{"id":58799,"date":"2017-08-04T03:23:05","date_gmt":"2017-08-04T10:23:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/?page_id=58799"},"modified":"2020-11-24T16:24:57","modified_gmt":"2020-11-25T00:24:57","slug":"keep-summer-pests-out-of-house","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/keep-summer-pests-out-of-house\/","title":{"rendered":"The Ultimate Guide to Keep\u00a0Summer Pests\u00a0Out of\u00a0Your House"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Summertime is great, but as for the many pests it brings? Not so much. Because the<a href=\"http:\/\/www.sanjoaquinpestcontrol.com\/blog\/why-do-bugs-seem-more-common-during-summer\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">warmer months<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> bring so many creatures out of hibernation, homeowners across the country often see a spike in pest activity during summer.<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"media-58802\" class=\"align-none\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/Nice-home-exterior.jpg\" alt=\"Luxury house exterior with brick and siding trim and double garage.\" width=\"851\" height=\"543\" \/><\/figure>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here are some of the most common summer pests, along with strategies to prevent their entry into your home and ideas to get rid of them once and for all.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>How to Repel Mosquitoes<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mosquitoes aren\u2019t just annoying, they can transmit diseases like the<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/zika\/prevention\/controlling-mosquitoes-at-home.html\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Zika virus<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Preventing them from getting inside starts in the yard \u2014 you\u2019ll want to make it as undesirable to insects as possible. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Regularly check for sources of standing water:<\/strong>\u00a0Stagnant water can provide a place for mosquitoes to lay eggs (and provide nourishment to other insects in general). Look anywhere that water could have accumulated from a summer rainfall:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Holes or ditches around the yard<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Garbage bins<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Buckets<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Flowerpot saucers<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gutters<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Storage sheds and bins<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tires<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Remove bird baths:\u00a0<\/strong>Birdbaths will tend to work against your cause, but if you have one, empty it out and scrub it with a brush at least once every few days. Refreshing the water regularly means eliminating any mosquito eggs<\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/homeguides.sfgate.com\/birdbaths-mosquitoes-46164.html\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">before<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> they have the chance to hatch. You can also add an aerator or other rippling effects to create an unstable surface that mosquitoes can\u2019t land on, but won\u2019t affect the birds.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Use Natural Repellants:\u00a0<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/kinds-of-natural-mosquito-repellant#soybean-oil\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\">Natural<\/a><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/kinds-of-natural-mosquito-repellant#soybean-oil\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"> mosquito repellants<\/a> are a safe, effective alternative to pesticides and can be sprayed throughout your yard. Natural substances like lemon eucalyptus oil, thyme oil, lavender, and citronella are safe and smell great!\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Concentrate on areas in which you spend a lot of time, like the porch or kids\u2019 playground, and water-prone sections like the pool, backyard ponds, and areas with sprinklers.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Ensure windows are secure:\u00a0<\/strong>Make sure windows and doors are well-insulated, repairing torn screen if necessary, to keep mosquitoes and other insects from getting inside. If you\u2019ve been noticing consistent indoor pest problems,<\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.pestcontrolmanagement.org\/sealing-your-home-exterior.html\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">search<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> all around the house for cracks, gaps, or holes and seal them accordingly. The entire family should also make a conscious effort to limit the number of time doors are left open while they come in and out of the house \u2014 the less opportunity for the bugs, the better!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For persistent, serious problems, reach out to a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/common-household-pests\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\">pest control<\/a> specialist!<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Keeping Ants Away<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Extra strong sealing:\u00a0<\/strong>Proper<\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.caulkyourhome.com\/diy-pest-prevention.php\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">sealing<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> around the exterior of your house is your strongest line of defense against ants, which can squeeze through all kinds of tiny crevices. Foam or caulk is often enough to keep even the tiniest of ants out. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Eliminate ant-temptations:<\/strong>\u00a0Get rid of as many temptations around the outside of your home, as well; don\u2019t leave half-empty soda cans out overnight, and keep food covered during summer barbeques and parties. If ants find food, they<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thespruce.com\/how-to-get-rid-of-ants-2656468\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">leave<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> a scent trail for their friends to find, and the problem can escalate more quickly than you\u2019d expect.