Summer is right around the corner, which is also the perfect season for you and your family to spend more time outdoors. If you’re like everybody else, you’ve probably invested a lot in improving your outdoor spaces after spending more than a year indoors. However, common pests can prove to threaten your peaceful outdoor plans.
As the climate gets warmer, it can also be the prime season for pests. Most of these bugs, insects, and rodents can be extremely annoying to deal it when all you want to do is relax outside your home. Moreover, some can also be carriers of viruses or diseases that can lead to serious illness. In the wake of a global pandemic, that should be the last thing on your mind.
Away with Pests
Using pesticides can be a simple solution that’s readily available for a lot of homeowners. However, it’s important to note that most of these products may contain harmful chemicals and toxins that children and even pets shouldn’t be exposed to. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), pesticides can also have adverse effects on the environment and wildlife.
Another viable option is to hire professionals to take care of your pest problems for you. The products that these professionals often use are much different from common household items, which can prove to be a little safer. It also takes more than just extermination. You should also make sure that pests around your home will be gone for good.
Certain exterminators, for instance, can offer effective mosquito control solutions that will target the lifecycle of mosquitoes to stop them from breeding. Look for these kinds of services if available. Aside from pesticides and professionals, there are other ways to keep bugs and insects away from your home this summer. Here are some alternatives you could consider.
Tech Against Pests
There are plenty of technologies that you could install around your backyard to keep pesky bugs and insects away from you and your family while you spend some quality time. These technologies aimed at repelling pests have also come a long way over the past few years.
Bug zappers are perhaps the most common bug-repelling technologies out there. These devices work by luring insects using UV light, which then electrocutes them. Others have also been developed to emit carbon dioxide to attract more pests. The only downside to zappers is that they’re not as effective during the daytime or when there are competing light sources.
Another technology worth considering is a fuel-powered repeller. Once you turn these on, it will burn repellent into the air, which can cover a vast area of 15 feet around your property. The repellent is usually chemical-free making it less harmful for you and the environment. It also doesn’t produce too much noise, meaning fewer disruptions during your outdoor time.
Warm Lights, Less Inviting
Of course, you’ve probably installed a lot of lights around your backyard to keep the space functional even during the nighttime. However, you might want to change the light bulbs that you’re using for these light sources.
It’s no secret that pests, especially those that come out at night, will often be attracted to light. However, they will most likely look for brighter lights compared to warmer hues. In this regard, you should probably consider changing your typical incandescent white bulbs with orange or yellow-colored LED lights to keep your bug and insect problems to a minimum.
No-pest Zones
For a more practical and sure-fire approach, you could also choose to enclose certain parts of your outdoor spaces. You could hire a contractor to create an enclosure or gazebo in your backyard. Building it yourself would also be a viable option if you have enough confidence in your construction skills.
Most of these enclosures will usually be built with mesh screens that will easily fend off any pests without necessarily obstructing sunlight, moonlight, and the summer breeze. There are also portable pop-up options, especially if you don’t want a permanent structure taking up too much space in your backyard.
Enjoy the Outdoors
Spending more time outdoors will become more common this year, from hosting al fresco dinners to simply lounging around the patio. Hence, the demand for better pest control solutions is also increasing. According to entomologists, common household pests are expected to spread and be more active this year as the warmer climate gets longer.
The threats of insects and bugs are very real, which can prove to be dangerous if left unchecked. Make sure to take the necessary precautions in time for summer to enjoy a pest-free home. Let’s face it, the last thing you’d want to worry about when you’re relaxing outdoors is whether there’s a mosquito or tick near you or your family.
