Pest Control Tips: How to Keep Your Backyard Bug Free
As tiny as they are, ants are the pests that homeowners are most concerned about. Ants create problems inside the home and out in the yard so it’s easy to see why this is so. If you’re looking for pest control tips for ants or any other common nuisance, this guide has you covered.
We’ll share with you how to get rid of ants, termites, rodents, bees, and all kinds of pests that love to hang out in the backyard. So keep reading this guide to learn how to get rid of pests. We’ll also give our advice on the best pest control services out there for when the problems become overbearing.
The Most Common Backyard Pests
Before we get into our tips on how to control pests, let’s go over some of the most common backyard pests that you’ll encounter. This way, you’ll know exactly what you’re up against.
Ants
One of the most common backyard pests is the ant. These annoying little critters pack a big bite, depending on the type of ants you have lurking. If you have an ant problem in your backyard, you’ll want to get rid of it quickly before it becomes an ant problem in your home.
Ants aren’t dangerous but they are definitely a nuisance. They also have the potential to contaminate food. If you have an ant problem, the best thing to do is call a pest control service to eradicate the problem at the source.
Termites
Termites are actually more dangerous than ants because they have the potential to cause serious damage to your home. They eat wood from the inside out, which can weaken the structure of your house.
If you notice termites in your backyard, it’s important to call a pest control service right away.
It’s much cheaper to do this than to repair any potential damage that termites cause.
Rodents
Rodents, such as mice and rats, are a problem in many backyards. Rodents can carry diseases and they can also damage your home if they get inside. They’ll gnaw away at your furniture and your walls, which is why it’s important to get rid of them as soon as possible.
Bees
Bees are important pollinators, but they also hurt when they sting and are very protective of their hives. If you have bees in your backyard, You’ll want to get rid of them in a humane manner. It’s best to let a professional take care of this.
They’ll come in and remove the bees without harming them.
Cockroaches
Cockroaches are not only a nuisance, but they can also be dangerous. Cockroaches can carry diseases and they can also trigger allergies in some people. Don’t let them crawl all over your backyard- call a pest control service to get rid of them.
Spiders
Spiders are not generally harmful, but some people are afraid of them. You’ll never know if a spider is venomous so it’s best to get rid of them before they have a chance to bite anyone.
Fleas and Ticks
Fleas and ticks are parasites that feed off of animals, including humans. They can carry diseases and they’re also just plain gross. Your pet can pick them up when they’re outside and then bring them into the house, which is why it’s important to get rid of them as soon as possible.
Mosquitos
Mosquitoes are more than just annoying- they can also carry diseases like West Nile Virus. If you have mosquitoes in your backyard, you’ll want to take care of them right away. Mosquitoes are attracted to standing water, so get rid of any standing water in your yard.
Flies
Flies are attracted to garbage. They pitch every and anywhere quickly, giving them a chance to spread diseases they might carry. If you have a fly problem, the best thing to do is get rid of any garbage that’s attracting them.
Now that you know some of the most common backyard pests, let’s get into our pest control tips.
Get Rid of Standing Water
One of the best ways to prevent mosquitoes is to get rid of any standing water in your yard. This can be anything from a puddle to a birdbath. If you have any potted plants, make sure to empty them out every few days.
Clean your gutters, drain any water that’s pooled in your driveway, and change any water that’s in a kiddie pool regularly.
Keep Your Grass Short
Long grass is a perfect hiding place for pests. If you keep your grass short, you’ll make it harder for pests to hide. This is especially important for keeping rodents away.
Trim Your Trees and Shrubs
Trees and shrubs can provide pests with a way into your home. If you trim them back, you’ll make it harder for pests to get inside.
Grow Pest-Retarding Plants
Some plants can actually help to keep pests away. Garlic, for example, is known to repel vampires- but it also works on mosquitoes. Mosquitoes don’t like the smell of garlic, so planting some near your patio can help to keep them away.
Other plants that can help to keep pests away include marigolds, lavender, and basil. Cedar chips are also a natural way to repel pests. You can spread them around your yard or put them in planters.
Get Birds and Bat Houses
Birds and bats are natural predators of many pests. By attracting them to your yard, you can help to keep the pest population down.
There are a few things you can do to attract birds and bats to your yard. First, you can put up birdhouses and bat houses. You can also put out bird feeders and water features.
Use Pest-Proof Containers
If you have any food outside, make sure to store it in a pest-proof container. This will keep rodents and other pests away from your food. Make sure your garbage bin has a lid as well.
Clean Up Your Yard
A clean yard is a pest-free yard. Pests are attracted to garbage, so make sure to clean up any garbage in your yard. This includes picking up any fallen leaves or fruit.