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/Animals-Insect-Ants-Stone-1812768.jpg\" alt=\"Animals Insect Ants Stone\" width=\"596\" height=\"376\" \/><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Seek natural remedies for small issues:\u00a0<\/strong>There are all kinds of natural<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mnn.com\/your-home\/at-home\/blogs\/13-natural-remedies-for-the-ant-invasion\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">remedies<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that can not only prevent ants from entering your home in the first place but help address an existing problem. Lemon juice, cinnamon (in both powder and oil form), and peppermint oil can all help destroy the scent path left by ants, halting their entry into your home. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Create a trap:\u00a0<\/strong>For lingering ants, you can create a borax, sugar, and water solution to act as toxic bait: they\u2019ll be attracted to the sugar and take it back to their queen (without leaving an effective trail). Once the queen has died, the colony will soon follow, and your ant problem can be a distant memory. <em>M<\/em><em>ake sure the bait is placed out of reach of pets and small children.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Shooing Away Fruit Flies and House Flies<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Keep doors and windows closed:\u00a0<\/strong>Keeping an eye on open doors and windows is perhaps the most effective way to keep flies from entering your home. Repair any torn screening, and if you have air conditioner units (instead of central air), make sure they are securely insulated all around. Natural repellants can be<\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.naturallivingideas.com\/how-to-naturally-keep-flies-away\/\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">made<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> from just about anything, including household herbs, essential oils, vinegar, lemon juice, and even pennies.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Reduce sources of attraction:\u00a0<\/strong>Don&#8217;t keep ripened fruit or vegetables outside of the refrigerator. Keep garbage cans clean and thoroughly clean anything you put into recycling containers. Avoid leaving out juice, wine, and sugary beverages.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Create a trap:\u00a0<\/strong>To quickly address a serious fly issue in your home, you can create your own<\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/lifehacker.com\/the-complete-guide-to-managing-your-summer-pest-problem-1183885737\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">trap<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> with only a cup, paper, tape, and honey. Flies will be attracted to the honey and quickly seek it out, but will become trapped once they enter your contraption. Be prepared to make a few traps depending on how large the affected area is and the severity of the issue. Give it up to a couple of days, implementing your natural repellants as well, to ward off the last of the flies.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Getting Rid of Silverfish<\/h2>\n<figure id=\"media-58817\" class=\"align-none\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/silverfish-61638_1280.jpg\" alt=\"silverfish-61638_1280\" width=\"767\" height=\"575\" \/><\/figure>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Declutter:<\/strong> Decluttering your home and garage is a great first step in<\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.apartmenttherapy.com\/silverfish-how-to-get-rid-of-them-prevent-an-infestation-203055\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">preventing<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> silverfish, especially when it comes to old cardboard, newspapers, and stacks of mail. If you have any clothes in storage, keep them in a cool, dry place in sealed containers. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Reduce moisture buildup: <\/strong>Keep the house well-ventilated throughout the year \u2014 especially in bathrooms, basements, and attics. Additionally, clear the perimeter of your house of excess debris like leaves and branches to eliminate potential sources of moisture and insect shelter.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Go Natural:<\/strong> As with many summer pests,<\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.apartmenttherapy.com\/silverfish-how-to-get-rid-of-them-prevent-an-infestation-203055\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">silverfish<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can be controlled with natural deterrents, many of which are both pet- and kid-friendly. Cucumber peels, garlic cloves, citrus peels, cedar shavings, and cinnamon can all be placed in problem areas to deter silverfish from entering your home. For storage, naphthalene balls (moth balls) can be used to keep these insects at bay, especially when it comes to clothing.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Avoiding Fleas and Ticks<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Use repellent:<\/strong>\u00a0First, make sure each person wears\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/kinds-of-natural-mosquito-repellant\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\">insect\u00a0<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">repellent<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> before going outside for long periods of time, especially if you\u2019ll be in wooded areas. Avoid interacting with any animals you aren\u2019t familiar with, including strays, that could be carrying fleas, ticks (which may carry<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/lyme\/index.html\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lyme<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> disease), or other parasites. Also, treat your dog with flea and tick repellent oo!