As the heat of August sets in so does the surge of pesky insects invading our homes. Mosquitoes, ants, and flies can quickly become a health hazard and ruin the comfort of our living space. However, keeping your home bug-free in August is possible with just a few practical steps.This blog post provides five effective and easy-to-implement tips for homeowners. Don’t let unwanted pests ruin your summertime fun – follow these tips and enjoy a clean, comfortable, and safe home all August long.
Understanding August’s Pest Culprits:
As summer reaches its peak, it’s becoming increasingly important to take preventive measures against August’s pests. Pests like mosquitoes are active during the hot and often humid weather, making it the perfect breeding ground for them. It’s not just the buzzing and itching bites that mosquitoes bring with them, but also the diseases they can transmit like West Nile virus and Zika virus.
Ticks are often more active during humid weather as well. Humidity creates favorable conditions for ticks because it helps them retain moisture and prevents them from drying out. Ticks can carry various diseases that can be transmitted to humans and animals through their bites. Common tick-borne diseases include Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, babesiosis, Powassan virus, tularemia, and Colorado tick fever.
Ants are also out in full force collecting food for the upcoming winter months. Meanwhile, flies are attracted to the scents of food and waste increasing the risk of contamination. These pests vary depending on the region and weather conditions but knowing what to expect is crucial in taking the necessary steps to keep your home bug-free. With a few simple actions such as keeping the area around your home clean and dry, repairing any holes or cracks in walls, and using natural insect repellents and deterrents, you can significantly reduce your chances of encountering pesky insects this August.
Tip 1 – Eliminating Standing Water:
One effective tip for keeping bugs at bay is to eliminate standing water on your property. Puddles and containers filled with rainwater attract pests like mosquitoes, who use the stagnant water as a breeding ground. To prevent this, it’s important to frequently clean and empty any containers that have collected water, including flower pots, birdbaths, and gutters.
You should also ensure proper yard drainage by filling low-lying areas or adding gravel to prevent water accumulation. Fixing leaky faucets and hoses can also prevent water from pooling in unintended areas. If standing water sources cannot be eliminated, consider using larvicides to control mosquito populations. By eliminating standing water, you can avoid attracting pesky insects and keep your home bug-free during the warmer summer months.
Tip 2 – Seal Entry Points
If you’re trying to keep your home bug-free this summer, one of the most important things you can do is seal entry points. Tiny cracks and crevices around windows, doors, and foundations are like welcome mats for ants, flies, and other pests. To prevent them from getting inside, thoroughly inspect the exterior of your home and seal any gaps using caulk or weatherstripping. You should also install mesh screens on doors and windows to allow ventilation without giving bugs a way in.
Don’t forget to pay attention to utility entry points, like pipes and wires, and use expanding foam or wire mesh to seal them. Repair any damaged screens and ensure a tight fit to prevent even the tiniest of bugs from sneaking inside. By sealing entry points, you’ll make it much more difficult for bugs to make themselves at home in your space.
When it comes to pest prevention – maintaining cleanliness is crucial. If you want to keep pesky bugs away from your home this August, regularly cleaning up food crumbs, spills, and pet food is a must. These leftover food items serve as a beacon to attract unwanted visitors, such as ants and flies, into your home. 
When it comes to pest prevention during the summer months keeping your yard well-groomed is just as important as maintaining a clean home. In August, the combination of heat and humidity creates the perfect breeding grounds for unwanted visitors, such as mosquitoes, ticks, and other pests. Tall grass, overgrown vegetation, and unkempt shrubs provide ample hiding spots for pests, making it crucial to keep your yard trimmed and tidy. 
When it comes to keeping your home bug-free during the summer, natural repellents and deterrents can be a great option. Consider using citronella candles, essential oils, or bug-repelling plants like lavender to keep mosquitoes and other pests at bay. You can create a natural ant deterrent by mixing white vinegar and water, then spraying entry points and ant trails. Additionally, planting marigolds, basil, and mint around the exterior of your home can discourage pests from even coming near your property.