying a cup of coffee and catching up on the local news. All of a sudden something flies across your face or buzzes past your ear! What was that? Where did it come from? Was that the only one? Flying pests can be a huge annoyance and for some of us, they can be downright dangerous if we have allergies! Some common flying pests we encounter are mosquitoes, ladybugs, flies, hornets, wasps, and bees. Do you know how to identify these flying pests? What can you do to keep them out of your home? Here are 14 tips for preventing flying pests from invading your personal space.
- Try to limit how many flowering plants and other landscaping near the outside of your home.
- Trim shrubs and branches back from the sides of your home. Keep your grass cut short.
- Keep woodpiles and compost bins a good distance away from your home.
- Keep piles of debris and fallen trees cleared away from your property.
- Make sure there is no standing water on your property. This can be on tarps, in wheelbarrows, wading pools, buckets, and empty pet bowls.
- Make sure your gutters are not clogged.
- Seal any cracks in your foundation.
- Make sure gaps around windows and doors are caulked. Make sure they are covered with screens that are in good repair. Use door sweeps on any exterior doors. Keep doors and windows closed as much as possible.
- Cap chimneys and make sure vent covers are secure.
- Dispose of your trash on a regular basis and use trashcans with tight fitting lids.
- Consider painting or staining any wooden structures on your property including porches, decks, swing sets, etc.
- Keep food in sealed containers or in the refrigerator. This includes pet food. Clean up any spills and crumbs immediately.
- Wash dishes regularly.
- Clean up pet waste daily.
If you suspect you have a problem with flying pests, contact a professional pest control company who can provide you with a thorough inspection and set you up with a comprehensive treatment plan.
