Tips For Bug-Free Outdoor Living

Tips to be pest-free outdoors in Northern Utah - RentokilThis year, families are likely spending more time in their backyards than ever. Spending more time outside means more encounters with insects and pests. While most pests are just a fact of life outside, no one wants them invading their outdoor living space. At Rentokil, we know that pests in your backyard are less than ideal. For this reason, we’ve gathered our top tips and tricks to make your yard less attractive to pests in general. Keep reading to learn how to get bug-free outdoor living.

Common Pests in Your Yard or Lawn

Here in Northern Utah, we are used to dealing with all types of pests all year long. However, the summer and early fall is known for its influx of insects. This includes right in your backyard! The most typical pests that invade properties in the area this time of year include:

What to do to Keep Bugs Away Outdoors

Just as you would to keep pests out of your home, it’s important to implement pest prevention in your yard. Some of the ways you can make your yard less attractive to these pests include:

  • Regularly clean up your outdoor space. Leftover crumbs or spills will attracts ants and other insects.
  • Remove standing water. Mosquitoes only need a half inch of standing water to breed.
  • Keep your lawn and shrubs trimmed. Overgrown grass provides mosquitoes and ticks with shelter.
  • Be on the lookout for ant hills or wasp nests. Even a tiny mound or nest can contain thousands of insects.
  • Thoroughly inspect wood structures. Your deck or porch may be vulnerable to termite or carpenter bees.
  • Apply an insect repellent. Store-bought repellent with DEET will help repel mosquitoes and ticks.
  • Burn a few citronella candles. While not a long-term solution, this will repel mosquitoes.
  • Consider replacing light bulbs. Yellow bulbs or sodium vapor lights will not attract as many insects.

Preventing Lawn and Yard Pests

We all know that pests and insects are a fact of life outdoors. But that doesn’t mean you have to let them ruin your outdoor barbecue or time spent playing with your kids! By preventing pests outdoors, you can help prevent them from getting inside. For more information, the team at Rentokil is here to help.

Summertime Cockroach Infestations

Cockroaches are a common summertime problem in Northern Utah and Southern IdahoIf you’ve ever had a cockroach infestation, you know how frustrating they can be. Unfortunately, we’re in the midst of “cockroach season” here in Utah and Idaho. Cockroaches are out in full force due to their attraction to warm, humid weather. While they are a pest problem all year long, it’s important to stay wary of their activity in the summer months. Their populations can explode in numbers, which is why you need to learn how to prevent roaches from making their way indoors. The team at Rentokil is here with expert info on keeping summer cockroach infestations under control.

Why Are Roaches Common in the Summer Months?

Cockroaches are known for their ability to withstand various environments and conditions. Although they are around in the winter, they are most common and active in the summer months. The rising temperatures encourage roaches to resume activity and breed at a rapid rate. This can be dangerous when they get inside your home. Roaches are elusive and good hiders, meaning you likely have a lot more roaches than you assume if you are dealing with an infestation. Humid temperatures are a big attractant, which is why infestations are so often centralized in kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and more.

6 Ways to Keep Summertime Cockroaches Out

A cockroach infestation is messy and even dangerous. Because they commonly try to make their way inside this time of year, it’s important to learn how to make your property less attractive to them. Our top cockroach prevention tips are as follows.

  1. Inspect the perimeter of your home and seal cracks and crevices. Seal windows and doors or install screens.
  2. Regularly clean your property, focusing on bathrooms and kitchens.Wipe or clean up any spills or crumbs ASAP.
  3. After feeding your pets, pick up pet bowls and avoid leaving food out overnight.
  4. Keep all food securely sealed in airtight containers, and refrigerate unsealed food.
  5. Seal all garbage cans with a tight-fitting lid, and routinely take it out when needed.
  6. Avoid leaving piles of clutter or junk both inside and outside of your property.
  7. Cockroaches love moisture, meaning it’s important to fix any leaky pipes or clogged rain gutters.

Cockroach Control Solutions

If you have a cockroach problem in your property, it’s important to act quickly. DIY cockroach control rarely works—if you want roaches out of your property quickly, it’s best to enlist the help of a professional cockroach exterminator. At Rentokil, our team is committed to keeping you and your family safe from the dangers of roaches all year long.