Did you know that there are several insect-borne diseases prevalent in Missouri? These include Lyme disease spread by ticks and West Nile virus spread by mosquitoes.

Summer pests are more than just a nuisance. They can make you or your family members extremely sick.

You want to enjoy summer fun in the sun, not worry about pests making you sick. So how can you keep your home pest-free during the summer months? What can you do yourself and when will you need help from pest control services?

Let’s take a deep dive into how you can keep unwanted visitors out of your home this summer.

Remove Pest Breeding Grounds

According to the CDC, mosquitoes like water with little or no flow.

This might make you think of lakes and ponds, but the reality is that they only need a tiny container full of water to lay their eggs. It’s easy to leave a plant pot out in the rain in a seldom-used part of the garden. That can quickly become full of mosquito larvae and put a serious dampener on your summer fun. 

It’s a good idea to do a thorough inspection of your backyard and remove anything with pooling water in it. This could be a water feature with standing water, upturned containers, or even a watering can with water left in it.

Pet bowls full of water can also attract critters. Of course, you don’t want to limit your dog’s water intake, but make sure that it’s changed regularly.

If you’re not sure what you’re looking for, call pest control. They’ll help you to go through your home and yard and identify pests that are already there or conditions that could attract them.

Other Reasons for Removing Water

Mosquitoes are not the only pests that love water. All pests need water, and rodents will flock to any water source in your yard. Silverfish, ants, and cockroaches all love water. 

Start by removing water sources outside your home, such as puddles and leaky faucets. Then start checking indoors. Check under sinks and in vanities to make sure there are no puddles for hydrating pesky critters!

Keep Your Yard Tidy

Piles of leaves and yard debris can provide nesting sites and materials for pests. Keep the yard well swept and pest-proof your compost bin. Resist the temptation to compost meat scraps that could attract pests.

Branches that overhang your roof can give pests a helping hand. It’s easy for them to travel along these branches and right into your roof space. Keep them well-trimmed to avoid this.

Finally, keep your gutters clean. Mice love clogged gutters, and if they take up residence, they’ll be in your home in no time. If you spot a snake hanging from your gutter, it’s time to call pest control services immediately!

Remove Sources of Food

Food residue, crumbs, and spilled food are magnets for rodents and cockroaches. Ants are attracted to all food but especially anything containing sugar. Keep your kitchen very clean and store foodstuffs in well-sealed containers or in the fridge.

Also, don’t leave dirty dishes out overnight. Either do the dishes or put the dishwasher on every night before going to bed. 

You’ll need to be extra vigilant if you’ve got small children in the house. As adorable as they are, they can tend to leave a trail of food residue in their wake. Be careful to vacuum or wipe up every last crumb and morsel so you’re not providing an all-you-can-eat buffet for neighborhood pests.

Pets can also be messy eaters. And messy poopers. Both their food and waste will attract pests, so be sure to clean up both as quickly as possible. 

Take Out the Trash Regularly

Trash sitting in your house during the warmer months can quickly start sending out signals to local pests. You need to take out the trash—especially food scraps—regularly and deposit them in sealed trash cans outside. 

Batten Down the Hatches

It’s virtually impossible to remove every single pest entry point from your home, but you can give it your best shot.

We’re talking gaps around window and door frames and gaps in baseboards. Make sure gaps around external pipe entry points are completely sealed. All external doors should either be self-closing or have a second screen door.

Try to keep your windows and doors closed as much as possible. But if you do need some fresh air, make sure they have mesh screens in place. Door sweeps on external doors are also a great idea, taking away a potential entry point for bugs and small rodents.

Pest Control Solutions

Although there are lots of practical steps you can take to discourage pests, they can be pretty determined. If you’re fighting a losing battle, a pest control service can help you win.

Pests control has access to insecticides and other equipment that are not available at the hardware store. They have a ton of local knowledge and experience that they can use to your benefit. 

One potential solution a pests control service can use is bug traps. They entice bugs in and then trap them. Others cause bugs to spread poison in the nest, getting to the root of the problem.

Whatever pest issue you’re facing, pest control will have a solution that can remove the problem and keep them away. They can also tackle termites. They can cause real structural damage if they’re not removed quickly and professionally.

Pest Control Services Can Help You Enjoy Your Summer

Summer should be a time for enjoying your backyard without worrying about pests spoiling the fun. For peace of mind, call pest control services to assess your home and provide the treatments you need.

At AMCO Ranger Termite & Pest Solutions, we provide tailored treatment plans for our valued customers. If you’re in the St. Charles, MO, or St. Louis, MO, areas, we’re here to help.

Schedule a free, no-obligation inspection or call us today at (636) 441 BUGS (2847).