Up and Coming Weekly is a weekly publication in Fayetteville, NC and Fort Bragg, NC area offering local news, views, arts, entertainment and community event and business information.
Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/1495789
WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM MARCH 29 - APRIL 4, 2023 UCW 17 Inspiring, educating, empowering and celebrating women in our community It can be tempting to think that bugs simply disappear in the cooler months. e truth is that many bug species have evolved to survive all year long, sometimes hiding in the warm nooks and crannies in and around homes. Others go into a hibernation-like state. "Bugs can be a lot smarter and more resilient than you may realize. Even if you don't see household pests right now, some may still be waiting in your home for those first warm days to signal them to become active, search for food and find a mate," says Emma Klingman, senior products research at Zevo, a maker of pest control products with naturally-inspired ingredients you can feel good about. To prep your home for bug season and outsmart pests, follow these steps: Tidy up: Household pests love snacking just as much as people do, but you don't need to play host to them. After meals, wipe down tables, counters and other kitchen surfaces. Be sure to regularly sweep and vacuum crumbs, as well as mop up to eliminate sticky food residue. Keep a tightly-fitting lid on your garbage bin, and rinse cans and jars before recycling them. Be ready: Even an immaculate home will face pest problems at some point. at's why it is impor- tant to have tools on hand to catch a problem early, before it becomes a much bigger one. Some sprays target and shut down biological pathways found in insects, not in people or pets. Likewise, some traps use a UV and blue light system to attract and capture flying insects, and they have a discreet design that can serve as a bouncer at your home's entry points. It's also smart to use these traps in potential problem areas, such as near trash cans and fruit bowls and near toilet bowls and drains. Safeguard the yard: Defending your yard from pesky pests will not only improve the comfort of your home's outdoor spaces, it will help prevent insects from finding their way indoors. Be sure to eliminate standing water by properly tending to your lawn and by periodically clearing downspouts of debris. Any water feature in your garden should use running water. If you have a patio or deck, consider screening it in. If you don't love the look of screened walls, installing ceiling fans can be an effective alternative. Run the fans whenever you enter- tain to deter unwanted guests, such as mosquitos, from crashing the party. Of course, it's always a good idea to apply bug repellent when spend- ing time outdoors. Find a formula that will be easy to use, such as products with a pump spray, aero- sol or lotion options. Many products will offer several hours of protection from mosquitoes and ticks and are lightweight, odorless and not sticky. For more tips and information, visit https://zevoinsect.com. "As we usher in gorgeous spring weather, it can be an especially challenging time of year to keep bugs at bay at home. But with the right tools and strategies, you can help prevent and combat infesta- tions as they arise," says Klingman. Ways to prepare your home for bug season a StatePoint STAFF REPORT HOME & GARDEN Warmer temperatures can bring out pests that have been hiding in nooks and crannies in and around homes.