It’s insect season! Which bugs are you most likely to see creeping around during the hottest months? The short answer is, just about every one of them if you live in California. In the steamy climate of the southeast, we get more than our fair share of summer insects. Below is a list of the pests you’re most likely to come across this season.
Mosquitoes
The deadliest insect on the planet is in abundance during the summer. If there’s standing water around your property, there’s a good chance mosquitoes have already used it to lay eggs. Mosquito control in California is an absolute must since the hot, humid climate is perfect for feeding and breeding. The key is to break the reproduction cycle, get rid of standing water and kill off the adults.
Ants
After a winter hibernating, you’re more likely to see an army of ants marching through your home during the hot summer months. Ants have to constantly forage for food to feed a growing colony and save up reserves for the fall. If you see them in your home, they’re on the hunt for food and water, which can be scarce during dry summers.
The best prevention method is to keep things clean. Hungry ants in search of food can detect even the tiniest crumbs. One thing pet owners have to be careful of is putting food and water bowls outdoors. It’s inviting ants to move closer to your home.
Fleas
Every summer your pets will alert you to a growing bug problem – fleas. By early summer if pets haven’t been treated they’ll probably start scratching and biting, usually after they come inside.
Head off an indoor infestation by treating pets for ticks and fleas. One of the easiest and cheapest ways to keep fleas in check is using Seresto collars, they provide protection for up to eight months. However, if fleas are already feasting on you and your non-furry family members, an indoor pest control treatment will be needed.
Ticks
Even if fleas aren’t visibly biting you and your pets, ticks could be. Like mosquitoes, ticks are particularly problematic because they spread disease. Tick bites increase during the summer simply because people and animals spend more time outside. Right now the U.S. is experiencing a surge in ticks. It’s the result of a combination of mild winters and an increase in rodent and deer populations – two animals that ticks feed on regularly.
Termites
Spring is the season for termite swarms, but summer is when they grow in number. The queen is busy laying up to 30,000 eggs a day. So if you see termites on your property you can expect to only see more as the summer goes on. Termite control is an absolute must if you’ve spotted this summer pest. Once they’ve found a food source (wood structures on your property) and established a colony it takes serious measures to remove them.
Grasshoppers
Farmers are completely aware of the presence of grasshoppers during the summer. In large numbers, this hungry pest can quickly devour an entire field in a matter of days. During dry, very hot summers we’re more likely to see grasshoppers doing damage in the south.
Even if you don’t have crops, grasshoppers can be a serious nuisance in the summer. Why? They’re one of the few insects that can chew through screens.
Flies
All it takes is one al fresco meal to realize that the flies are back for summer. But they won’t just bug you outdoors–houseflies have their name for a reason. Flies will invade your home during the summer to escape the heat. Since flies only reproduce during hot months the problem will only worsen if they get inside. Even more concerning, flies are one of the few insects that will stick around well into the fall.
Stinging Insects
After the spring mating season, the number of stinging insects will continue to grow throughout the summer. Hornets and yellow jackets are particularly problematic because they have to establish new nests every year. You’re most likely to find those nests tucked away under leaves or decking.
Not only are these stinging insects potentially dangerous for people with allergies, yellow jackets and bees can get into the walls of homes and wreak havoc. Rather than trying to handle the problem on your own, it’s best to get the help of experts if this occurs.
If you’ve spotted any these summer pests around your property give Habitat Pest Control a call. Our expert technicians complete a full inspection before creating a custom pest control treatment plan that will keep bugs in check all summer long!
