Summer's great for sunshine, BBQs, and beach days—but let's be honest, it's also the time when bugs are determined to turn your home into theirs. Whether it's ants in the kitchen, mosquitoes buzzing around your porch, or gnats gathering near the trash, it's not exactly the summer vibe you want.
Summer is a bug season. As the heat goes up, bugs such as mosquitoes, flies, gnats, and ants are out looking for food, water, and shelter—and guess what? Your home has all three of those too.
The good news? You can block bugs from entering their home with some simple home hacks. Follow these steps to keep bugs away from the house during summer without becoming a full-on pest control operation.
Why Do Bugs Invade Your Home in Summer?
Before we discuss prevention, let's discuss why bugs love summer and your home.
- Warmth: Insects are cold-blooded and love the heat. Summer provides them with the ideal climate for being active and reproducing.
- Moisture: Bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms tend to be attractive to pests because they are looking for water.
- Food: Crumbs, pet food, and open trash are a bug's feast.
- Light: Most flying insects are attracted to light, particularly during nighttime.
So how do you ensure your area is safe and bug-free?
1. Seal Entry Points
- Inspect: Look at your windows, doors, vents, and even utility line areas for gaps or cracks. These are simple entry points for insects.
- Seal: Use caulk, weather stripping, or foam sealant to seal those gaps and keep bugs out.
- Screens: Ensure that your window and door screens are intact. Even the smallest tear can be an entrance for flying insects.
- Door Sweeps: Fit door sweeps on outside doors to seal the gap underneath.
- Utility Openings: Seal gaps around pipes, cables, and vents—around kitchens and bathrooms in particular.
2. Eliminate Attractants
- Cleanliness: Clean kitchen counters, sweep up crumbs, and wipe up spills immediately. Bugs adore a mess.
- Food Storage: Keep food in sealed, airtight containers—particularly sweet treats, fruits, and pet food.
- Trash Management: Clean out the trash frequently and ensure bins (indoors and outdoors) have tight covers.
- Standing Water: Remove standing water outdoors—monitor birdbaths, flower pots, and clogged gutters. Inside, repair leaky sinks or pipes.
- Pet Food: Leave out only what your pets will consume in one sitting, and place the remainder in sealed containers.
3. Utilize Natural Repellents
- Plants: Place bug-repelling plants such as citronella, basil, mint, lavender, and rosemary around entryways or on your porch.
- Essential Oils: Experiment with natural sprays that contain peppermint, eucalyptus, or citronella oil. You may also utilize a diffuser inside.
- Vinegar Wipe-downs: Combine white vinegar with water to wipe down counters—bugs don't like the odor and acidity.
- Diatomaceous Earth: Dust this powder in corners, under sinks, or windows. It's a natural insecticide that's harmless to people and pets.
- Citronella Candles: Burn these outside to keep mosquitoes away and enjoy the warm ambiance on your summer evenings.
4. Dry Up Damp Areas
Insects prefer moisture, particularly silverfish, cockroaches, and mosquitoes.
- Repair leaky faucets or pipes
- Install a small dehumidifier in poorly ventilated rooms
- Do not leave wet towels or clothing around
5. Use a Bug Zapper as Added Protection
At times, in spite of everything, bugs still find their way inside—particularly the flying kind.
This is where a Clevast Bug Zapper comes in handy. It attracts the mosquitoes, flies, moths, and flying insects with UV light and kills them upon contact. With up to 2,200 sq. ft. of coverage, it's ideal for patio, garage, entrance, or even RV use.
Bonus: It's designed with a protective grid to keep curious pets and children's hands safe, and it's weather-resistant for use outside.
6. Draw Curtains at Night
Insects are drawn to light. After dark, they begin making their way towards lighted windows.
- Leave outdoor lighting off when not in use.
- Close off interior lights with curtains or blinds.
- Change porch lights to yellow "bug light" bulbs—these draw fewer insects.
7. Clean Up Your Yard
Keep in mind that many bugs first appear outside the house.
- Prune bushes and mow the lawn regularly.
- Clear stacks of leaves, wood, or debris where insects can nest.
- Keep compost hidden and far from your house.
- Utilize outdoor trash cans with covers.
Keeping the outside of your house clean keeps bugs less interested in the first place.
Conclusion
Keeping bugs out of your home during the summer doesn't have to be difficult. With a little maintenance, some natural help, and a solid bug zapper by your side, your home can stay fresh, clean, and insect-free all season long.
Summer is supposed to be about BBQs and barefoot nights on the porch—not fighting an insect infestation indoors.
Looking for a reliable bug-fighting tool? Try placing a Clevast Bug Zapper on your patio or porch. It's a simple way to enjoy your summer evening without uninvited guests.
Stay cool, stay bite-free, and enjoy a summer that feels a little more peaceful—with zero buzzing in your ear.
