Inexpensive summertime pest control tips

As expected, it feels like we’ve gone from winter chills to summertime heat almost overnight. While I’m loving the warmer, longer days and the trees erupting in gorgeous shades of green, the heat and rain has brought on a simultaneous explosion in summertime pests has me dodging nightmare-sized bumble bees as I dash to my car – gloriosky!

If your house, garage or shed is anything like mine, and you find yourself gearing up for another summer of hand-to-hand combat with the bug world, read on for easy, inexpensive strategies that will give you the upper hand, without breaking the bank.

Bees – In my house, the only place we have a problem with bees is our shed. And it’s bad. Rather than hose it down with dangerous chemical sprays, however, try putting a simple mix of ¾ warm water and ¼ inexpensive dish soap in a spray bottle and douse the outdoor areas where you anticipate bees. It’ll deter them from setting up shop, and they can head back into the trees to do their dirty work. Everyone’s a winner!

Ants – Good grief, if my kids drop so much as a crumb of a cookie anywhere in my house, the ants are sure to follow. I’ve found two go-to moves that keep them out of my house all summer. First, head to the screened windows and entryways that you’ve seen them use time and again. Caulk where you see any cracks, and then try shaking a bit of cayenne pepper powder near the window entrances – it works like a charm. Quick hint for pet owners – make sure Fido and Fluffy can’t reach it. For baseboards (or as a Plan B for those who don’t want to use cayenne), put equal parts of regular vinegar and water into a spray bottle and hit the areas where they come in. It’s highly effective, and safe for everyone in the house to come into contact with it.

Related side note – I’m hearing from pet owners who are at their wits’ end trying to keep ants from getting into their pets’ food dish. Effortless fix – set your pets’ food bowl in a shallow pan of soapy water. Good stuff!

Mosquitoes – There isn’t one person out there that likes mosquitoes, and given the heat and humidity out there, you just know they’re ramping up for a bloodthirsty summer. You guys might think I’m crazy, but I’m reading (and experiencing personally) that vinegar can be a huge help in keeping mosquitoes at bay. Not only are studies finding it helpful to spray a light mist of vinegar and water on your arms and legs for a highly effective repellent, but those who take a tablespoon or two a day for digestive health are swearing that one of the best side benefits is that mosquitoes don’t come near them anymore. I thought it was crazy, tried it myself, and now I’m a believer. If you’re looking for a creative way to get rid of mosquitoes as well, give it a try.

Here’s to a fabulous summertime filled with beautiful green trees, lush gardens, fun trips to the park, and the bugs winding up in the neighbor’s yard, rather than our own. Frugal On!