Flies, gnats, ants, and cockroaches: these pests are unwelcome invaders in any Columbus office. And as a conscientious business owner, you probably don't want to douse your office in poisonous chemicals just to repel them.
Fear not. There are plenty of inexpensive, natural repellants and tricks you can use to keep insects at bay.
Bug Out Tip #1: Know Thy Enemy
If you're going to rid your Columbus office of insects, first you have to know what attracts these nuisances to your door in the first place. Here's a brief rundown:
- Fruit flies love food scraps, sugary liquids (think juice), and fruits and vegetables.
- Gnats are drawn to overwatered plants.
- Beetles and moths are powerless to the draw of uneaten snacks and have been known to lay eggs in nuts, cereal, crackers, and even chocolate.
- Ants march indoors when their outdoor food supply runs dry. Speaking of which, rain may drive ants indoors to escape the water.
- Cockroaches can slip under doorways. Though they mostly live outdoors, they may come inside in search of food and water.
Now that you have some insight into insect motivations, let's cover how to repel them.
Bug Out Tip #2: Clean House
As we established above, insects journey indoors first and foremost for food and water. By limiting these enticing incentives, you reduce the chance of having a pest problem in your office.
Get started by…
- Storing ripe fruit in the office refrigerator so it doesn't attract flies.
- Keeping snacks in sealed rigid containers that bugs and critters can't sneak into.
- Cleaning up food crumbs and spills.
- Washing dirty dishes and utensils every day.
- Emptying rubbish bins each night.
- Reducing clutter in work areas so insects have fewer places to hide and nest.
- Watering potted plants just enough to keep them healthy to reduce the chance of a gnat infestation.
For more Columbus office cleaning tips, read "How to Deep Clean Your Office in 4 Steps."
Bug Out Tip #3: Make Your Own Insect Repellants
Here are some natural alternatives to DEET-based repellants:
- Citronella. Bugs hate this grassy plant, which is why it's a favorite ingredient in outdoor candles. Planting citronella grass outside of your office can help deter insects from entering it.
- Citrus peels. Looking to get rid of spiders? Rub a citrus fruit peel on the area these leggy pests frequent (e.g., shelves and windowsills).
- Lemon juice or vinegar. Spritz this along bug-heavy paths or areas to keep ants, flies, and spiders away.
- Mint. This repels pretty much any insect, including ants, flies, and spiders. You can lightly dab mint essential oil around the affected area for best results.
Remember, one of the best ways to keep away the plague of bugs during warm seasons is to make sure your office stays clean. Book a free consultation with us today to learn how our Columbus office cleaning services can help.