By Vulcan Termite | June 26, 2014
Now that kids are out of school there’s bound to be a lot more activity out in the backyard. You’ve prepared by taking steps to keep bees, mosquitoes, flies and ants away from the little ones as they play on the grass, but you may have overlooked an insect hot spot. If you have a sandbox there may be some buggy playmates waiting to dig around with your kids.
An unexpected insect will surely scare your kids, but they could also bite and be a cause for sanitation concerns. Luckily there are numerous ways to practice bug prevention in sandboxes. Here’s a closer look at some of the best methods of de-bugging a backyard sandbox.
Keep the Sandbox Covered
One of the best ways to keep bugs out of a sandbox is to keep it covered when the kids aren’t digging. If you opt for a store-bought sandbox make sure to choose one with a cover that fits snuggly in place. When you make your own sandbox you have freedom to include a cover that fits perfectly.
In addition to keeping bugs out, a cover will protect the sandbox from the rain, which can lead to moisture build up that attracts mosquitoes, ants and more. Covering the box will also keep the neighborhood cats out. Enough said.
Churn the Sand
Regularly turning the sand will keep it fresh and disturb any bugs that have decided to burrow down beneath the surface. Churning the sand often will dissuade bugs from staying in the sand and help you find any that are in the box before they find your kids.
Mix in Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a natural bug repellent that’s safe to use around kids. Sprinkle a whole lot of cinnamon into the sand and mix it very well. Repeat this process on a regular basis to keep most bugs from getting in the sandbox.
Tend to the Weeds
If you have a homemade sandbox with sand that sits directly on top of the ground, take the time to weed the area. The more vegetation there is in and around the sandbox the more likely it is that bugs will find a way inside.
Refresh the Sand
You’ll want to regularly toss the old sand and replace it with some that’s fresh. If you’ve already got a sandbox bug infestation removing the old sand is definitely something you want to do.
Use Non-toxic bug Repellent Around the Perimeter
A good way to protect the inside of the sandbox is to repel bugs before they even get to it. Use a non-toxic repellent all around the edge of the sandbox. You can also try sprinkling cornstarch around the sandbox to keep ants out.
No Food Rule
Make it a strict rule that there is never to be any food in the sandbox. Dropping delicious crumbs into the sand is the quickest way to attract bugs.
Vulcan Termite and Pest Control, Inc. can help you keep bugs out of the rest of your yard so they’re less likely to find a way into your kid’s sandbox. Give us a call to discuss treatment options, including monthly, bi-monthly and quarterly maintenance.
Image Source:en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Sandpit.jpg
Original Source: https://www.vulcantermite.com/education-and-prevention/keep-bugs-sandbox/
