Corporate Office:
20 Corporate Park Drive, Suite 150
Pembroke MA 02359
Cambridge, MA Office:
2534 Massachusetts Ave,
Cambridge, MA 02140
July 10, 2025
Summer is the season for sunshine, cookouts, and outdoor fun—but unfortunately, it also brings an influx of unwanted guests. At Secured Environments Pest and Wildlife Services, we know how frustrating it can be to deal with ants in your kitchen, mosquitoes buzzing around your backyard, or flies invading your home. The good news? There are effective, natural ways to keep these pests at bay without relying solely on harsh chemicals.
Here are some of our top tips for keeping your home and outdoor spaces pest-free the natural way this summer.
Ants are drawn to even the smallest crumbs or drops of sugar, so start by keeping surfaces clean and food tightly sealed. Wipe down counters with a mixture of vinegar and water—ants dislike the smell, and it also erases their scent trails. You can also try sprinkling natural deterrents like cinnamon, coffee grounds, or citrus peels near entry points. These substances disrupt their path and help prevent them from coming inside.
Caulking gaps around doors and windows is also key. Even a hairline crack can be a welcome mat for ants. If you know where they’re getting in, a line of food-grade diatomaceous earth near the entrance can act as a natural barrier.
Mosquitoes aren’t just annoying—they can also carry harmful diseases. The first line of defense is eliminating standing water, where mosquitoes breed. Check flower pots, gutters, kids’ toys, and birdbaths regularly. A quick drain and rinse can make a big difference.
Planting mosquito-repelling greenery around your deck or patio can also help. Lemongrass, lavender, basil, mint, and citronella are all great options. These plants not only look and smell great—they naturally discourage mosquitoes from hanging around.
For evenings outdoors, try natural repellents like essential oil sprays containing eucalyptus, tea tree, or lemon oil. Burning citronella candles can add a pleasant ambiance while helping to keep mosquitoes away.
Flies are a summer staple—and not the good kind. The best way to deter flies is to manage what attracts them: food, trash, and odors. Keep garbage bins tightly sealed and clean, and avoid leaving food uncovered, even for a short time. If you compost, make sure your bin is well-ventilated and located away from doors and windows.
Natural deterrents like cloves, bay leaves, and basil can be placed near windows or on kitchen counters to repel flies. Apple cider vinegar traps (just vinegar in a cup with a few drops of dish soap) are also effective for catching and killing flies without chemicals.
Keep doors closed and install fine mesh screens on windows to prevent entry. Even something as simple as a bowl of citrus with cloves poked into the rind can make your kitchen less attractive to these pests.
The best part about these natural remedies is that they’re safe, simple, and can be part of your daily routine. But it’s important to be consistent—pests are persistent, and even small lapses can give them a way in.
If you’ve tried natural methods and still find yourself battling ants, mosquitoes, or flies, Secured Environments is here to help. We offer eco-friendly, family-safe pest control solutions tailored to your home and your comfort.
Reach out to Secured Environments Pest and Wildlife Services today for a customized pest management plan that fits your needs—and lets you enjoy summer without swatting, spraying, or stressing.