How to Keep Pests Away in Summer: 6 Safe and Natural Solutions

1. Seal Entry Points and Eliminate Access

The most powerful pest control strategy is also the simplest: prevent them from entering in the first place. Even the tiniest gap can become a highway for unwanted visitors.

Identify Common Entry Points

Conduct a thorough inspection of your home, paying special attention to:

• Doors and windows: Check for gaps around frames and worn weather stripping
• Utility penetrations: Where pipes, cables, and vents enter your home
• Foundation cracks: Even hairline cracks provide pest access
• Roof and eaves: Gaps in fascia boards and damaged roof tiles
• Air conditioning units: Gaps around installations

Sealing Solutions

Once you’ve identified vulnerabilities, seal them effectively:

• Weather sealing: Apply to doors and windows (costs $10-$30 per door)
• Caulk: Fill small cracks and gaps around pipes and cables
• Steel wool: Stuff into larger gaps before caulking (mice can’t chew through it)
• Door seals: Install at the bottom of exterior doors
• Mesh screens: Cover vents, chimneys, and roof openings with fine mesh

This foundational step creates your first line of defence, dramatically reducing the number of pests that can access your home. It’s an investment that pays dividends throughout summer and beyond.

3. Eliminate Food and Water Sources

Pests don’t invade randomly—they’re seeking resources. Remove what attracts them, and they’ll seek opportunities elsewhere.

Kitchen and Food Storage

Your kitchen is pest paradise if not properly managed:

• Store food in airtight containers: Glass or heavy plastic containers with tight-sealing lids
• Clean immediately after meals: Don’t leave dishes overnight or crumbs on benches
• Empty bins regularly: Use bins with tight-fitting lids and empty daily in summer
• Wipe down surfaces: Remove sticky residues and spills that attract ants
• Store pet food properly: Don’t leave pet bowls out overnight

Water Management

Standing water attracts mosquitoes and other pests:

• Fix leaking taps and pipes promptly
• Empty plant saucers and pet water bowls daily
• Clean gutters to prevent water pooling
• Ensure proper drainage around your home
• Cover or treat swimming pools and water features

By eliminating these attractants, you remove the primary reason pests enter homes. It’s not about perfection—it’s about consistency in these simple habits.

4. Maintain Your Outdoor Spaces

Your garden and outdoor areas either invite pests closer or keep them at bay. Strategic maintenance makes all the difference.

Vegetation Management

Overgrown gardens provide pest highways directly to your home:

• Trim plants away from walls: Maintain at least 30cm clearance
• Remove leaf litter and debris: These harbour insects and provide nesting sites
• Mow lawns regularly: Long grass attracts ticks and other pests
• Prune overhanging branches: Prevent pest access to your roof
• Remove standing water: Empty containers, birdbaths, and blocked drains weekly

Compost and Waste Management

Organic waste attracts pests if not managed properly:

• Position compost bins away from the house (at least 10 metres)
• Use sealed compost systems rather than open piles
• Avoid composting meat, dairy, or oily foods
• Turn compost regularly to speed decomposition
• Keep green waste bins tightly closed

A well-maintained outdoor space creates a buffer zone that naturally discourages pests from approaching your home. It’s about creating an environment where pests find nothing appealing.

5. Use Natural Barriers and Deterrents

Beyond repellents, physical and natural barriers create additional protection layers.

Vinegar Solutions

White vinegar disrupts ant trails and deters various pests:

• Mix equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle
• Spray along ant trails, windowsills, and entry points
• Wipe down surfaces to remove pest pheromone trails
• Refresh every few days for continued effectiveness

Citrus Peels

Many pests dislike citrus scents:

• Place fresh lemon or orange peels near entry points
• Rub peels along windowsills and door frames
• Replace every few days as they dry out
• Particularly effective against ants and spiders

These natural solutions work in synergy- combining several methods creates a multi-layered defence that’s far more effective than any single approach.

6. Implement Smart Lighting Strategies

Light attracts insects, but strategic lighting choices dramatically reduce this effect.

Outdoor Lighting Adjustments

Not all lights attract pests equally:

• Switch to yellow or warm-toned bulbs: Insects are less attracted to these wavelengths
• Use LED lights: Generate less heat, which attracts fewer insects
• Install motion sensors: Lights only activate when needed
• Position lights away from doors: Place them several metres from entry points
• Use downward-facing fixtures: Prevents light from spreading widely

Indoor Light Management

Simple evening habits reduce pest attraction:

• Close curtains and blinds after dark to contain indoor light
• Turn off unnecessary lights in rooms you’re not using
• Use task lighting rather than flooding entire rooms with light
• Install fly screens on windows so you can enjoy natural ventilation without inviting insects

Bonus tip: Citronella candles or torches create ambient outdoor lighting whilst actively repelling mosquitoes—perfect for summer evening entertaining.

Additional Summer Pest Prevention Tips

Regular Inspections

Walk around your property weekly during summer:

• Check for new cracks or gaps
• Look for signs of pest activity (droppings, trails, damage)
• Inspect screens for tears or holes
• Monitor moisture levels in bathrooms and under sinks

Ceiling Fans and Air Circulation

Moving air makes it difficult for flying insects to navigate:

• Use ceiling fans in living areas and bedrooms
• Position portable fans near doors and windows
• Improved air circulation also reduces humidity that attracts pests

Professional Assessment

If pest problems persist despite your efforts:

• Consider a professional inspection to identify hidden issues
• Many pest control companies offer eco-friendly treatment options
• An expert can identify specific pest species and recommend targeted solutions

Conclusion: Creating Your Pest-Free Summer Sanctuary

Keeping pests away in summer doesn’t require harsh chemicals or constant vigilance—it requires understanding what attracts them and systematically removing those attractions. By sealing entry points, using natural repellents, eliminating food and water sources, maintaining outdoor spaces, implementing natural barriers, and adjusting lighting, you create multiple layers of protection that work together seamlessly.

The magic of these methods lies in their simplicity and safety. You’re not just repelling pests; you’re creating a healthier home environment for everyone who lives there. These strategies protect your family, pets, and the environment whilst maintaining the peace and comfort you deserve in your own space.

Summer should be about enjoyment, not frustration. It’s about relaxing in your home without the constant buzz of mosquitoes or the march of ants across your kitchen bench. It’s about knowing your space is protected through natural, effective methods that align with your values.

Start with one or two strategies this week—perhaps sealing those gaps you’ve been meaning to address or creating a natural spray with essential oils. Each small action builds upon the last, gradually transforming your home into a fortress that pests simply cannot penetrate.

Remember, every day holds a little magic when you’re living in a space that truly supports your wellbeing. Your pest-free summer sanctuary awaits.

Note: If you have severe pest infestations or concerns about specific pest species, consult with a licensed pest control professional. Some pests, like termites or venomous spiders, require expert intervention.