Keeping Summer Bugs Out of Your Tulsa Home

Summer in Tulsa brings warm weather, long days, and, unfortunately, a variety of pests. From ants and mosquitoes to roaches and spiders, these unwelcome visitors can disrupt your peace and pose health risks. 

The most common summer pests to encounter in Tulsa homes include:

• Ants: Small, social insects that can invade homes in search of food. Species like odorous house ants and carpenter ants are common.
• Mosquitoes: Bloodsucking insects that thrive in standing water. They can transmit diseases such as West Nile Virus and Zika.
• Roaches: Resilient insects that can spread disease and trigger allergies. The American and German cockroaches are common in Oklahoma.
• Ticks: Small parasites that attach to humans and pets. They can carry diseases like Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
• Spiders: Many spiders are harmless, but species like the brown recluse and black widow can deliver painful and potentially dangerous bites.
• Flies: These are common nuisances that can spread bacteria and contaminate food. House flies, and fruit flies are particularly problematic.
• Wasps: Aggressive insects that can sting repeatedly. They often build nests in eaves or under roofs.
• Fleas: Tiny, jumping insects that feed on the blood of pets and can cause itching and discomfort. They can also infest homes.

Learn more about the most common household pests in Tulsa.

Keeping these summer bugs out of your Tulsa home requires a combination of prevention, maintenance, and, sometimes, professional intervention. Here's a comprehensive guide to help Tulsa homeowners keep their homes bug-free during the summer months.

1. Seal Entry Points

Bugs can enter your Tulsa home through the tiniest of cracks and openings. Inspect your home for any gaps or holes, particularly around windows, doors, and the foundation. Use caulk to seal any cracks, and install weather stripping around doors and windows to ensure a tight seal. Don't forget to check for gaps around utility pipes and cables entering your home.

• Inspect and Seal Cracks: Regularly inspect your home’s exterior for cracks and gaps. Even small openings can be entry points for pests. Seal these with caulk or weather stripping to create a solid barrier.
• Check Utility Entry Points: Pay special attention to areas where utility pipes and cables enter your home. Use expandable foam or caulk to seal around these points, preventing pests from sneaking in.

2. Maintain Cleanliness

A clean home is less attractive to pests. Regularly vacuum and sweep floors to remove crumbs and food particles. Wipe down countertops and store food in airtight containers. Pay special attention to the kitchen and dining areas, where food residues can easily accumulate.

• Vacuum and Sweep Regularly: Regular cleaning helps eliminate crumbs and food particles that attract pests. Make it a habit to vacuum and sweep at least once a week, especially in high-traffic areas.
• Wipe Down Countertops: After meals, wipe down countertops to remove food residues. This simple step can prevent ants and roaches from finding a food source.
• Store Food Properly: Use airtight containers for storing food, especially items left out on countertops or in pantries. This not only keeps food fresh but also makes it less accessible to pests.
• Focus on Kitchens and Dining Areas: These areas are hotspots for food residues. Clean up spills immediately and ensure these spaces are kept tidy to discourage pest infestations.
• Don't Leave Dirty Dishes Overnight: Pests like roaches are attracted to dirty dishes left in the sink. Make it a rule to wash dishes or load the dishwasher before going to bed.

3. Proper Waste Management

Garbage is a major attractant for pests. Use trash cans with tight-fitting lids and empty them regularly. Keep outdoor garbage bins away from your home and ensure they are sealed properly to prevent attracting pests like rodents and flies. Compost bins should also be well-managed and kept away from the house.

• Use Trash Cans with Tight-Fitting Lids: Ensure your indoor trash cans have tight lids to keep pests out. This is particularly important for kitchen trash, where food scraps are disposed of.
• Empty Trash Cans Regularly: Don't let garbage pile up. Empty your trash cans regularly to prevent odors and the accumulation of waste that attracts pests.
• Keep Outdoor Bins Sealed and Away from Home: Place outdoor garbage bins away from your home and ensure they are properly sealed. This minimizes the chances of pests being drawn close to your house.
• Manage Compost Bins Effectively: If you compost, make sure your compost bin is well-maintained and located away from your home. Turn the compost regularly and cover food scraps with dry leaves or grass to reduce odors and attract pests.

