Are you still swatting away those summer bugs hanging around in your garden and even coming into the kitchen?
Perhaps it’s time to do something about that; they can drive you crazy, especially if you love entertaining family, friends and neighbors on a warm summer’s evening.
It’s not just flies and gnats that hover around, but cockroaches and silverfish also thrive in the warm days and seeing them scuttle across your deck is not exactly pleasant.
If you think you’ve overdosed on these critters this summer, perhaps there’s something about your yard that’s attracting them.
So, if you’ve got a problem, check the following:
Standing water
Mosquitoes love still, dank water. They’ll lurk and lay eggs in discarded watering cans, empty plant pots that capture rainwater and even puddles that form in the dark corners of your garden.
Long grass
A bug’s life thrives in tall grasses. Mosquitos, fleas and even ticks will make cozy homes there, lying in wait for you or your pets. Ticks can be serious, especially for cats and dogs, so hack down those grasses.
Candle capers
When dusk falls, bugs come out in every garden. It’s just that more appear in yards that are not well maintained. To keep the little blood-suckers away, try burning citronella candles. Put them on the table and use them liberally, as they’ll protect your guests and look pretty around your entertainment area.