One of the joys of owning a home in Türkiye is spending warm evenings on the balcony and enjoying life outdoors. Unfortunately, nature occasionally decides it would quite like to move in too!

From mosquitoes and ants to the occasional scorpion or even burglar, unwanted visitors can spoil your stay. Fortunately, most problems can be prevented with a little routine maintenance.

Mosquitoes – summer’s biggest nuisance

Mosquitoes are a fact of life during the warmer months, but a few precautions can greatly reduce the problem.

Prevention

• Fit and maintain good-quality fly screens (sineklik) on windows and balcony doors.
• Repair tears or gaps in screens and make sure doors close properly.
• Empty containers holding standing water.
• Use fans or air conditioning where possible.
• Citronella candles and UV mosquito lamps can help outdoors.

If you’re bitten: Wash the area with soap and water (or the Turkish favourite, lemon cologne), apply a cold compress and use antihistamine cream if needed. Seek medical advice if you experience severe swelling or breathing difficulties.

Ants and pantry moths

Once ants discover food, they’ll quickly recruit thousands more.

Keep worktops clean, store food in sealed containers, keep bins closed and seal small entry gaps. Ant chalk, gels and bait stations are generally more effective than sprays, while washing ant trails with detergent removes the scent they follow.

Pantry moths (flour moths) lay eggs in dried foods such as flour, rice, pasta, cereals, nuts and pet food. Store dry goods in airtight containers, inspect cupboards regularly, especially after long absences, and discard infested food immediately. Vacuum cupboards thoroughly and consider freezing newly purchased dried goods for 12 hours to kill any unseen eggs.

Cockroaches

Cockroaches thrive where food, water and shelter are available. Avoid leaving dirty dishes overnight, repair dripping taps, keep drains clean and seal gaps around plumbing. Cockroach gel placed in hidden corners is one of the most effective treatments, as insects carry it back to the nest. Established infestations are best dealt with by a professional.

Wasps

Wasps are usually only aggressive if disturbed. So, keep sugary drinks and food covered outdoors, and check roof eaves and balconies for nests. Leave large nests to professionals.

If stung: Wash the area, apply a cold pack and take antihistamines if required. Seek emergency medical help if you develop facial swelling, dizziness or difficulty breathing.

Centipedes and lizards

Although alarming to find indoors, centipedes actually feed on other insects. Reduce damp areas by repairing leaks, improving ventilation and sealing cracks. Bites are uncommon but should be cleaned and monitored.

Tiny house geckos are completely harmless and provide free pest control by eating mosquitoes and flies. If one wanders indoors, simply guide it back outside.

Mice and scorpions

Mice can squeeze through surprisingly small gaps, so check around pipes, air-conditioning units, vents and utility cupboards. Store food securely and use traps rather than poison indoors, as poisoned rodents may die inside walls.

Scorpions are found throughout southern Türkiye but rarely enter homes unless gaps are available. Fit door seals, repair damaged insect screens, seal cracks and always shake out shoes, towels and clothing left outside. Most stings are similar to a wasp sting, but children, older people or anyone with severe symptoms should seek medical advice.

The biggest pest of all… burglars

Not every unwanted visitor has six or eight legs. Many burglaries are opportunistic, particularly at holiday homes left empty for long periods.

Reduce the risk by:

• installing an alarm or CCTV system;
• fitting good-quality door and window locks;
• ensuring patio doors have anti-lift protection;
• using timer switches on lights;
• keeping hedges trimmed; and
• asking a trusted neighbour or property management company to check your home regularly.

Avoid announcing lengthy absences on social media.

Prevention is better than cure

Many pest problems begin with neglected maintenance rather than bad luck. Each year, inspect mosquito screens, window sealants, door seals, vents, roof tiles and any gaps around pipes or air-conditioning units. Sealing a small gap today can prevent months of dealing with insects, rodents or even burglars later.

Final thought

Living in Türkiye means sharing the environment with a fascinating variety of wildlife. Most creatures would rather avoid people, and a well-maintained home is far less attractive to both insects and intruders. A little prevention goes a long way towards keeping your property comfortable, secure and ready to enjoy all year round.

To read this and other articles for property owners and visitors to Türkiye, check out our website: www.realtyworldaftersales.com/life-in-didim

If you’d like help with pest control or burglary prevention, or any aspect of property maintenance and management, or would just like more information, call or message Laura at Realty World on WhatsApp: +905468717025