Knowing which pests are most likely to show up on your property during the summer gives you a head start. You know you’re at risk, so understanding what might be coming your way allows you to take preventative action.
But which species should you pay special attention to during this season? That’s what we’re about to find out.
Ants
Ants are probably the most common reason people call out the pest control unit during the summer. These critters like making their nests while it is warm, and they also breed at this time of year.
The most common ants during the summer are odorous house ants and carpenter ants. They get into homes through small cracks and set up their colonies inside, usually because they can smell sugar or grease somewhere.
Flies
Another common critter during the summer is house flies. One or two buzzing around on a warm day is normal, but if you have more than that, there’s usually a problem.
Flies love the warm weather because it gives them more energy. Often, they will breed rapidly at this time of year, especially if they have access to a food source, like garbage or rotting fruit. Keeping windows closed is the best defence, as is taking out the trash regularly, or as soon as it starts to smell.
Cockroaches
Unfortunately, the summer is also a time when cockroaches become more active. These insects can be downright dangerous to health because of compounds they emit from their bodies.
You usually find cockroaches in the home during warm and humid conditions. They will often crawl up through the drain pipes or get stuck to grocery bags and don’t want to leave. Usually, you will find roaches in the kitchen and the bathroom, although they can turn up in other places when you least expect it.
Wasps
Wasps are another summer insect that likes to infest homes when the weather gets warm. Like bees, wasps construct nests, and sometimes, these will be in your attic or cavity walls (which is exactly where you don’t want them).
The good news is that dealing with wasps is usually pretty easy. Exterminators use powder and then physically remove nests so that they no longer cause damage or an eyesore.
Wasps and hornets are dangerous, so you’ll want to get rid of them as quickly as you can. You don’t want them hanging around.
Spiders
People don’t often think of spiders as a pest, but they can cause real problems in your home if you aren’t careful. Spiders aren’t just scary, but also a nuisance when in large numbers.
If you have a fly problem, you are much more likely to encounter spider-related issues. Usually, if you get rid of flies, spiders will also leave in their own time.
Fleas
Finally, if you have pets, you might have more of a flea problem in the summer. These critters are quite easy to remove, but you’ll need to get them out of your pet’s fur first.