PRACTICAL PEST CONTROL TIPS : SUMMER 2008 (part 2)

The following is a list of some practical steps from the STANDARD Pest Management experts that you can take to avoid unwanted and injurious pests from interfering with your summer fun.

• Trim trees so they do not touch your building. Many pests, especially ants, gain access this way.
• Seal up holes around pipes, cable entry points and remove lint accumulation from dryer flaps.
• Pest proof the base of all exterior doors especially the garage as it often provides pest harborage.
• Store refuse and recyclables away from the exterior as they can attract a number of pests.
• Keep firewood and debris away from the house and make sure it's up off the ground.

PRACTICAL PEST CONTROL TIPS : SUMMER 2008 (part 1)

The following is a list of some practical steps from the STANDARD Pest Management experts that you can take to avoid unwanted and injurious pests from interfering with your summer fun.

• Keep rain gutters clean and do not allow accumulation of leaves or water as both create conditions conducive to pests. The Culex "house mosquito"(which can transmit WNV) only requires an inch of water in which to breed. Check exterior weekly for any water accumulation.
  
• Bright lights attract night flying insects. For summer months, replace white exterior light bulbs with yellow bulbs (bug lights), especially those situated around entrances. Keep doors closed
• Screen windows to prevent flying insects like mosquitoes, bees and wasps from gaining access .
• Don't leave birdseed around feeders as they could attract mice, rats and other unwanted wildlife.

continued in part 2 next month.