5 Ways to Reduce Insects Around
Your Home Without Using Chemicals
Sometimes, insect infestations can be so bad that you have no choice but to douse your house with dangerous chemicals. But wouldn’t it be nice to know that you have done everything you can to avoid that? Here are five ways you can significantly reduce the amount of insects around your home.
Remove decaying matter from your yard. Insects, especially roaches and termites, love decaying wood. That includes leaves and old limbs that pile up around your house especially under large oak trees. This is where insects congregate before sending foot soldiers into your home. By removing this decaying matter, you are taking away their home and a food source, thereby significantly reducing the population around your home.
Remove all standing water around your home. Mosquitos breed in standing water. This could be an out of work fountain, a tire, an old child’s toy, or simply a puddle on the ground that collects and holds water. It doesn’t take much . A bottle cap full of water is enough for a mosquito to breed. So inspect your yard carefully after a rain for sitting water.
Seal all holes around the exterior of your home. Almost every pipe or wire that comes into your home leaves a small hole for insects to use. Old houses often have gaps in the wood that develop over time. Make sure these entry points are caulked or filled with spray foam to deny entry. Check your screens for tears and make any necessary repairs. Check the weather stripping around your doors and make sure it is tightly installed.
Be sure that pet food is sealed and off limits. Pet food attracts all types of insects, especially ants and roaches. Make sure your pet food is stored in a tight container. Try not to leave food in the bowl. If your pet is a nibbler, this can be more difficult. Be sure to at least pick up any leftover food at night.
Trim all limbs off of your house. Insects are climbing all over your trees and bushes all the time. By cutting limbs away from your home, you are making the insect journey to get inside much longer.