Pest-Proofing Guide For Oregon Residents
Whether you spend the day mowing your lawn, resting in the backyard, or even out of the house camping, there’s nothing like passing the time with outdoor activities—especially in a state like Oregon. However, nothing destroys a great day outdoors more than the nuisance of pests such as mosquitoes, ants, and ticks.
By gathering the right information and taking the proper courses of action, there’s no reason to surrender your day out in your yard to a pest infestation. In this blog post, our team at Brooks Pest Control will show you how to protect yourself, your family, and your Oregon yard from outdoor pests.
Common Outdoor Oregon Pests
It’s vital to look for ways to remove and prevent a pest infestation from ruining a nice day outdoors. But before we remove pests, it’s important to understand what kinds of pests you’ll most likely find in your yard. Let’s look at some common pests you might encounter in and around your Oregon home.
Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are more than a nuisance for homeowners across Oregon. They’re known for their ability to feed off human and animal blood and transmit a litany of diseases. Some mosquitoes like living near humans, while others prefer forests, marshes, and tall grasses. However, all mosquitoes are attracted to water, which is where mosquito larvae and pupae tend to live.
Fleas and Ticks
Fleas and ticks commonly find their way into your yard’s shady and grassy areas in the hopes of finding a potential host. Many fleas and ticks are infamous for their ability to transmit diseases such as the plague and Lyme disease. Additionally, ticks and fleas are harmful to pets such as dogs and cats. If you’re a pet owner, it’s in your best interest to check your pets regularly for any fleas and ticks on their bodies.
Ants
Another common pest found throughout yards and homes across Oregon is ants. Ants are constantly in pursuit of food to feed their colony and live in nests in the ground of backyards and lawns. In their pursuit of food, they can turn a picnic in the yard into a messy nightmare. Once they find their way into your yard, it’s only a matter of time before they make their way indoors as well.
How To Control Pests in Your Oregon Backyard
With a better understanding of the pests you might encounter on your property, it’s time to take action. Let us show you five preventive pest control solutions you need to try today.
1. Wear Protective Clothing
For outdoor pests, especially mosquitoes, it’s essential to protect yourself by wearing long-sleeved clothing. This includes shirts and pants. Additionally, try to steer away from wearing dark-colored clothing, especially dark blues. Opt for khaki- and green-colored clothing instead.
2. Utilize Natural Repellents
There’s no need to rely solely on artificial solutions. Findingthe right natural repellent that’ll better steer pests out of your yard is important. Some common natural repellents for outdoor pests include but are not limited to:
- Essential oils
- Garlic
- Mint
- Cloves
- Cinnamon
- Rosemary
3. Apply Bug Sprays and Creams
Bug sprays and creams are another simple way to better protect yourself and your loved ones from outdoor pests. When looking for sprays and creams, look for those that contain an ingredient called DEET. Although some people don’t like DEET sprays and creams due to their smell, the effectiveness can’t be denied.
4. Use Lanterns and Candles
When you set a lantern or candle in your yard, the smoke that’s produced will help make your yard and home less appealing to outdoor pests. If you’re camping, make sure to set a campfire, as that’ll also help with pests. Make sure not to leave any lit lanterns, candles, or campfires unattended for your and your loved ones’ safety.
5. Keep Your Outdoor Property and Spaces Clean
Cleaning your yard is one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent pests. When you have completed all your activities for the day, leave your yard better than you found it—even if it’s your own yard. Properly dispose of trash, including wrappers and used paper dishes, as soon as possible. Additionally, ensure all leftover food is stored in the house in airtight containers.
Get Preventive Pest Control Services for Your Oregon Yard With Brooks
Even with preventive measures, nothing beats the effectiveness of Brooks Pest Control—the best pest control in Oregon. With a top-tier team of pest control professionals, we can remove your pest problem and prevent issues from popping back up. To get started, find your nearest service area or contact our team online now!