What pests will be out and about this summer in Florida?
Summer brings longer days and warmer weather, but it also brings various pests that can invade your home or business. During this season, activities both indoors and outdoors increase, providing ample opportunities for pests to thrive. Being aware of the types of pests that are particularly active in the summer can help you prepare and implement effective, eco-friendly pest control measures. Here’s a look at some common summer pests and tips to prevent their unwanted visits.
Mosquitoes
Perhaps the most infamous of all summer pests, mosquitoes can make outdoor activities less enjoyable with their persistent buzzing and biting. More than just a nuisance, mosquitoes can transmit serious diseases such as West Nile Virus, Zika Virus, and others.
Prevention Tips
- Eliminate Standing Water: Mosquitoes breed in standing water, so ensure that all puddles, buckets, bird baths, and other containers are emptied regularly.
- Use Eco-Friendly Repellents: Citronella candles, essential oils like eucalyptus or lavender, and mosquito-repelling plants can help keep mosquitoes at bay in an environmentally friendly way.
Ants
Ants are extremely active in the summer, often entering homes in search of food and water. Common ant species like pavement ants and carpenter ants can be more than just pests; for instance, carpenter ants can cause structural damage as they tunnel through wood.
Prevention Tips
- Keep Kitchens Clean: Wipe down counters, store food in sealed containers, and manage crumbs and spills promptly.
- Seal Entry Points: Check for and seal off any cracks and crevices around your home’s foundation, windows, and doors where ants may enter.
Flies
Flies, including house flies and fruit flies, can multiply quickly during the summer. These pests are not only irritating but can also contaminate food surfaces and spread diseases.
Prevention Tips
- Manage Waste: Keep garbage cans clean and securely covered. Regularly dispose of trash to prevent flies from gathering.
- Use Screens: Install screens on windows and doors to prevent flies from entering, and repair any tears or gaps in existing screens.
Ticks
Ticks are more active in warm weather and can pose a significant health risk since they carry Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and other tick-borne illnesses.
Prevention Tips
- Maintain Your Yard: Keep grass cut short and eliminate brush and leaf piles where ticks can hide.
- Use Protective Clothing: When in tick-prone areas, wear long sleeves, long pants, and hats, and consider treating clothing with permethrin.
Rodents
While rodents are a problem year-round, the warmth of summer can increase their activity. Rats and mice can enter homes through very small openings in search of food and water.
Prevention Tips
- Seal Access Points: Close up any small holes or gaps along your home’s exterior that could allow rodents entry. Remember, a mouse can squeeze through a hole the size of a dime.
- Store Food and Trash Properly: Use rodent-proof containers for storing food and garbage to not attract these pests.
Stinging Insects
Bees, wasps, and hornets are more active in the summer and can be a threat to humans, especially those with allergies to stings.
Prevention Tips
- Monitor for Nests: Regularly check around your property for nests under eaves, near windows, and in trees. If you find a nest, consider contacting a professional to remove it safely.
- Avoid Sweet Scents: When outdoors, avoid wearing sweet-smelling perfumes, lotions, and hair products that can attract these insects.
CONTACT PROHEALTH PEST CONTROL FOR PEST CONTROL IN TAMPA BAY
Summer is a critical time for pest control, and knowing what types of pests are most active during these months can help you take preventative measures to protect your home and health. Implementing eco-friendly pest control methods not only helps in effectively managing these pests but also supports environmental health. Stay vigilant and proactive in your pest control efforts to enjoy a safer, pest-free summer.
