Spring and summer are ideal times to get outside and enjoy warmer weather. Whether you enjoy relaxing on the patio or barbecuing outside on a summer night, being outdoors is a great way to unwind. Unfortunately, flies and mosquitoes can quickly put a damper on your peaceful retreat. Luckily, you don’t have to surrender to the nuisance of pests by following these three tips.

1. Repair Your Window Screen

While it’s common to see pests outside, you definitely don’t want them coming indoors. The best way to keep them out of your home is to keep the door closed; however, there are times when those pesky flies and smaller insects find another way to enter. Your window screens are a prime spot for smaller pests to come in. Fortunately, window screen replacement Rush NY is available to repair any damaged screens in your home. If you want to keep flies and mosquitoes away, have a professional replace your damaged window screens.

2. Use Herbs and Plants

Aside from using pest control sprays, there are other natural ways to eliminate insects. One of the most eco-friendly ways to do this is by using plants. Here are a few plants that deter pests from entering your home:

  • Basil – the strong odor and oil found on basil is a great repellant for flies and mosquitoes
  • Lavender – flies, beetles and fleas dislike the lavender oil aroma
  • Lemon balm – the high level of citronellal repels insects
  • Marigold – insects dislike the scent of this flower
  • Carnivorous plants – these plants, like Venus fly trap, lure insects in and then eat them

3. Keep Pests Away Outdoors

In addition to using plants in your home, it’s helpful to keep pests away from your yard. If you want to ensure that mosquitoes don’t have an inviting place to stay, remove any standing water off your property. Mosquitoes can quickly infest stagnant water from an improperly drained yard or from kiddie pools and flower pots.

Keep mosquitoes, flies and other pests away this summer by repairing your window screen, using plants and taking care of your yard. You’ll enjoy a more relaxing environment by keeping insects at bay.