Tips For Pest-Free Outdoor Living In Puerto Rico

Here in Puerto Rico, we are used to dealing with a plethora of pests and insects—especially outdoors. Whether you have an outdoor patio or backyard you’d like to use in the coming months, you likely don’t want pest problems ruining your time spent outside. It’s hard to avoid insects entirely outside, but there are a few things you can do to make your outdoor space less attractive to pests in general. To avoid stinging insects, mosquitoes, and flies outside, it’s important to learn how to implement pest prevention into your backyard maintenance routine. The experts at  Rentokil formerly Oliver Exterminating are here with their top 12 tips for pest-free outdoor living all year long.

How To Prevent Pests Outside

Flies and spiders are typical outdoor pests in our region, but no one wants to discover a wasp nest, mosquito breeding grounds, or ants covering their patio furniture. Certain types of pests can be especially dangerous, making it important to keep them away.

Our top tips for pest-free outdoor living include:

1. Remove standing water. Mosquitoes only need a half-inch of standing water to breed. Be wary of ponds and birdbaths.
2. Use tight-fitting lids on garbage cans. Food items in an unsealed container will attract all types of pests.
3. Ensure your outdoor patio or deck is tidy. Crumbs or spilled liquids will attract ants and other insects.
4. Keep your lawn and shrubs trimmed. Overgrown grass or vegetation provides mosquitoes and ticks with shelter.
5. Look out for anthills and wasp nests. Even the smallest mound or nest can contain thousands of insects.
6. Regularly inspect wood structures. Your deck or porch may be vulnerable to termite or carpenter bee activity.
7. Store firewood away from the home. Piles of wood are a magnet for multiple kinds of pests.
8. Try burning citronella candles. While not a long-term solution, this will repel mosquitoes during outdoor activities.
9. Replace your light bulbs. Yellow bulbs or sodium vapor lights will not attract as many insects.
10. Consider planting a garden. Certain plants and herbs, including marigolds, mint, and basil, act as a natural insect repellent.
11. Apply an insect repellent. Any repellent with DEET will help repel mosquitoes and ticks.
12. Wear insect-repelling clothing. Consider wearing long sleeves or pants to keep pests from biting.

Pest-Free Living In Puerto Rico

Pests and insects are just a fact of life outdoors. However, that doesn’t mean you have to welcome them into your outdoor living space. If you’ve done all you can to prevent pests in your backyard and still have a pest problem, the experts at Rentokil can help. Contact us today to learn more!