Summer is one of the most highly-anticipated seasons in the UK. The sun, holidays, picnics, fresh fruit and open windows make up for the months of cold and dreary British weather, however, with the summer comes a rise in insects. Once bugs make their way inside your home, you might struggle to get rid of them. There is plenty of advice on ridding your home of insects on the internet, but unfortunately, this advice is often conflicting, which can make it hard to know where to start. This article will give you a step by step guide on getting rid of these unwanted guests once and for all.
Prevention
It’s best to start early before the problem gets really bad. Therefore, make sure you:
- Check your home for any holes, cracks or gaps that would allow the pests to enter
- Don’t leave food on counters or in the open
- Keep branches and shrubs well-groomed
- Use an insect mesh in front of your window
Traps
You can make a simple trap with vinegar and a paper funnel, which can catch a ton of flies. Alternatively, you can buy special insect traps without breaking the bank.
Bug Sprays
Bug sprays can be very effective if you want to target the insect directly. However, avoid spraying them directly on food as some sprays may be toxic to humans as well. We would advise purchasing products with essential oils that target nervous system receptors vital to bugs, not people or pets.
Cleaning
One of the biggest attractions for pests is mess. If they have places to hid and leftovers to eat, they are more likely to reproduce in your home, making it even harder to get rid of them. Wash dishes as soon as possible after using them to avoid feeding the unwanted guests. Don’t forget about pet food, which can also be attractive to bugs.
Water
Bugs thrive in water. Therefore, it’s important to take care of any leaks. If you do spot some insects under the sink, a deep clean is the best solution – and a good trick is to spray the area down with lemongrass oil. If you find excessive moisture in some areas in your home, consider using a dehumidifier. Stagnant water can also attract insects so it’s worth remembering to drain the kitchen sink after use.
There you have it, a few simple tricks to keep the creepy crawlies out of your home.
