Combating Summer’s Outdoor Pests

Summer’s here so it’s time to get outdoors, no matter if it’s a low-key BBQ after work or a social affair with friends on the weekend. However, bugs are also rife during summer causing red itchy bites and hanging around food. With these great tips and tricks you can make sure that bugs don’t ruin your summer this year.

Mosquitoes

Most people dread the high-pitch whine of mosquitoes during summer, and it’s difficult to give a definitive answer on how to get rid of them. There are many factors that attract mosquitoes, and whether or not they’re attracted to you simply comes down to genetics. Mosquitoes find those with O blood type, higher body temperatures and certain types of bacteria on skin most attractive. They’re also attracted to the carbon dioxide we exhale which is why they spend hot summer nights buzzing around your ears while you try to sleep. 

Mosquitoes’ favourite times of day are dawn and dusk so be aware when outside during those times that they’re looking to feast. Keep as many as possible away from your outdoor living space by ensuring there’s no stagnant water around – such as in pot plant saucers and garden ornaments – as they breed in water. Additionally, they rest in places with low air flow, like dark spots around the sides of houses, bushes and long grass. Keep away from these areas or prune gardens if you’re susceptible to mosquito bites, and invest in some mosquito repellent or bug sprays.

Flies

The only other summer pest that could be more annoying than the mosquito is flies. Flies exist to breed and eat, constantly flying in circles around your living room for hours in search of either. They love moisture so keep outdoor areas tidy, clean up after your pets and don’t keep compost bins near outdoor living areas. Flies love overripe fruit and rubbish too, so keep surfaces clean and make sure bins are airtight or away in cupboards. We have a range of bug sprays and repellents to deter flies, as well as some more eco-friendly options such as the Shoo Away Fly Repellent and the EasyTrap Outdoor Fly Trap.

Ants

There are approximately 7.4 quadrillion ants in the world, or around 1 million ants for every human, and they’re another pest to watch out for during summer. Ants will dive onto any leftover food or sticky spills on tables, so keep outdoor spaces clean to prevent ants from marching in. Another trick for ant control is that they leave trails for their colony to follow when finding food. Ensure you get rid of the trail as well as the leftovers they’ve discovered to really keep them away. Our Ant Sand is a great option for making sure ants don’t venture indoors while our Gel Bait Stations help control colonies outside.

Wasps

Wasps really ruin outdoor summer activities when they create nests and take over your space. They’re naturally more aggressive than bees and can sting without provocation, which is why you don’t want them near outdoor living areas. You can tell a wasp from a bee as they have two sets of wings, a distinct, pointed waist and have less hair. The EasyTrap Wasp Trap uses natural attractants to kill wasps, while the No Wasps Eliminator Powder and Wasp and Nest Destroyer will get rid of wasps as well as their nest.

To view our entire range of household pest control products visit our website or ask the friendly team at your local Mitre 10 or Mitre 10 MEGA.