What’s your least favorite part of summer? For many people, the answer isn’t the heat; it’s the swarms of ants, cockroaches, and other insects that the season brings. From spreading disease to eating our food to harming the structural integrity of our homes, these bugs produce a host of problems that can quickly grow out of hand. Only by understanding what kinds of pests are a threat during this season can we take the necessary steps to keep them outside and leave our homes safe and sanitary throughout the year.
What Kinds of Pests are Prevalent in the Summer?
Countless pests abound during the summer, and while the specific critters vary based on where you live, many of them are a serious threat to your home and health.
Ants are among the most common summer pests, and the most difficult to avoid or keep out. Entering through air vents, windows, garages, and doors, these pests target your kitchen and other areas that provide sources of food. Not only are they a nuisance, but certain kinds of ants may eat the wood that provides structural support to your house, thereby putting you and your entire family in danger.
Cockroaches are another common nuisance, multiplying quickly and spreading all over your home. It’s particularly important to stop a cockroach infestation early before these insects become so widely and deeply spread that they are almost impossible to remove.
In addition to ants and cockroaches, you should look out for bees, termites, ticks, hornets, and house flies. All these animals become a problem in the summer due to:
High Temperatures– When you’re hot, insects are hot, and like you, they’ll seek refuge indoors. If your home is air-conditioned, odds are insects are trying to get in it.
Abundant Food– Summer is prime time to mow your lawn, and grass clippings provide food for many pests. Once they’ve finished the clippings, they’ll move into your house looking for more.
Extra Daylight– The longer the day is, the more time bugs will spend feeding. Thus they’ll have longer to find a path into your home and follow it.
High Humidity– The humid summer air can make areas inside your home damp, giving insects the moisture they need to thrive.
It’s essential to be aware of which pests are active in the summer and why they become active. Only then can you fully protect your home.
What Can You Do to Prevent Pest Infestations?
Effective pest prevention starts with sealing off your home from the outside world. The better you are at insulating your windows, doors, attic, and other points of entry, the fewer pests can make it inside, stopping any infestation before it starts.
Besides sealing off your home, you can further reduce the risk of an infestation by:
- Clearing away grass clippings before they attract bugs
- Cleaning up any food or sugary drinks you spill immediately, whether inside your home or outside
- Keeping all your food and beverages in sealed containers, in the refrigerator, or in the freezer
- Eliminating any sources of standing water in your yard
- Installing fly screens on any windows that you plan to open
- Washing your linens at high temperatures to kill any eggs that insects have laid inside
- Repairing any damages to your roof tiles, drain pipes, or other sensitive areas of your house
- Keeping the air in your home cool and well ventilated so that moisture does not build up
- Putting mesh covers in your ventilators to prevent insects from getting inside
- Sweeping, wiping, and/or vacuuming surfaces of your home on a regular basis
Senske offers comprehensive pest control and elimination services. Contact us today for a free estimate on these services.
