Summer is made for backyard cookouts, gardening, and evenings on the patio—but mosquitoes, fleas, ticks, and chiggers can quickly ruin the fun.
If it feels like the bugs are worse this year, you’re not imagining it. Warm temperatures and plenty of rainfall create the perfect conditions for insect populations to explode.
The good news is that you don’t always have to reach for harsh chemicals. There are several natural and family-friendly options that can help keep pests under control while allowing you to enjoy your yard.
Chiggers: Small Pest, Big Irritation
If you’ve ever walked through the yard and ended up with intensely itchy bites around your ankles or waistline, you’ve probably met chiggers.
One of the simplest ways to discourage them is pelleted sulfur. Spread over your lawn according to the label directions, it helps create an environment that chiggers don’t like.
Keeping grass trimmed and reducing heavy weeds also helps reduce hiding places.
Mosquitoes
Standing water may be a mosquito’s best friend, so start by eliminating anything that collects water around your home.
For additional protection, many homeowners use Cedarcide YardSafe, a cedar oil-based spray that helps repel mosquitoes without relying on traditional insecticides. It’s a popular choice for families who want an effective, plant-based option around patios, flower beds, and play areas.
Fleas and Ticks
Fleas and ticks aren’t just annoying—they can also affect your pets and family.
A combination of Cedarcide YardSafe, cedar granules, or cedar mulch around landscaped areas can help discourage these pests naturally.
For long-term control, many gardeners also use beneficial nematodes. These microscopic organisms live in the soil and target flea larvae and other unwanted pests without harming earthworms or beneficial insects.
Apply nematodes during the evening and keep the soil moist afterward for the best results.
Diatomaceous Earth for Crawling Insects
Food-grade diatomaceous earth remains one of our favorite natural products for crawling insects around gardens and outdoor spaces.
Rather than poisoning insects, it works mechanically by damaging their outer coating, causing them to dehydrate.
Because it’s a powder, you’ll need to reapply it after heavy rain or watering.
A Few Simple Steps Make a Big Difference
Natural pest control works best when you combine several strategies.
- Keep grass mowed.
- Remove standing water.
- Trim overgrown vegetation.
- Use mulch where appropriate.
- Apply products before pest populations get out of control.
A little prevention now is much easier than trying to eliminate an infestation later in the summer.
Which Product Is Right for You?
Every yard is different. The best solution often depends on the pests you’re dealing with, whether you have pets or children, and how you use your outdoor space.
If you’re not sure where to start, stop by Johnson Feed Co. We’ll help you choose the right products for your yard and explain how to get the best results from them.
