Ticks and mosquitoes are two of the most common types of pests you’ll encounter during your summer activities. Fleas tend to be more active in the summer months too. These pests can transmit serious illnesses in humans and pets. 

Bees and wasps are some other summer pests that you’ll want to avoid especially if you or a family member has allergic reactions to their stings.

Mosquitoes

Perhaps the most common pest in the summer is the mosquito. These bloodsuckers can thrive everywhere outdoors and are very resilient. Mosquitoes’ life cycle has four stages – egg, larva, pupa, and adult. They need water to breed since they spend their larval and pupal stages in water, but it doesn’t take much water to provide them an ideal habitat for their eggs and larvae to thrive. The smallest amounts of stagnant, standing water oftentimes found around the home are all it takes to provide a breeding ground.

Depending on the species, some mosquitoes hibernate during the winter and re-emerge when the weather begins to get warmer, while others hatch from previously laid eggs in the spring. The temperature plays a key factor in determining the actual start of the mosquito season. Generally, mosquito activity will begin when the temperature reaches the 50° F level. Mosquitoes obviously thrive in hot weather. So, as the temperature begins to rise, the mosquito volume will increase accordingly. The mosquito season reaches its peak during the hot summer months. In Virginia, mosquito season will likely begin in early April.  

Fleas and Ticks

Ticks tend to emerge during the summer months as there’s more activity and therefore more for them to feast on. There are several species of ticks and though they all are a nuisance and can cause a serious reaction at the bite location on your skin, certain species are more of a concern than others as they can transmit diseases. Early detection and removal are key to minimize risk. 

Fleas are a particularly pesky nuisance that will be common during the summer. They can be carried easily from animal to human and can breed at an extremely rapid pace. Often fleas can be carried into your yard by wild animals such as squirrels. When fleas are present outside, it’s very like they will travel indoors as well. They can hop onto your clothing and shoes and also can be carried inside on your pets. 

Bees and Wasps

Bees and wasps are a summer staple, often showing up at pool parties, barbecues, and other outdoor summer activities, especially during the late summer months. The occasional bee buzzing around may not seem like a serious threat but if a hive or nest is threatened, whether intentional or accidental, a swarm may be the result and can lead to excessive stings. They send more than half a million people to the emergency room every year. Young children, the elderly and especially those with allergies are most at risk.

Insects are an unavoidable part of summer, but that doesn’t mean you should avoid spending time outdoors. Use common sense prevention tips to help reduce your risk of encountering pests and If you discover that you have a growing mosquito, tick or stinging insect or other pest problem on your property don’t try to remove them alone. 

Spence’s Pest Control can help you tackle all of your pest problems. Our experienced technicians will help locate and exterminate all of your summer-time pests. Contact us today (804) 794-7738 to schedule an inspection.