As summer temperatures rise, so do the number of bugs and insects all over the Northwest. We have some tips to help you control some of those pests in your home and around your property.
Get Diatomaceous Earth
This organic product is formed when microscopic sea organisms die, sink to the sea floor, and fossilize under pressure. The cellular walls of diatomaceous earth are made of silica, which is great at killing insects and other pests. That includes fleas, ticks, flies, ants and bedbugs. Just sprinkle diatomaceous earth anywhere you find bugs (that includes your garden and potted plants). You’ll find diatomaceous earth at Coastal.
Controlling Mosquitos
While some cities and regions spray for mosquitos, there are things you can do for your family.
- Keep them from breeding. This means eliminating stagnant puddles of water around your property. Look for mosquito egg-laying habitats in rain gutters, bird baths, buckets, old tires, bottles, and more.
- Apply a liquid larvicide. directly to any water you want to treat, paying close attention to any warnings for pets, livestock, and people.
- Use a repellant. DEET might have a bad reputation, but it works. Always use repellant sparingly.
- Put up barriers. such as mosquito nets. If you’re inside your home, be sure there are no holes in your window screens or screen door.
Eliminate Flies Before They Fly
The best way to keep fly populations down is to kill them off in the larvae stage. Eliminating small piles of decaying hay or straw as well as manure on your property can help. Check your compost pile too. Pesticides that contain Bacillus thuringiensis or methoprene can be used in some cases to inhibit larvae growth.
Controlling Adult Flies
To really keep those flies away or repel them once they arrive, you have three basic options: sprays, dusts, and bait. You’ll find plenty of advice and options at your nearby Coastal. Carefully read the precautions to protect your family, pets, and livestock before using any fly-control products.
Avoiding Fleas and Ticks
Fleas and ticks are more than inconvenient. They can also carry diseases and viruses that can affect you and your animals. To control these nasty bugs on your property, try these options:
- Reduce outside habitat. Start is with outdoor dog and cat houses. Keep your pet’s home away from vegetation such as tall grasses as well as leaves. If you can, keep their home out of the shade as well. Also, rake away organic debris from your yard, including pet hair and leaves. Additionally, there are FDA-approved lawn and garden insecticides that can be added to your yard to help reduce flea and tick populations.
- Treat the inside of your home. Use an insecticide to kill any eggs that may be ready to hatch in your carpet. Reapply every now and then as directed.
Wage War on Yellow Jackets
To eliminate these buzzing bombers from your back yard or other spaces, try the following:
- Find the nest and destroy it. Anytime you see a yellowjacket flying high above the ground in a straight line, they are usually flying back to their nest. When you see this, watch them from a safe distance. When you see a few of them disappear into an area, it will help narrow your search.
- Use bait traps. You’ll find several trap options at Coastal. Simply activate the trap, hang or place it near the nest, and let it do its work.
- Get a bug zapper. Place your bug zapper in an area away from your deck or patio to avoid being stung by yellow jackets that try to attack the bug zapper.
- Boil them into non-existence: Boiling water is an environmentally friendly option that indiscriminately eradicates entire underground nests. But it does take a lot of boiling water. Be sure to pour, run, and repeat as necessary. Once they are gone, destroy the nest and refill the hole where they were located.
You’ll Find Advice and More at Coastal
Coastal employees have a lifetime of country wisdom to share with you, whether you’re trying to get rid of yellowjackets and flies, or you want to grow the best tomatoes and zucchini. Stop by today and get everything your country needs.