Pests to Watch Out for This Summer

Pests are more numerous during the summer months, and if you are not careful they can really dampen the joy of summer for your family. To make your summer months as pest free as possible, let IPM Pest & Termite of Lexington, Kentucky show you a few of the pests you should watch out for this summer to ensure the safety and comfort of your family and home.

Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes are one of the most numerous and dangerous pests of the summer. Not only do these insects cause annoying, itchy bumps when they bite, bumps that can remain itchy for days or even weeks, but these bites can also transmit disease. West Nile Virus, Zika, malaria, encephalitis, and yellow fever are just a few of the viruses that these insects can transmit. Mosquitoes breed in areas with standing water, so the best way you can avoid a mosquito problem in your yard is to remove areas that trap water. In addition, always wear insect repellent when you are outdoors, especially at dawn and dusk, which is when mosquitoes are the most active and annoying.

Ticks

Ticks are a problem every summer, but this is especially the case this year. Because of the warmer than usual winters, ticks have been given a longer breeding period and their population has exploded. There are many different types of ticks, all of which have the potential to spread disease once they have latched on. Ticks are usually found in foliage, shrubbery, and shaded areas, so keeping our yard well maintained is the best way to prevent them. Wear insect repellent, inspect yourself and your children nightly for ticks after you have been outdoors, and wear long-sleeved shirts to help prevent tick bites.

Ants

As a species with a one-track mind, ants are always on the search for food. Because of this, ants will leave behind a pheromone trail for other ants to follow, which leads to major problems in a home if not caught early. To prevent ant infestations in your home, ensure that food and drinks are cleaned up immediately, seal the cracks and opening around doors and windows, and keep your gutters clean. Aside from being a nuisance in your home, ants like the fire ant will cause problems outside your home as well. Fire ants are very aggressive and active, and when threatened or trodden on will sting humans and pets multiple times to protect themselves. Insect treatments are the only way to rid yourself of these painful pests.

Bees & Wasps

Wasps and bees are dangerous pests to have because not only do their stings hurt, but over 5% of the population will have some allergic reaction to their venom. Unlike the above pests, bee and wasp infestations must be handled by a trained professional. There are many different species of wasps and bees, all of which will cause real harm to you if not handled properly. To prevent infestations of these painful pests, monitor around your home for the start of nests, empty your garbage cans frequently, and don’t leave food out in the open to attract them. In addition, if you find a hive of bees near your home, relocating the bees is the best option because the species, which is vital to plant pollination, is now endangered.

IPM Pest & Termite

Serving Lexington, Kentucky and all the surrounding areas, IPM Pest & Termite is here to keep your summer months pest free. Regular inspection and preventative treatments will decrease the risk of pests in the summer month. At IPM, we specialize in ridding your home of a wide range of pest problems. As a member of Angie’s List with an A+ BBB rating, we can guarantee that our services will meet all of your standards. If you are ready to tackle your home’s pest problem this summer, contact IPM Pest & Termite today!