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common summer pests

Ticks and mosquitoes are the most common harmful types of pests you’ll encounter during your summer activities. These pests both can transmit serious illnesses. 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. Though it is impossible to completely avoid all contact with harmful pests there are some basic precautions you can take to minimize contact.

MOSQUITOES AND THE DISEASES THEY CARRY

Perhaps the most common pest in the summer is the mosquito. These bloodsuckers are everywhere and very resilient. Yet there are some effective methods to decrease exposure while outdoors and it is advisable to seek professional treatment options for your exterior surroundings.

Mosquitoes’ lifecycle 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 amount of stagnant, standing water oftentimes found around the home is all it takes to provide a breeding ground. Planters, buckets, discarded tires, and other artificial containers are common trouble areas as well as untended pools, birdbaths, clogged rain gutters, and plastic wading pools. It’s advisable to keep these areas clear of excess rainwater and be aware of the diseases that can potentially be spread by mosquitoes.

TYPES OF TICKS AND DISEASES THEY CARRY/EFFECTIVE REMOVAL

There are several species of ticks and they all are a nuisance and can cause a serious reaction at the bite location on your skin. Because of the serious diseases ticks can transmit, certain species are more of a concern than others. According to the CDC, there are some specific methods for safe removal if a tick is found attached to you.

Be sure to wear appropriate clothing especially in wooded areas, and in tall grass or other areas where you may be exposed to ticks. Shower as soon as possible after you have been outdoors and check your body for ticks, especially areas on your scalp and under your arms, though ticks can attach to any area.

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 lead to excessive stings. Stinging insects 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.

When in areas, such as grassy fields, where you know there are active bees and wasps be sure to wear shoes. Seek immediate medical attention if stung, as reactions can be severe.

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. A professional pest control expert at Eagle Pest Control will be able to inspect your property and recommend an effective treatment and prevention plan. Contact us today at 888-616-8739.