by Lisa McGee

Created on: July 10, 2008

It would seem that like the rest of us, insects see summer as a time for easy living and vacationing. Much to our dismay, we provide both the menu for their easy living life style and lodgings as well. If not guarded against, it is easy to be overrun with insects and other pests during the summer months.

Prevention of infestation is the best and healthiest way to prevent problems from developing, especially when dealing with ants, fruit flies, or other indoor pests who like to snack on our food. Wash all fruit and veggies as soon as you bring them into the house. Fruit fly eggs are very tiny and unseen to the naked eye. Although the fruit might look clean, don't assume it is. Don't allow these foods to sit around and ripen to the point of mush. If you do, you will find that they quickly become infested with fruit flies or the destination of a stream of ants.

Another way to avoid ants, or worse, cockroaches is to make sure all your food is stored in containers with tight fitting lids. Also wipe down counters and other kitchen surfaces with a simple bleach water solution. This will erase any scent trail left by an ant. Washing floors frequently will also help with preventing ants from leaving trails for their pals.

Pet bowls are another source of food for insects. Of course you can't avoid feeding your pets or supplying them with fresh water, but a frequent cleaning of bowls helps make sure that nothing lays eggs in the water or food.

In the garden, the way to fight against insects that want to eat your vegetables before you do is to invite some beneficial insects to eat them. Lady bugs are one of the best known beneficial insects to introduce to the garden. They eat a variety of soft body insects that are found in the garden.

The best way to attract beneficial insects is to to garden to attract them. Make sure that empty ground is left to provide shelter for spiders who eat large numbers of insects. Include plants in your garden that are the preferred host plants for the insects you are trying to attract. Lady bugs like the same plants that their prey do, cabbage plants. Other types of host plants include Yarrow, Marigold, Alyssum and Butterfly Bush.

These same types of plants are also enjoyed by birds who are another friend in your fight against invading insects. Many types of birds eat insects. Attract these feathered friends by providing shelter such as bushes and trees for them to perch on. Provide them with a source of water (taking care to change it frequently

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