Summer brings backyard barbecues, pool parties and unfortunately, an army of unwanted visitors. As temperatures rise across Eastern North Carolina and Tidewater Virginia, so does pest activity. Let’s explore the most common summer pests and how to protect your home from these seasonal invaders.
The usual suspects.
Mosquitoes: The ultimate party crashers.
Nothing ruins an evening cookout faster than these blood-thirsty pests. Mosquitoes aren’t just annoying – they can transmit serious diseases like West Nile virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis. Standing water is their favorite breeding ground, so empty containers, birdbaths and kiddie pools regularly to reduce their population around your home.
Ants: The tiny home invaders.
When summer heat drives ants indoors searching for water and food, your kitchen becomes their oasis. Different species require different treatment approaches, from carpenter ants that damage wood to odorous house ants that leave trails for their colony to follow. Keeping counters clean and food sealed is your first line of defense.
Termites: The silent destroyers.
Summer’s humidity creates perfect conditions for termite swarms. These wood-destroying insects cause over $5 billion in property damage annually, and most homeowner insurance policies don’t cover it. Watch for discarded wings near windowsills, mud tubes on foundations and hollow-sounding wood – all warning signs of an infestation.
Ticks: The outdoor menace.
As you enjoy hiking trails and wooded areas, be aware of ticks lurking in tall grass and shrubs. These parasites can transmit Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Regular yard maintenance helps reduce tick habitats around your home.
Wasps and hornets: The painful visitors.
These stinging insects build nests under eaves, in trees and sometimes inside wall voids. Unlike honeybees, wasps and hornets can sting multiple times, making them particularly dangerous for those with allergies.
Prevention: Your summer pest strategy.
The best defense against summer pests is prevention:
- Seal cracks and gaps around doors, windows and foundations.
- Keep landscaping trimmed away from your home.
- Remove standing water from your property.
- Store food in airtight containers and clean up crumbs immediately.
- Schedule a professional pest inspection before problems begin.
Don’t let pests ruin your summer fun. When unwanted insects show up, so do we. Call or text us for a free pest inspection at 800-287-7911 or fill out a quick contact form. Our experienced technicians will create a customized pest control plan to keep your home protected all season long.