<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"media-58801\" class=\"align-none\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/Dog-camping.png\" alt=\"Dog camping\" \/><\/figure>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Check yourself:\u00a0<\/strong>When returning from time outside,<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/features\/stopticks\/index.html\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">check yourself<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, your family, and your<\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.akc.org\/content\/health\/articles\/places-to-look-for-ticks-on-dog\/\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">pets<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for ticks. Inspect your clothing, shoes, and hats first, then look carefully through hair, in and around ears, under arms and behind your knees. Check especially small crevices, including the inside of belly buttons. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Shower quickly after outdoors:\u00a0<\/strong>Shower within two hours of coming inside to make sure you wash off anything you could\u2019ve missed, even re-checking areas to be sure you\u2019re clear.<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/ticks\/removing_a_tick.html\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Remove<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> any ticks you do find with tweezers, pulling them straight up in a steady motion. Clean the area afterward with soap and water, iodine, or rubbing alcohol, and visit a doctor right away if you develop a rash or fever within a month of the bite.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Keep the house clean:\u00a0<\/strong>A thorough cleaning is an important step in getting rid of<a href=\"https:\/\/www.thebalance.com\/get-rid-of-fleas-in-the-house-1799049\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"> fleas<\/a> no matter how serious the problem. Vacuum all carpets, rugs, curtains, and furniture, and immediately discard the bag outside. Wash affected clothing and fabrics in hot water and dry in the hottest settings (take note of any items that might need special care). Keep in mind that if your<a href=\"http:\/\/thebugskiller.com\/how-to-kill-fleas-and-get-rid-of-them-forever-from-your-house-dogs-cats\/\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"> pet(s)<\/a> brought in the fleas, they\u2019ll likely be spread all around the house, quite literally anywhere the affected pet has entered. Keep a lookout for bites and scratching for the next few weeks, and seek a professional if the problem persists.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Consult a professional:\u00a0<\/strong>Fleas are tiny, quick, and often hard to spot. What <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">are<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> immediately noticeable are the<\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.fleabites.net\/what-do-flea-bites-look-like-flea-bite-pictures\/\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">bites<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2014 they can occur almost anywhere, affect anyone from your infant to your cat, and are incredibly itchy. \u00a0Treating fleas depends a lot on the severity of the problem, as well as the source. If a problem is so serious that multiple house members (human or otherwise) have bites, it\u2019s best to consult a <a href=\"https:\/\/drivebyeexterminators.com\/pest-control-services\/\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\">pest control professional<\/a>. Experts will be able to identify the major problem areas and instruct you on the most thorough ways to solve the problem, whether it\u2019s a professional treatment or home remedies.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Keeping Out Squirrels and Mice<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There is only so much you can do to prevent the general presence of <a href=\"https:\/\/covenantwildlife.com\/wildlife-removal\/squirrel-removal\/\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\">squirrels<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/worldclasswildliferemoval.com\/services\/rodent-removal\/\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\">mice<\/a> in your yard since they can be found in just about every kind of setting and climate. You can use fencing to keep them out of your<\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.hgtv.com\/outdoors\/gardens\/planting-and-maintenance\/how-to-keep-squirrels-away-from-your-garden\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">garden<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, or use strategically-placed motion lighting to shoo them off. Some people even adopt a pet to act as a \u201cguard\u201d against rodent intruders. You should also make sure to properly store all of your food to reduce the likelihood of mice \u2014 they can not only smell opened food, they\u2019ll chew through nearly anything to get to it.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Check the perimeter of your home<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Seal cracks and any form of entry outside your home<\/li>\n<li>Keep attics, closets, garages, and basements clean and dry<\/li>\n<li>Get rid of any moist locations like leaking pipes<\/li>\n<li>Store firewood at least 20 feet away from your house<\/li>\n<li>Keep shrubs and natural foliage trimmed around the house<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<figure id=\"media-58800\" class=\"align-none\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/MouseSmall.jpg\" alt=\"Wild mouse\" \/><\/figure>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Use natural repellents:<\/strong> Check the perimeter of both the interior and exterior of your home for major holes or sources of entry, and patch them securely. Deter them from coming back by using some natural<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.homeremedyhacks.com\/19-home-remedies-to-get-rid-of-squirrels\/\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">repellents<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, including:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nutmeg and cinnamon mixture<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hot peppers or hot sauce<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Apple cider vinegar<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Citrus peel<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Safflower seeds (for your bird feeder)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Peppermint oil<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Try one of these repellents not only in areas you\u2019ve seen the rodents before but any <i>new<\/i> spots that look vulnerable to entry. <em>As always,<\/em> s<em>eek professional pest control services for major rodent problems.