Keeping Bugs Out Of Your Home This Summer

We have all had the unfortunate experience of waking up to find we are covered in those tiny welts. The ones that make it evident that a mosquito-type insect decided to feast upon us as we peacefully slept. 

 

The smells from the kitchen in the summer, the open windows, ourselves, and our animals are all enticing smells in the summer for a range of insects. So how can you keep your home as insect free as possible? 

Note: Some links in this post are affiliate links, which means I receive a commission if you make a purchase. Affiliate relationships include, but are not limited to Amazon Associates, Walmart.com, and Etsy.

Photo by Maksim Shutov on Unsplash

 

Screens

One of the first lines of defense and often one of the best is an insect screen. Fly screens can be easily fitted to most doors and windows and help prevent most flying creatures that would make a feast for your family members. 

 

Some screens attach with magnets and can be removed easily once you are done with them, while others are panels that can sit in the frame of the window. 

 

Coffee grounds

There are a few smells that offer repellent. Coffee grounds are one of them, so if you enjoy a morning coffee cup and wonder what to do with the leftover grounds, then sprinkle them around entryways. 

 

Coffee grounds work best for ants, but they can deter other insects too. A thin line placed around any area where ants or other crawling bugs come in is all you need. 

Fruit traps

Little fruit flies can run amok in the summer months, and not only are they annoying, but they can quickly multiply. You can purchase a fruit trap that is filled with a sticky, sweet-smelling liquid that entices fruit flies in – but they can’t get back out. 

 

Alternatively, you can use an empty plastic drinks bottle, add something sweet like jam in the bottom, and half cover the opening. 

 

USB mosquito traps

If big-budget insect traps are out of your budget, there are smaller options that work very well. They are much smaller but still often have that blue light that most insects are attracted to, accompanied by a small fan that draws them into small gaps. 

 

They can’t get out. It is important that you empty this one as often as possible during peak summer because you might be surprised just how quickly they stack up. 

 

Plants

If you would prefer a more natural approach, where no bugs are harmed, then there are many plants that you can use. One of the most popular ones is citronella; you can add this to your patio, around your doors, on window ledges, and in other places around the home. 

 

Peppermint, tea tree and lemongrass are also very popular options that can repel a wide range of bugs. 

 

Spray 

You might notice that many store-bought insect repellents have tea tree and lavender oils in them. You can make one at home using distilled water, a few drops of tea tree oil, and a few drops of either mint or lavender. 

 

Not only does it smell great, but you should see a reduction in how many insects make it into your home. 

 

Here are a couple of extra tips to help protect and clear your home of any unwanted guests: Remove Any Pests From Your Home Naturally – NeededInTheHome. 

This is a contributed post.

 

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