Summer in Arizona, a time of year we know all too well. Scorching temperatures, vibrant sunsets, barbeques and pool parties, and unfortunately, the arrival of many unwelcome guests. The sizzling desert heat attracts a variety of insects and other pests that are looking for shelter from the toasty temps. This blog will dive into the best ways to prepare your home for a pest-free summer in Arizona.
Shut the Front Door
What is the easiest way to enter a home? Walking through the front (back or patio) door! Any tiny opening or vents in your home acts as a front door for pests, giving them an opportunity easily crawl inside.
As the Arizona temperatures continue to climb, pests will continue to seek an open invitation to your nice, cool air conditioning. The first step to minimizing or eliminating openings is conducting a thorough check around your home. Next, seal any and all foundation cracks, or spaces around doors or windows where closures are not secure and weather stripping is worn. This is also beneficial to your utility bills, which tend to increase during the summer months when the AC runs around the clock. It helps conserve energy and keeps the cool air in.
Clear the Clutter
A bug’s dream is a messy home filled with clutter and endless hiding places. The last thing you want to do is become an Airbnb host to unwanted guests. Declutter areas surrounding the perimeter of your home. Store extra hoses, remove fallen tree branches, clear away dead leaves and firewood. Put away wheelbarrows, empty pots and receptacles, which tend to attract bugs. Make sure to toss empty cardboard boxes and trash that provide breeding grounds for little critters. Clearing your yard of unnecessary clutter not only assists in evicting bugs from your home, but it also makes your home a cleaner, more welcoming space for humans.
Clean the Kitchen
A kitchen is an insect’s favorite room in the house, with easy access to a full buffet! Any food crumbs, open food boxes or bags must be securely closed and stored. Regularly sweep and vacuum the kitchen floors, clean countertops and sink areas, and ensure no food is left open in the pantry. Air-tight containers for storing food are one of the best investments to keep bugs out long-term.
Also, make sure to keep trash containers covered and take out the trash on a regular basis. Keeping a clean kitchen will help eliminate easy access to food sources for critters and force them to look elsewhere.
Maintain Your Yard
If a yard is not well-maintained, your outdoor sanctuary can quickly become home to pests. Regularly mow the lawn and trim trees and bushes to keep them clear of the house. Overgrown vegetation serves as hiding places for insects and as simple walkways into your home. Put on your best gardening gloves and get to work!
Eliminate Standing Water
After tending to your yard, it's important to check for and remove any standing water. Much like how pests are attracted to food that is left lying around, they also like water. Standing water not only provides a place for pests to quench their thirst, it’s also the optimal breeding ground for bugs like mosquitos. Get ahead of this problem by clearing gutters and drains around the home. These tend to get clogged with debris during the winter months, which causes blocked drains and standing water pests love to make their home near.
Prepare Your Home
Next up is preparing your home for a peaceful, pest-free summer by sweeping away any dust and cobwebs on exterior eaves and patios. Put your Cinderella shoes on, grab a broom or a power washer, and clean areas where the awning meets the exterior wall. Removing dirt and cobwebs removes the chance for pests to make themselves at home. Doing this will best prepare your home for the next step – adding the pest barrier.
Add Pest Barrier
Last but certainly not least, using spray and granular products to add a pest barrier around the home is one of the best defenses against welcoming insects indoors. This is a super simple and cost-effective task that will seal the deal in keeping critters where they belong… outside your home and away from your garden.
The Last Resort
Don’t let irritating pests ruin the summer vibes! Following these effective tips to relax and enjoy your home and patio for the summer. If worse comes to worst, and you have difficulty with these steps or seek further direction, our experts are available at Bug and Weed Mart to help address and provide solutions to specific pest control issues. Don’t hesitate to visit the nearest Bug and Weed Mart store with any additional questions or bug concerns.