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<h2>Preventing Bats in Your Home<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Despite their bad reputation, bats aren\u2019t aggressive toward humans in general. However, they can be dangerous if they invade your home because they could carry<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/rabies\/bats\/management\/index.html\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">rabies<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or other hazardous diseases.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Search your home:<\/strong> You\u2019ll conduct a similar house inspection as with other pests, but this time, check for holes and crevices up high \u2014 including the attic. Use wood, form, caulk, or any other strong material to seal problem areas. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Make your home unappealing to bats:\u00a0<\/strong>Though there aren\u2019t any known effective natural repellents, you can creatively adapt your house to be less appealing to bats. You can hang<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.homeremedyhacks.com\/15-effective-home-remedies-to-get-rid-of-bats\/\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">aluminum<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> foil to reflect both light and sound, both of which will keep bats at bay. Mirrors lined up with security lights can also deter their presence, though you\u2019ll want to make sure the beam won\u2019t disturb your neighbors.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Cover points of entry:\u00a0<\/strong>If you know you have a problem with bats, stand outside at dusk (when bats emerge from their daytime naps) to identify where they are coming from. Cover points of entry with bird netting or clear plastic sheeting, allowing the creatures inside to crawl out and leave but not return. Once you know they\u2019re all gone, patch the area permanently and use whichever repellent method you\u2019ve found to be successful.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Avoiding and Treating Bedbugs<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>One of the worst things about <a href=\"https:\/\/www.terminix.com\/blog\/bug-facts\/what-causes-bed-bugs-and-how-do-they-spread\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\">bedbugs<\/a> is that you don\u2019t necessarily do anything <i>wrong<\/i> to get them \u2014 you just do. They could transfer from another passenger to you on your morning train commute, move from one child to another at daycare, or hitch a ride in your suitcase from a bad hotel and follow you home. Investing in a mattress cover is the closest step you\u2019ll find to bed bug prevention: it won\u2019t stop you from getting them, but it <i>will<\/i> prevent your mattress from becoming infested and having to be thrown out.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Regularly inspect your bedding:\u00a0<\/strong>Regularly<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/bedbugs\/how-find-bed-bugs\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">inspect<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> all mattresses in the home for signs of bed bugs throughout the summer. Use a penlight (<\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.instructables.com\/id\/ULTIMATE-Guide-on-How-To-Detect-Bed-Bugs-Detecting\/\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">UV lights<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are particularly handy) and look closely at every groove, pocket, and crevice. Inspect sheets before washing them in hot water. Be on the lookout for any signs of extra itching from your family; the sooner you identify the problem, the sooner you can address it.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><em>If you do find evidence of bed bugs or are suspicious but ultimately unsure, call a pest control specialist immediately.<\/em> It\u2019s always better to get an inspection just in case because the problem can quickly spiral out of control. Follow their directions absolutely and exactly as they are instructed.\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/citybugs.tamu.edu\/factsheets\/biting-stinging\/others\/ent-3012\/\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Steps<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> will include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Washing and drying <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">all<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> clothing on the hottest settings. Delicate fabrics will often be fine with only 30 minutes in the dryer on the hottest setting.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Storing all clothing in garbage bags until the treatment is completely done. Often, there are multiple treatments over the course of weeks, so you may be living out of bags for an extended period.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Inspecting all furniture closely for bed bugs. Some may need to be thrown out completely \u2014 be sure to mark them so people know they\u2019re infested.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vacuuming every inch of the house and furniture, immediately disposing of bags afterward.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/bed-1284666_1280.jpg\" alt=\"bed-1284666_1280\" width=\"737\" height=\"531\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Don&#8217;t take shortcuts:<\/strong> Avoid the temptation to take any shortcuts when it comes to implementing bed bug control procedures. The more thorough you are, the more effective treatment will be and the sooner you can get back to feeling completely at ease in your own home. And if you find signs or are suspicious, contact a pest control specialist immediately.