4 steps for controlling flying insects

Noel McCarthy, VP Advertising, Noble Pine Products Co.

Help your customers prevent flying pests with a few easy-to-follow steps:

1. Get rid of standing water. Water gathers in birdbaths, planters, blocked gutters, kiddie pools, forgotten buckets, and so on. Point out to your customer that even a small can of water can provide a home for several hundred mosquito larvae.
2. Relocate trash and recycling bins. Flies adore garbage, and wasps enjoy the various fruits we dump in recyclable and trash cans, so advise your clients to move them away from their house or office building. That will cut down on the number of flying visitors. Make sure the lids on these cans fit tightly.
3. Keep food covered. Whether it’s a dining room, restaurant patio or office kitchen, be sure to keep food protected from flies and other pests at all times. Tell your customers to purchase metal and nylon mesh food “tents.” They’re cheap, yet effective.
4. Pest-proof the building. Screen all windows and doors. Make sure doors have sweeps and/or seals. Have them make it a habit to power down lights when they’re not needed — flying pests are attracted to light.