Set Out Traps
If you have a pest problem, setting out traps is a great way to get rid of them. There are traps for all sorts of pests, from rats to mosquitoes.
You can find traps at your local hardware store. For best results, set out several traps around your property.
Line Your Yard With Citronella
Once your yard is clean and you’ve trimmed away the grass and shrubs, add some natural repellant around the yard to keep bugs at bay. Citronella candles are a great way to keep pests away. They work by releasing a scent that repels pests.
You can also find citronella oil at your local health or hardware store. Use the oil in a diffuser or spray it around the perimeter of your yard. Do this on days when you’ll be outside for extra protection.
In addition to citronella, there are other natural repellants that can keep pests away. These include lemon eucalyptus oil, cedar oil, neem oil, and peppermint oil. You can find all of these oils at your local health or hardware store.
Beneficial Bugs
There are a number of bugs that can actually be beneficial to your garden. These include ladybugs, lacewings, and ground beetles.
Ladybugs eat aphids, which are harmful to plants. Lacewings eat caterpillars and other harmful pests. Ground beetles eat slugs, snails, and other pests that harm plants.
You can attract these beneficial bugs to your yard by planting certain flowers and herbs. Marigolds, yarrow, and dill are all known to attract them.
You can also find all of these bugs at your local garden center. Release them into your garden to help keep the pests away.
Monitor Your Garden
The best way to keep your garden free of pests is to monitor it on a regular basis. This means checking your plants for signs of pests and damage.
If you see any pests, remove them immediately. If you see any damage, take steps to repair it. This will help keep your garden healthy and free of pests.
Use Pest Control Products
If you’re still having trouble with pests, there are a number of pest control products available. These include pesticides, insecticides, and herbicides.
Pesticides and insecticides can be toxic, so be sure to follow the directions carefully. If you’re using them around children or pets, be extra careful. Herbicides can also be toxic.
If you’re using them in your garden, be sure to wash your hands after you’re done. Pest control products are available at your local hardware or home improvement store.
Call a Pest Control Service
If you have a serious pest problem, the best thing to do is call a pest control service. They’ll not only eradicate the problem at the source, but they’ll also be able to prevent them from coming back.
How Much Does Pest Control Cost?
The cost of pest control depends on the size of your yard and the severity of the problem. For a small yard, you can expect to pay in the hundreds. For a large yard, the cost can be as high as a couple of thousand.
The best thing to do is to compare the prices of different pest control services in your area. This will help you find the best deal. Use a comparison service to help you quickly compare costs and see the different services that are offered in your area.
How to Choose a Pest Control Service
There are a few things you should keep in mind when choosing a pest control service. First, make sure to choose a service that is licensed and insured. This will protect you in case anything goes wrong while they are working on your property.
Second, make sure to read reviews before choosing a service. This will help you see what other people have to say. It’s important to find a service that is reliable and has a good track record.
Finally, make sure to choose a service that offers a satisfaction guarantee. This will ensure that you’re happy with the results of the service.
How to Deter Raccoons and Squirrels
Raccoons are a common problem for homeowners. They are known for getting into trash cans and raiding gardens. If you have a raccoon problem, there are a few ways to deter them and squirrels from your property.
One way is to keep your garbage cans sealed tightly. Another way is to keep your garden free of food. Raccoons and squirrels are also attracted to bird feeders, so you may want to research how to keep them from getting to your bird feeders.
Some people find success in using ultrasonic sound devices to deter animals. There are a number of different products on the market that emit high-pitched sounds that only animals can hear.
These devices can be effective, but they may also annoy your neighbors. If you decide to use one of these devices, make sure to read the reviews to see if it will work in your specific situation.
You can also try using a motion-activated sprinkler. These devices detect movement and then release a burst of water. This can startle animals and deter them from coming onto your property.
What to Do If You See a Raccoon or Squirrel
If you see a raccoon or squirrel on your property, the best thing to do is to call a pest control service. They will be able to safely remove the animal and prevent them from coming back.
If you have a pet, make sure to keep them away from the animal. Raccoons and squirrels can carry diseases that can be harmful to your pet.
If you have small children, make sure to keep them away from the animal as well. Raccoons and squirrels can also be aggressive and may bite or scratch if they feel threatened.
Use These Pest Control Tips
Your backyard should be a place where you can relax and enjoy the outdoors. But if it’s overrun with bugs, it can be anything but enjoyable. Use these pest control tips to keep them at bay and consult professionals from time to time to make sure things stay that way.
Pest Extinct will help you find the pest control services you need. If pest prevention fails, use our site to compare the services and prices of the exterminators near you. Get started on your quote today.
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