There's nothing worse than sitting down on your patio for a lovely summer dinner and suddenly being dive-bombed by wasps, flies, or other outdoor pests. It makes the meal much less pleasurable, and it can result in some serious frustration, not to mention the likelihood of bites, stings, or pecks.
But don't despair just yet; getting rid of pesky outdoor annoyances is easier than you might think. If termites are your problem, read on. Termites are the "king" of outdoor pests and can cause thousands of dollars worth of damage to your expensive deck if left to run rampant.
Damp wood is their favorite snack. Eliminate that snack by checking gutters for standing water and make sure all your pipes are leak-free. Also paint any exposed wood, such as porch posts, that come in contact with soil.
If carpenter ants are doing construction on your home, look for the entrances to their homes. Again, eliminate damp wood, and caulk and weather-strip any openings or cracks around your home.
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Commercial pesticides are a good solution here, too. Powder-post beetles can also damage a wood patio. They enjoy both dry and wet wood, and are best eliminated with commercial pesticides.
Also, seal your wood with paint and seal openings, repair cracks, and replace old screens. Wasps and bees are probably the most annoying of all the flying pests. They won't harm the structure of your home or patio, but they will sting you, and that's no fun.
If you decide to use commercial pesticide, be careful. Hundreds of insects can live inside one nest, and calling a professional might be the best option. An exterminator can remove the nest in one visit.
Flies can be nasty, too. Use the modern fly bait products on the market to eliminate these nasty beasts, and keep a fly swatter handy.
