How to Eliminate Attractive Conditions in and Around Your Home

Light

Avoid leaving porch lights on all evening. The light may attract a cloud of moths and other insects. Every time the door is opened, the insects swirling around the light are swept into the house. Minimize the attraction time by turning porch lights on only when they’re needed. Sensor lights that switch on in response to motion are ideal because they light the area for arriving guests, but switch off after a few minutes (which saves energy too.)

When designing the lighting around the exterior of a new home, don’t put light fixtures directly above the doors, especially over doors to decks or patios that might be used a lot in the evening. Place flood or spotlights a few feet away from the door and direct the light onto porches and stairs. This illuminates them safely, while keeping the mesmerized insects away from the door. Use yellow bulbs in yard light fixtures; flies and moths are not as attracted to yellow as they are to ordinary white light bulbs.

Do not stack items (such as wood) against the house. They can become home to a variety of pests including insects and rodents.

Damp Environments

• Recycle out old boxes and newspapers.
• Keep plumbing in good repair.
• Keep the basement dry.
• Run central air — reduces humidity in your home.
• Elimination of outdoor habitat is essential. Mulch, leaf litter, plant debris, stones, toys, birdbaths and boards can all provide habitats for various pests.
• Dry out bathtubs and sinks after use.

Effective Control Of Outdoor Pests

• Monitor outdoor pest populations carefully because indoor pests enter your home from your yard.
• Remember that spiders, ladybugs, birds and butterflies all eat lots of insects. Flowers in your garden not only look and smell wonderful, but also can help to attract valuable wildlife that will control your insect population.