Summer is here, which means it’s time to head off to the pool. If you’re anything like me, you’re probably already dreaming of those long days by the beach. There’s just one problem: You can’t always be by the pool. Days can get busy and there are a lot of places you have to be everyday. So, how do you make the most of those precious summer days by the water?
Well, you could build a poolside deck with an outdoor grill and some comfortable lounge chairs. You could also bring your floatation device, inflatable kayak, or canoe along. The options for adventure are endless. However, if you want to keep pesky grackles away from your pool, you might want to consider investing in some of nature’s finest products.
Here’s how you can keep grackles away from your pool and other birds, too.
Table of Contents
Create A Bug Free Zone Near Or Around Your Pool
The first thing you need to do is create a bug free zone near or around your pool. You don’t need to be too worried about the grackles, they don’t eat much, but some mosquitoes can cause trouble. Also, in extremely hot weather, you might want to avoid having any animals near or around your pool. Especially dogs, they can get overheated and eventually die. But don’t worry, you don’t need to keep your pool completely closed. Just the screened-in porch will be enough to keep the mosquitoes away. And as for the grackles, you can scare them away with some loud noises or simply keep an eye on them. If you really want to limit their presence in your yard, you could purchase live predator traps and set them up around your pool area. It’s an efficient and eco-friendly way to rid your pool area of pesky insects. And if you want to keep even more vermin at bay, you could set up a few traps along your pool’s edge. It’s best to use different kinds of traps to attract different sorts of animals so you don’t end up with just one species taking over your yard. For example, you could set a traditional trap with a bit of bacon and peanut butter, or you could try a chocolate cake or steak morsel for mice. It’s all about using your creative genius to come up with unique and effective ways to keep your pool clean.
Install A Mosquito Net Around Your Pool
Even though mosquitoes don’t pose a serious health threat to humans, they can cause a lot of damage. Their bite may cause rashes and fevers. Plus, they’re extremely annoying. So, to keep them at bay, you need to install a mosquito net around your pool. This will help keep the little bloodsuckers away. Also, to prevent mosquitoes from laying their eggs in your pool, you need to cover it with some mosquito netting and secure the edges with rope or tape. In addition to this, you can also use some of that lovely, sticky liquid from the sachet on the inside of your pool’s edges. It makes for an ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes, especially as it gets hotter outside. Also, if you have two pools, you might want to cover the wall between them with a netting flap. This will help keep the little bloodsuckers from coming in and out of play. It’s essential to clean your pool’s filter at least once a month, and make sure its covered with chlorine tablets whenever you use it. Chlorine kills a lot of bacteria that the water might otherwise contain. Additionally, wash your hands after using the toilet near your pool, especially after using the phone. This will help keep mosquitoes at bay. Also, if you have a pond or lagoon in your back yard, you might want to consider digging a damper hole in it and installing a pump. You can use the water from the pond to water your garden or use it for swimming.
Consider Installing A Pest Barrier
If you ever try to eat a snack while out on your deck, the first thing that will annoy you is the sound of a cricket. These are among the most aggravating insects. Their chirping can be an incessant and maddening wail. It’s not just about the sound either; their presence is a major invasion of privacy. When they fly around, they’re constantly flapping their huge, annoying wings. Even when they’re still, they often move around a lot, which makes them look like they’re constantly dancing. This is one place where it’s best to keep the lights on all night long. You’ll never be able to sleep with all that noise. So, if you don’t want to hear those irritating noises, consider installing a pest barrier. You don’t need to be overly concerned about the rats or the possums. They’re not really a threat to your health. However, when it comes to the crickets and the annoying, flapping wings, you should definitely protect yourself.
Use Deodorizing Spray
Spray a little deodorizing spray around your pool area. This will help keep the area smelling fresh and clean. Plus, it takes the fear out of smelling something funky near your pool. If you have a pool with a tile waterline or vinyl decking, you might want to consider misting the area near your pool with the same spray you use in the kitchen. Just be sure to keep it away from the water’s edge so it doesn’t get washed away by the rain.
Take Out All The Junk In And Around Your Pool
Take all the junk in and around your pool out, clean it well, and give it a good inspection. Look for anything that might be harboring insects or other pests. You might want to consider hiring a professional to give you an insecticide treatment or inspect your pool for signs of infestation. Just remember to leave the treatment in for a few days before checking for results. If you find any problems, you might want to consider getting them fixed before the summer is over. There are a lot of different pests that you could have surrounding your pool. So, be sure to inspect all of them and treat any that you find. Also, keep the water in your pool clean by regularly draining it and replacing it with fresh water. Finally, store all food and drink containers out of reach and clean up after yourself regularly.
With these simple tips, you’ll be able to enjoy your pool area without worry of insects or other pests ruining your day. And if you want to keep even more pests away from your pool, consider investing in one of nature’s finest products. These items will give you a helping hand in keeping your pool area clean and inviting in the summertime. So, enjoy your time by the water this season and all year long!