GARDEN
GARDEN
There’ s a particular kind of irritation reserved for summer’ s most annoying household pests: flies that won’ t leave the braai alone, cockroaches that appear the moment you switch the kitchen light on, ants marching across the counter like a tiny motorway, mosquitoes that find you the second you get com fortable in bed, and ticks that hitch a lift home on pets, socks, cuffs and picnic blankets. The good news is that you don’ t need to turn your house into a chemical warzone to regain control. The most effective approach is a simple, practical one: remove what attracts them- food, water and shelter- then use target ed treatments where pests hide, breed and travel.
Start by doing a quick“ summer reset” around the house. Wipe surfaces daily especially after cooking. Sweep up crumbs, keep bins closed tightly and empty them more often in hot weather. Don’ t leave pet food out overnight, and store dry goods including sugar, flour and cereals in sealed containers. Fix dripping taps and check for damp under sinks, because many pests can survive on tiny amounts of moisture. Outside, keep the area around doors and the braai space free of scraps, fallen fruit and overflowing bins. If you compost, keep it cov-
94 MARKtoe! Februarie 2026