The patio is a wonderful place to be in the warm summertime, but it can be uncomfortable if you must deal with a variety of summer pests. Here are a few suggestions to help keep these critters at bay so you can enjoy your outdoor space all summer long.
Mosquitos
While mosquitos don’t cause damage to the patio, they can be an annoyance to you and your guests. One of the best ways to deal with them is to plant herbs in pots or flower beds around the patio to keep these pesky pests away. Lavender, lemongrass and basil are just three options you can use to keep mosquitoes from hanging around you and your guests.
You should also make sure no standing water is near your patio. Even a fountain can encourage these pests unless you keep it clean and running. Small kiddie swimming pools are another breeding ground for mosquitoes. One of the most serious issues with this pest is the risk of disease for you, your family and friends and even your pets. They can carry the West Nile Virus, among others, which is why it’s important to keep them away from your patio.
Carpenter Ants
You may not notice these ants until your patio is filled with holes, but they are a danger to any outdoor space with wood surfaces. Carpenter ants will use wood to build nests, and the result is multiple holes in your wooden patio and any wood furniture you have.
You may not see the holes, but they can cause damage to the structure, which would allow it to break down when you walk or sit on it. An inspection by a professional pest company would tell you if you have anything to worry about. If left untreated, you could end up with several thousands of dollars in repair, especially if structural repairs are needed. What’s even worse is generally the damage isn’t covered by your insurance, so you end up paying out of pocket.
Termites
If you have any wood on your patio, be aware of termites. They will eat and keep eating through wood until it’s no longer safe to walk on. One of the best ways to avoid problems with termites is when building the patio. Use treated lumber which is designed to stand up to pests. It’s slightly more expensive but it lasts longer.
Termites can cause thousands of dollars in damage before you’re even aware they exist. You should have your home and patio inspected if you suspect termite damage or just want to prevent the problem at all.
Yellow Jackets
Yellowjackets are a type of wasp that hangs around patios because of the food. They like protein so a burger on the grill will entice them to come and visit. These pests are also fans of sugar, so eating fruits and other sweets and allowing the leftovers to sit out will attract the yellow jackets.
The big problem with this pest is they sting people. They aren’t afraid of humans and are often aggressive enough to sting for no reason.
If you’re concerned about pests hanging around your patio this summer and either damaging the property or causing problems for your guests, you need to talk to All Natural Pest Elimination for pest control. We will work to ensure you can enjoy your summer pest-free.
Give us a call at 1-877-662-8449 to schedule your free home inspection! We look forward to hearing from you!
