Warm weather in the South Shore and Greater Boston areas brings sunshine, cookouts, beach days—and unfortunately, bugs. 🐜 From ants marching through your kitchen to mosquitos crashing your backyard hangouts, pests can quickly become unwelcome guests in your home.
Here’s how to keep your home a bug-free zone—naturally, effectively, and without turning your living room into a science experiment.
1. Seal the Deal
Many pests sneak in through tiny cracks around windows, doors, and foundations. Check for gaps and seal them with weather stripping or caulk. Pay special attention to:
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Basement windows
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Attic vents
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Dryer vents and utility pipe entry points
🏠 South Shore Tip: Many older homes in this region have charming character and charming crevices. Regular maintenance helps preserve both the charm and your sanity.
2. Keep Things Clean & Crumb-Free
Bugs love food as much as we do, especially the sweet, sticky, and crumbly kind. Keep your kitchen and dining areas clean by:
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Wiping down counters daily
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Storing food in airtight containers
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Taking out the trash regularly (and rinsing recycling, too!)
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Not leaving pet food out overnight
🍽️ Pro Tip: Don’t forget those sneaky spots like under the toaster or behind the trash can!
3. Control Moisture
Moist environments attract bugs like mosquitos, termites, and earwigs. Keep humidity levels in check by:
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Fixing leaky pipes and faucets
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Running dehumidifiers in basements and bathrooms
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Cleaning gutters to prevent standing water
🌧️ In coastal South Shore towns like Scituate, Marshfield, and Cohasset, salt air can speed up corrosion—so regular checks on plumbing and gutters are especially important.
4. Yard Smarts
Your yard is the first line of defense. Create a bug-repellent barrier by:
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Trimming shrubs and trees away from your home
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Removing standing water (like birdbaths or old flower pots)
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Keeping grass cut short
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Using cedar mulch or crushed stone near the foundation
🐾 Have pets? Avoid using heavy-duty pesticides where your furry friends roam. Look for pet-safe or natural alternatives like diatomaceous earth.
5. Screen Test
Check your window and door screens for rips or holes—mosquitos only need a tiny tear to make themselves at home. If you love a summer breeze, make sure you're not inviting in an insect swarm.
🧰 Quick Fix: Patch holes with a screen repair kit, available at most hardware stores.
6. Call in the Pros (When Needed)
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, the bugs win. If you’re seeing a recurring issue—especially with termites, carpenter ants, or rodents—it might be time to call a licensed pest control company.
🔍 Ask about local eco-friendly options that are safe for kids, pets, and pollinators.
Keep It Cozy (for You, Not the Critters)
Whether you're in a coastal Cape in Hull or a Colonial in Milton, keeping your home pest-free is all about prevention and regular maintenance.
And if you’re looking for a home that’s move-in ready and bug-barrier approved—or prepping your current home for sale—The Jenkins Group is here to help!
🏡 From home tips to house hunting, we’ve got your back across the South Shore and Greater Boston. Reach out anytime—we’re just a message away.
