Summer is quickly approaching!! I don’t know about you all, but I am finally ready for a blue skies, sunshine and river floats. With that summer vibes comes a few negative things as well! In collaboration with Barrier Pest Control here in Treasure Valley, we’ll bring you the most common pests in the area. Without further ado, I’m going to turn it over to Matt C. to give you the low down:

No one wants bugs in their home but unfortunately, they are all too common in Boise. Of course, homeowners that find pests in their home want to take immediate action to get rid of them. A professional pest control service can eliminate any pest that is found in Boise, but there are some ways homeowners can try to keep them out of the house.

Ants

There are several different types of ants in Boise, but all of them are difficult to eliminate from a home. Ants hate anything that smells citrusy or peppery. Sprinkling cinnamon and spraying lemon juice around a home can keep ants out. The best prevention for ants is to keep counters and tabletops clean at all times and to always put food away. Ants are attracted to food and so ensuring there is nothing that will attract them is the best way to keep them out of your house.

Earwigs

Decaying plants and wood make great food sources for earwigs. It is important to always clean these materials right away, as they can quickly lead to an earwig infestation. Vapor barriers on crawl spaces and, for particularly moist conditions, dehumidification, can help deter earwigs.

Box Elder Bugs

Box elder bugs have only been in Boise for approximately ten years. They do not pose a threat to people, but they are quite annoying. Still, they often amass in large numbers and when they do, they emit an unpleasant odor. To keep these bugs out of the home, you should always repair holes in screens and doors, and seal any cracks or crevices that are visible on the exterior of the home.

Spiders

Boise is home to many dangerous spiders, including the brown recluse, the wolf spider, and even the black widow. Due to the fact that these spiders have very venomous bites, it is always best to speak to a professional that can safely remove them from a home.

Bed Bugs

Bed bugs are notoriously difficult to get rid of, but there are ways to prevent them from getting into your home in the first place. Always inspect any bedding or furniture you bring into your home, particularly if it was secondhand. Bed bugs are known as hitchhikers because they can climb into bags from one place and travel to another. To prevent this from happening, you should also check your luggage as soon as you get home to ensure there are no bed bugs inside.

Clover Mites

Clover mites are extremely small and do not pose any danger to humans. Still, their presence is annoying, particularly when they group in clusters, and can leave a red mark behind if you crush them. To best prevent clover mites, place a layer of gravel, coarse sand, or other non-plant material around the foundation of your home. Also remove any grass or weeds that are within 24 feet of your foundation.

Prevention is Key when Dealing with Pests

No one ever wants to have to deal with bugs in their home. Prevention is truly the best defense when dealing with these pests and there are many steps homeowners can take on their own to ensure they never have to deal with an infestation.

And that’s that! As mentioned, this post was written in collaboration with Barrier Pest Control in Treasure Valley, Idaho. It’s their mission to provide the best pest control services and advice to their fellow residents! Be sure to check out their site for more information and services.

Thank you for reading & don’t let the bed bugs bite!

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