Let’s be honest — nobody likes uninvited guests, especially the kind with six legs and wings. Here in Brevard County, with our warm climate and proximity to water, bugs love our homes almost as much as we do. But the good news is, you can absolutely keep them out — with a little know-how and some proactive steps.

Imagine walking into your home and not having to worry about ants in the kitchen or fruit flies around the bananas. It’s totally doable — and it starts with prevention.

🔍 Step One: Know What’s Attracting the Bugs

Different bugs show up for different reasons. Once you spot one, take a moment to identify it — because the why behind their visit helps you stop them from inviting their friends.

Here’s a quick breakdown of common bugs in Brevard homes and how to keep them away:

• Ants: Often after crumbs or sweet spills. Keep food sealed, wipe surfaces often, and use bait traps based on whether they prefer sugar or protein.

• Fruit Flies: Thrive around overripe fruit or damp areas. Rinse produce, store it in the fridge, and use apple cider vinegar traps.

• Spiders: Love quiet, cluttered corners. Declutter, vacuum regularly, and seal any gaps in windows or siding.

• Carpenter Bees: Boring into untreated wood. Paint or seal outdoor wood, and consider calling a pro if they’ve started nesting.

• Centipedes & Millipedes: These moisture-lovers tend to hang out in bathrooms or basements. A dehumidifier can make a big difference.

• Pantry Moths: Hitchhike in dry goods like flour and rice. Store these in airtight containers and check for webbing in packages.

• Stink Bugs, Boxelder Bugs, Cluster Flies: They sneak in when temperatures drop. Seal exterior cracks and watch for gaps in siding or attic vents.

• Fleas: Often brought in by pets. Regular flea treatments and vacuuming can break their life cycle.

👉 Pro tip: A bug sighting is often a symptom, not the source. Find out what’s attracting them and make a simple change.

🛡️ 10 Smart Strategies to Keep Bugs Out for Good

If you’re serious about a bug-free home (and who isn’t?), these tips will help create a strong first line of defense:

1. Don’t Leave Food Out

Whether it’s a pet bowl, cookie crumbs, or last night’s pizza box, food is a magnet for pests. Store items in airtight containers, and clean up messes promptly.

2. Control Moisture

In our humid climate, bugs love damp spaces. Fix any leaks fast, run a dehumidifier in basements or garages, and ensure gutters drain away from the foundation.

3. Trim Landscaping Away From the House

Overgrown shrubs and tall grass create hiding spots. Keep the area around your home’s foundation clear — it helps bugs feel exposed and unwelcome.

4. Use Outdoor Lighting Wisely

Bright white lights can attract bugs right to your door. Swap them for yellow “bug lights” or low-spectrum LEDs, especially near entry points.

5. Be Smart With Mulch

Avoid piling mulch too high near your home’s foundation. While great for plants, it can act like a welcome mat for insects.

6. Inspect for Entry Points

Even the tiniest cracks can be a bug’s front door. Walk around your home and seal up gaps in doors, windows, siding, and foundation.

7. Declutter and Vacuum Often

Bugs like to hide. When you vacuum regularly and keep things tidy, you remove both their food and their favorite hiding spots.

8. Avoid Overusing Pesticides

Spraying too much can actually backfire — for example, it can cause ants to split their colony and spread. Use targeted treatments, not an all-out chemical war.

9. Don’t Rely on Just One Gadget

Bug zappers, ultrasonic repellents, or sticky traps can help — but they’re not miracle solutions. Think of them as part of a bigger strategy.

10. Consider Preventive Professional Help

Even if you don’t see bugs right now, that doesn’t mean they’re not planning a visit. A regular pest control service can give your home a protective barrier — especially before peak bug seasons in spring and fall.

🏡 Let’s Keep Your Home the Peaceful Retreat It Should Be

You deserve to feel at ease in your home — not constantly on guard against creepy crawlers. By staying one step ahead and addressing what’s attracting bugs in the first place, you can enjoy a home that feels clean, calm, and comfortable.

And if you’re a homeowner in Brevard County dealing with recurring pest issues, or maybe you’re buying or selling and want to make sure a home is pest-free before closing, I’d be happy to connect you with trusted local pros.

✨ Have questions about home maintenance, inspections, or prepping your home for sale?
I’m always here as a resource — whether you’re actively buying, selling, or just keeping your home in top shape. Reach out anytime. Let’s make sure your home stays bug-free and worry-free.

📲 Message me today — I’m happy to help.

Source: Houselogic.com