After a quiet winter, pests began to re-emerge in spring. Now, summer is here, and with it, summer pests. Pests seem to be everywhere, even in your house. Some pests become especially active as the temperatures rise. Read on to learn about some of the pests you’re likely to encounter more of this summer.
Mosquitoes
Summer is synonymous with mosquitoes, especially if you enjoy nature hikes or going camping. These bloodsucking creatures leave uncomfortable bite marks in their wake, and they also have the potential to spread diseases like Zika virus and malaria.
Mosquitoes love standing water, as it’s where they breed and lay their eggs. Keeping your yard free of standing water will go a long way toward keeping them away. To keep yourself and your family protected from their bites, use mosquito-repellent spray. Your ankles will thank you for it.
Ticks
Another notorious disease-spreading insect is the tick. While only a few species of ticks spread Lyme disease, the illness is bad enough that it’s best to avoid all ticks if possible. If you and your pets are going outdoors, check them for ticks before you re-enter your home, maybe even before you get in the car.
Keeping ticks away from your home is all about yard maintenance. Maintain your lawn, trim any brush, and dispose of leaf waste. If you’re out and about, staying on the beaten path and away from brush is the best way to avoid ticks. You can also wear protective clothing, like long pants, closed-toed shoes, and socks to avoid giving ticks spots to jump onto.
Ants
If you’re not seeing anthills everywhere, is it really summer? Some ants bite, some eat wood, and others enjoy the sugary snacks people love. These pests can be a nuisance, especially if you encounter them indoors. When you find ants in your food, you can consider that food trash. They’re also very difficult to get rid of because they move in colonies.
Ants make their way into homes through gaps in doors, windows, walls and the foundation. Maintaining the interior and exterior of your home can keep these pests at bay. Avoiding attracting them in the first place also helps. Keep food in tightly sealed containers, take the trash out regularly and clean up spills as soon as they happen.
Cockroaches
No one wants to come into contact with cockroaches, and for good reason. These large insects notoriously spread disease and reproduce quickly. A single pair of cockroaches can produce 400,000 young in a year when they have ample access to food and water.
Cockroaches have similar habits to ants, in terms of how and why they invade homes. However, they also have a strong preference for dark, moist habitats. Maintaining your plumbing and cleaning up spills can help you avoid attracting cockroaches.
Summer is in full swing, and pests are more active than ever. If you find yourself dealing with a summer pest infestation, the Omaha pest control experts at Pro-Staff can help. Call us at 515-279-7378 or contact us online for a free inspection.
