Summer in San Diego brings sunshine, longer evenings—and unfortunately, more pests trying to beat the heat or enjoy some of the cool AC or crash your backyard barbecues. Instead of reaching for the phone (or the chemicals), a few smart, do-it-yourself steps can help you keep your home comfortable and pest-free all season long.
1. Seal Up Sneaky Entry Points
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Inspect doors and windows. Replace worn weather-stripping, patch holes in screens, and install door sweeps.
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Use caulk or foam sealant to close gaps around foundations, vents, and utility lines.
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Check baseboards and window frames. Even tiny cracks can be an open invitation to ants or spiders.
2. Drain the Water, Ditch the Mosquitos
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Dump standing water in buckets, toys, and plant saucers every few days.
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Clean your gutters so water flows freely and doesn’t collect near your roofline.
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Keep lids on outdoor trash and compost bins to prevent rain from pooling.
3. Keep Landscaping in Check
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Cut back plants so they don’t touch your exterior walls or roof.
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Avoid heavy mulch near your home’s foundation. Leave a dry buffer to discourage crawling insects.
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Elevate wood piles and store them away from the house.
4. Make Your Own Pest Repellents
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Vinegar and water spray works wonders to wipe away ant trails.
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Peppermint oil mixed with water can deter spiders and flies—spray around doors and baseboards.
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Bay leaves in pantry containers can help ward off pantry moths and weevils.
5. Store Food (and Crumbs) Properly
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Use airtight containers for pantry staples.
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Wipe down surfaces nightly to remove traces of food.
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Vacuum regularly, especially under furniture and appliances.
6. Trash Talk: Handle Waste Like a Pro
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Wash bins out monthly and let them dry in the sun.
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Use tight-fitting lids to block access for rodents or raccoons.
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Secure compost by layering food scraps with dry leaves or cardboard.
7. Adjust Lighting and Airflow
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Swap porch lights for yellow bug bulbs. They attract fewer insects.
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Run a fan on the patio—mosquitos don’t fly well in moving air.
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Use dehumidifiers indoors to reduce moisture-loving pests like silverfish.
8. Encourage Helpful Wildlife
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Install a bat box or bird feeder to invite natural predators.
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Release ladybugs in your garden to tackle aphids the organic way.
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Skip harsh sprays—nature has its own pest control system when you let it work.
9. Try These DIY Traps
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Fruit fly jar: Fill with apple cider vinegar, cover with plastic wrap, poke holes.
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Beer dish for slugs: Sink into garden beds overnight.
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Sticky cards: Swipe petroleum jelly on yellow index cards to trap flying bugs.
10. Make It a Sunday Habit
Set aside 15–20 minutes each weekend to:
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Walk your exterior and check for new gaps
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Refresh sprays and traps
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Dump any water that’s collected outside
A Little Prevention Goes a Long Way
These DIY tips don’t just help you skip the chemicals—they help you stay ahead of the problem altogether. And if you ever need a referral for screen repair, weatherproofing, or handyman work, we’ve got a network of trusted local pros who can help.
Until then, enjoy a pest-free summer the simple way.
