Common Summer Pests
Summer is a time when everyone is outside. Whether it be a cookout, sporting event, beach trip, or any other outdoor activity. With the change in weather and habits comes a whole new host of pests to look out for. And as we all know, not all pests can be prevented and eliminated the same way, so keep reading for our best summer pest prevention tips.
Mosquitoes
Most people are afraid of mosquitoes; whether you don’t want to deal with the itching or the diseases they come with, we try to avoid them at all costs. The biggest factors that mosquitoes are attracted to are warmth and standing water.
To prevent mosquitos from becoming fixtures in your home, and to stay safe when they do arrive, follow these tips:
- Empty any standing water from your yard. This will eliminate a major hot spot for mosquitoes.
- Apply insect repellent to your skin before heading outside.
- Avoid going outside at dawn or dusk, and if you can’t avoid it, then dress appropriately in long sleeves and long pants.
- Seal your windows and doors and make sure screens are correctly attached to keep mosquitoes from entering your home.
Ticks and Fleas
Summer provides ideal weather conditions for both ticks and fleas to thrive. Additionally, as the weather warms up, you’re more likely to take your dogs for a walk, giving them greater exposure to these pests. Your beloved pets, unfortunately, make great hosts for these parasites.
To prevent fleas, the most important step is to keep your house clean and vacuum regularly. Doing this will help remove flea eggs and larvae, as well as adult fleas. Secondly, make sure that any animals in your home are treated with an anti-flea medication or have a flea collar. This will stop them from bringing any more fleas into your home.
Ants
We’re all familiar with the pesky swarm of ants running around our homes. Once you’ve spotted one ant, you can be sure you’re about to find hundreds more. And you might be a little too preoccupied with trying to avoid them and get rid of them to notice that there are different ant species that are roaming throughout your home.
These are the common summer ants you might find:
Fire Ants
Fire ants are a very aggressive breed of ant. They’ll sting both humans as well as other animals when they feel threatened or are on the hunt for food. They do so by latching onto their victim and injecting venom with their stingers. It’s even more painful if their victim is allergic to their venom.
They prefer hot and sunny locations, so if you’re outside of your home, try to keep to the shade. If you’re hosting a picnic at a park, find a nice shady tree to lay your blanket under.
Carpenter Ants
Carpenter ants, as their name suggests, build their nests in damp or decaying wood. They are quite common in homes with already existing moisture issues or water leaks.
Carpenter ants can be difficult to prevent, but there are a few strategies homeowners can use to protect their homes from an infestation. The most important step is to eliminate any sources of moisture in or around your home. Carpenter ants need water for survival and will seek out moist areas such as leaky pipes or condensation on windowsills. Repairing plumbing leaks and making sure all vents are properly sealed will help reduce the chances of carpenter ant entry into your home. It’s also important to remove old wood debris that may have accumulated in and around your house. Carpenter ants prefer decaying wood so it’s important to keep the area around your foundation clear of any loose branches, leaves or other organic matter.
Pharaoh Ants
Pharaoh ants are considered one of the prominent pests in the US. Not only do they have a unique ability to get into everything, but they also transmit diseases like Strep, Salmonella, and Staph, and others.
To prevent any ants from entering your home remember the following:
- They are always on the hunt for food and water, so clean up spilled food and drinks immediately and keep food in air-tight storage.
- Rinse out bottles, cans, and food containers before tossing them in the recycling or garbage. This will prevent ants from swarming your garbage cans.
- Make sure to seal cracks around doors and windows. This will not only keep ants and other pests out but will increase your home’s energy efficiency.
- Avoid planting near your home’s foundation. Plants attract all kinds of animals, so putting them so close to your home is like a welcome banner for animals and insects alike.
Bees and Wasps
While most pests are just a nuisance to have in your home or on your property, stinging insects can actually harm you and your family.
Bees and wasps can be highly dangerous, especially if they are disturbed or feel threatened. Stings from these insects can cause a range of reactions in humans, including pain and swelling at the site of the sting, as well as anaphylactic shock in extreme cases. It is important to take precautions when dealing with bees and wasps to reduce the risk of getting stung. When outdoors, wear light-colored clothing that covers most of your body so that you are less likely to attract their attention. If possible, avoid using scented products such as perfumes or colognes which could potentially anger them. If you do come across an insect nest, it's best to stay away from it and seek professional help for removal.
What To Do If You Encounter These Summer Pests
No matter what kind of pest you discover at your home, the best course of action is to contact an experienced pest control company to take care of the issue. For over 50 years, the experts at Frame’s Pest Control have eliminated all manner of summer pest invasions. For more information about our pest control services, contact us today!