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Getting Rid of Roaches<\/h2>\n<p><strong>Cleaning and home maintenance:\u00a0<\/strong>In addition to sealing up potential points of entry for roaches,<a href=\"https:\/\/www.amoils.com\/health-blog\/12-helpful-hints-on-how-to-keep-your-home-cockroach-free-2\/\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"> conscious<\/a> cleaning and home maintenance are key to keeping them out.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Keep garbage controlled and taken out regularly: <\/strong>Some items are better off taken straight to an outside garbage can (like the packaging from raw meat that can quickly become odorous) or<a href=\"https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/recycle\/composting-home\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"> composted<\/a> (like eggshells and vegetable scraps). Wipe down surfaces where you prepare food on a daily basis, especially after cooking. All food should be kept in secure containers, ideally in pantries or cabinets that are free of food particles and debris.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Avoid leaving dirty dishes in the sink: <\/strong>Also, make sure to thoroughly rinse them before placing them in the dishwasher \u2014 cockroaches can get in there more easily than you might think!<\/p>\n<p><strong>Eliminate all sources of standing water and messes<\/strong>: Whether it\u2019s a pot soaking in the sink or a clogged shower drain &#8211; it&#8217;s got to go. Make sure your children\u2019s and pet\u2019s play areas, both inside and outside, are kept clean and tidy. Vacuum regularly, and if you have children or other messy eaters, be especially thorough with cleaning the pockets and crevices of your couch and dining chairs.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Call a professional!\u00a0<\/strong>There are options for<a href=\"https:\/\/www.mnn.com\/your-home\/at-home\/stories\/how-to-get-rid-of-roaches-naturally\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"> homemade<\/a> cockroach bait if you discover an issue, but take note of which are hazardous to pets and young children. Keep in mind that cockroach infestations can escalate rapidly, so if you\u2019ve noticed more than a few in 48 hours, it\u2019s best to call in the professionals. Sometimes, all the cleaning and other homemade remedies just aren\u2019t sufficient to wipe out a serious problem; there\u2019s a reason people joke that only the<a href=\"http:\/\/nerdist.com\/scientists-find-cockroaches-nearly-indestructible-everywhere\/\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"> cockroaches<\/a> would survive an apocalypse!<\/p>\n<h2>Say Goodbye to \u2018Stinging\u2019 Insects \u2014 Bees, hornets, and wasps<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unfortunately, your beautiful garden is what will make the most impact in attracting stinging insects to your yard.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Reduce the number of flowers and trees:\u00a0<\/strong>If anyone in your family has insect allergies (or if you even suspect someone might), limit the number of fragrant plants and trees in your yard, as well as bright flowers that will<a href=\"http:\/\/www.naturallivingideas.com\/20-beautiful-flowers-attract-bees-garden\/\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"> attract<\/a> bees.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you discover you have a wasp and\/or<\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/homeguides.sfgate.com\/make-wasp-hornet-repellent-86797.html\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">hornet<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> problem, you can use a homemade repellent around your porch and outdoor seating to deter them. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Call a professional to remove hives or nests:\u00a0<\/strong>Beehives and wasp nests should be removed by a professional to avoid injury or endangering those around you.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/bee-173322_1280.jpg\" alt=\"Bee\" width=\"745\" height=\"418\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>Don\u2019t let summertime pests kill your buzz \u2014 prevent what you can and address problems quickly so you can get back to enjoying the sunshine!<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Summertime is great, but as for the many pests it brings? Not so much. Because the warmer months bring so many creatures out of hibernation, homeowners across the country often see a spike in pest activity during summer. Here are some of the most common summer pests, along with strategies to prevent their entry into [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":460,"featured_media":58804,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"default","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"default","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"default","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"coauthors":[4000],"class_list":["post-58799","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v24.7 (Yoast SEO v27.9) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Guide for Keeping Summer Pests Out of Your House<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn how to keep summer pests out of your house including ants, silverfish, fleas, bed bugs, ticks, mice, and fruit flies.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/keep-summer-pests-out-of-house\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"The Ultimate Guide to Keep\u00a0Summer Pests\u00a0Out of\u00a0Your House\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Learn how to keep summer pests out of your house including ants, silverfish, fleas, bed bugs, ticks, mice, and fruit flies.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/keep-summer-pests-out-of-house\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Redfin | Real Estate Tips for Home Buying, Selling &amp; 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