Calling everyone who suffers from uninvited guests making appearances all summer long: the summer is approaching, which means so are pests! As temperatures rise, so does pest activity. Luckily, there's still a chance to get ahead of the problem. One of the best ways to beat pests is to learn about their behaviors.
In this guide, we are going to cover common summertime pests, some DIY pest control tips, and when it's time to call in for backup!
The Usual Suspects: Common Summer Pests
Who are the pests that you can count on to crash every party?
Ants marching one by one into your kitchen
Buzz-worthy performances by mosquitoes
High-flying antics of wasps and bees
Stealth mode from ticks hiding in tall grass
*Fun Fact: Ants don't sleep. The party never stops for these all-nighters!
Let's get to know some of these pests a little better in order to help avoid them:
Ants: These pests are known for finding their way inside no matter how hard you try to keep them out. Because they are so small, they fit through even the smallest cracks and crevices. Ants are food-motivated. They are constantly hunting for a reliable source of food and water to bring back to their colony, so keeping your home free of crumbs and spills can help deter these pests.
Mosquitoes: Classified as vectors, these pests can carry and transmit diseases. They will leave you with itchy, annoying red bites all over your body. Because they are cold-blooded, they thrive in the heat, but they need water sources to reproduce. Keeping your home free of stagnant water can help keep mosquitoes away from your yard.
Wasps and Bees: Though these two pests are quite different from each other, they can both deliver a painful sting and cause allergic reactions for some. Both are attracted to flowers and food. At the first sign of a nest on your property, it's best to contact the experts.
Ticks: Also known as vectors, ticks are often compared to hitchhikers. These bugs will jump out of grass or off of trees and onto your body, hitching a ride and burrowing into your skin. They can also carry and transmit diseases, like mosquitoes. Keep them at bay by keeping a well-maintained yard at all times.
DIY Tips and Tricks for Pest-Proofing Your Home
Here are some simple and fast ways you can get your home under protection from pests before the summer arrives:
Seal the Deal: Seal up your windows, doors, and any cracks to keep pests out.
Water Works: Eliminate any standing water around your property to deter mosquito breeding grounds.
Picnic Protectors: Keep your food in sealed containers inside and outside as much as possible to avoid attracting ants and other pests.
Garden Guards: Add plants that naturally repel pests to your garden, and keep up with yard chores to prevent pests from taking over.
Don't Let Pests Ruin Your Fun!
There are some simple ways to keep you and your property safe from some of these annoying pests so you can enjoy spending time in your own backyard:
Wear light-colored clothing and closed shoes to avoid ticks, mosquitoes, and bees.
Use citronella candles or torches to keep flying pests away while you're outside.
Opt for some safe, natural repellents like essential oils around your kids' and pets' play areas.
When to Wave the White Flag
Sometimes, your efforts just aren't enough against some of the more persistent summertime pests. When you see endless trails of ants, mosquito bites covering your body, or bees and wasps at every turn, it's time to call in for some backup.
At Greenix, we offer green pest control solutions that effectively treat the pests around your property. With tailored solutions, we can help you kick these unwanted guests to the curb in no time.
Enjoying a pest-free summer doesn't have to exist only in your dreams; working with Greenix now can help you avoid pests before they take over. Start implementing these tips, and schedule a pest inspection to get your home prepared for pest season!