4. Control Moisture Levels

Many pests, such as roaches and mosquitoes, thrive in moist environments. Prevent water accumulation and use dehumidifiers in damp areas like basements and bathrooms to reduce humidity levels.

• Fix Leaks Promptly: Repair leaks in pipes, faucets, and roofs as soon as they are detected. Water accumulation provides a breeding ground for pests.
• Use Dehumidifiers in Damp Areas: Dehumidifiers can help control moisture levels in areas prone to dampness, such as basements and bathrooms. Reducing humidity makes these areas less hospitable to pests.
• Ensure Proper Gutter Functionality: Clean and maintain your gutters and downspouts to ensure they direct water away from your home’s foundation, preventing moisture buildup.

5. Landscaping and Yard Maintenance

Your yard can be a breeding ground for pests. To prevent them from infesting your lawn and eventually making their way into your home, you should:

• Trim Grass Regularly: Keep your lawn well-manicured. Tall grass provides cover for pests like ticks and fleas.
• Maintain Bushes and Shrubs: Prune bushes and shrubs to eliminate hiding spots for pests. Overgrown vegetation close to your home can provide a bridge for pests to enter.
• Remove Standing Water: Check for and eliminate standing water in birdbaths, plant saucers, and other containers. Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water, so it's crucial to remove these sources.
• Use Mulch Sparingly and Keep it Away from the Foundation: While mulch is great for plants, it can also attract pests and lead to a build-up of moisture. Use it sparingly and keep it at least 12 inches away from your home's foundation.

6. Install Screens

Installing screens on windows and doors is a great way to enjoy fresh air without inviting bugs into your Tulsa home. Make sure screens are in good condition and repair any tears or holes.

• Install Screens on Windows and Doors: Screens allow you to keep windows and doors open for ventilation while preventing bugs from entering. Make sure screens fit well and are secure.
• Repair Tears and Holes: Inspect your screens regularly and repair any damage immediately. Even small tears can let pests in.
• Install Door Sweeps on Exterior Doors: Door sweeps help seal the gap between the bottom of the door and the threshold, preventing pests from crawling in.

7. Use Natural Repellents

Natural repellents can be an effective way to keep summer bugs at bay in Tulsa without using harsh chemicals. 

• Use Essential Oils: Oils like peppermint, lavender, and eucalyptus are natural insect deterrents. Mix a few drops of water in a spray bottle and apply them around entry points and common bug areas.
• Spray Regularly: Consistent application of natural repellents is key to their effectiveness. Spray around windows, doors, and other entry points regularly.
• Plant Insect-Repelling Plants: Consider planting citronella, marigold, and basil around your home. These plants naturally repel insects and can enhance your outdoor spaces.

8. Professional Pest Control Services

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, pests can still find a way into your Tulsa home. In such cases, it’s beneficial to enlist the help of professional pest control services. Experts can provide comprehensive inspections, identify potential problem areas, and implement targeted treatments to keep your home bug-free throughout the summer.

• Comprehensive Inspections: Professional pest control services offer thorough inspections to identify all potential entry points and nesting areas.
• Targeted Treatments: Professionals can provide customized treatments specific to the pests you are dealing with, ensuring more effective control.
• Regular Maintenance: Scheduled visits from pest control experts can keep your home protected year-round, preventing infestations before they start.

If you're facing persistent pest issues, don't hesitate to contact Dandi Guaranty Pest Control, your Tulsa pest control experts, for a thorough inspection and customized pest treatment plan. With same-day service and guaranteed satisfaction, our exterminators can help seal your home from pests. Contact us today to learn more!