One of the many benefits of living in Florida is the ability to utilize a swimming pool year-round. On the other hand, one of the major downfalls of living in the Sunshine State is the plethora of bugs that call it home. A common question many pool owners have is, “How do I keep bugs out of my pool?” We’re here to help answer that question. Whether you’re dealing with mosquitoes, flies, ants, spiders, or wasps, here are 11 tips to help you keep your pool bug-free. For pest control White City FL, Palm Coast Pest Control offers expert solutions to keep your pool and property free from pests year-round.
11 Tips To Keep Your Pool Bug-Free
1. Be Mindful of Light Placement
If you are strategic about the placement of lights around your pool, you can effectively keep bugs away. As you know, flying insects are attracted to bright lights; thus, placing lights 20 to 30 feet away from your pool will keep these flying insects from dipping in. In specific instances, lights that are placed at a distance from your pool can still attract pests if they reflect light in a certain way. You can reduce the effects of reflective lights by shielding them or directing the beam away from reflective pool walls.
2. Install a Decoy Light
One sure way to deter pests from your pool is to install a decoy light approximately 50 feet from your pool area. The decoy light will draw bugs away from the pool and into an area where they are less of an issue. You can also install various types of insect traps near your decoy lights to help control the insect population.
3. Regulate Your Pool Lights
In addition to installing decoy lights and being strategic about where you place your lights, it’s equally essential to regulate the underwater lights in your pool. To prevent bugs from swarming around your underwater pool lights, turn them off when your pool is not in use, or use a timer to light your pool at your discretion. If you don’t turn your pool lights on at dusk, you can avoid attracting massive swarms of insects.
4. Keep Up With Chemical Treatments
One of the best ways to prevent bugs from entering your pool is to maintain regular chemical treatments. Pests are less likely to wade into water that is chemically treated. Additionally, Florida mosquitoes will not lay their eggs in water that has been chemically treated. Keeping your pool chemically treated will also reduce the amount of algae that forms, and in return reduce the number of bugs in your pool. For professional assistance with pest control White City, contact Palm Coast Pest Control to help manage pests around your pool area.
5. Invest in a Pool Cover
Many Floridians invest in pool covers to help them keep bugs out of their pools. A pool cover will not only help you keep bugs out, but it will also slow down water evaporation.
6. Plant Bug-Repelling Herbs
Certain herbs can act as natural repellents for bugs. Herbs such as citronella, rosemary, lemon, and sage contain natural chemical components that have been proven to irritate insects and pests. Planting these types of herbs around your pool area is a practical, safe, and cheap way to keep your pool bug-free.
7. Utilize Insect Repellants Around Your Pool
Many insect repellents are great for keeping bugs away from your pool area. Every so often, take time to spray the grassy areas around the edge of your pool to deter ants and other crawling insects from making their way onto your pool deck.
8. Keep Up With Landscaping
Another easy way to keep bugs away from your pool area is to maintain your landscaping duties. Be sure to trim bushes and mow the lawn adjacent to your pool regularly. Foliage that is not maintained invites insects to the pool.
9. Remove Standing Water
Standing water is a massive attraction for bugs, especially mosquitoes. If you notice any standing water around your pool area, drain it immediately, as mosquitoes may use this low-lying water to lay their eggs. This is especially important during the rainy season when puddles form quickly after seasonal downpours.
10. Don’t Forget About Pool Brushing & Pool Skimming
As we mentioned previously, insects love algae. Brushing the bottom of your pool will prevent algae from growing, and thus reduce the number of insects swarming to your pool. Be sure to vacuum up the debris you stirred up during your brushing, or your hard work may have no impact on deterring insects. You should also skim the surface of your pool often, so insect bodies don’t pile up. Floating insect carcasses will only attract more bugs.
11. Keep Food Away
It may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s essential to keep food away from your pool area. Food attracts many pesky bugs, and once they tell their friends about all the food around your pool, it could be a nightmare to rid yourself of them. Ensure that you eliminate sources of outdoor pet food, such as fallen fruit, and clean up spills promptly. Removing food sources from your pool area is one of the most effective ways to keep your pool area bug-free.
Final Thoughts
Florida’s year-round beautiful weather provides residents with an opportunity to enjoy nature year-round; however, this benefit does not come without cost. Living in Florida, you understand the dire need to keep bugs away from your property. While there are steps you can take to reduce your chances of hosting unwanted insects, there are instances where enlisting the services of a professional pest control company in White City, FL, makes sense. If you have tried tirelessly to diminish bugs around your pool, consider calling a professional White City pest control company like Palm Coast Pest Control to rid your pool of these unwanted pests before the situation gets out of control. Swimming bug-free may be closer and easier than you think.
