The following is an excerpt from a recent article published by our friends at Local Life. Click here to read the full article.
Should you paint your porch ceiling blue to deter wasps? What about planting garlic to keep mosquitoes away? While there is some merit to some DIY pest control, local pest management professional Chris Haynes of locally-owned Terminix in Bluffton shares some expert advice for a pest-free summer:
Eliminate Standing Water
While citronella candles might work some of the time, removing standing water is the single most important thing you can do to prevent mosquitoes. Mosquitoes breed in as little water as a bottle cap so make it part of your daily routine to walk around your yard and ensure flower pots, birdbaths, trash cans, and children’s toys aren’t pooling water. Mosquitoes are a nuisance but more importantly, they carry diseases that are easily transmittable to your family and pets.
Clean Your Gutters
Clogged gutters can attract a variety of pests such as carpenter ants and cockroaches (Palmetto Bugs). They also provide ideal conditions for mosquitoes and other insects to hide out and breed. Piles of debris can also provide nesting environments for small rodents such as mice and rats.