Summer Bugs
Summertime is upon us once again. The beautiful (though sometimes a bit too humid) climate here in Georgia allows us the opportunity to enjoy a variety of outdoor activities.
But we aren’t the only living things that enjoy the warm weather. A variety of pests thrive during the warm summer months and it is typical to see a significant uptick in pest activity during this time.
The fact is, pests can cause a major nuisance and take away from the fun of this time of year, and no homeowner wants to deal with a problematic infestation that leads to expense and frustration.
Fortunately, all hope is not lost. There is a great deal that homeowners can do to reduce their probability of dealing with a pest infestation. During our decades in the pest industry, we have seen many examples of infestations that could have been avoided if proper precautions had been taken, and so we wanted to provide some basic advice that we have learned.
So without further ado, here are our Top 5 Tips for staying Pest Free this summer!
- Keep Your Picnics Safe
Spilled or unsealed food is one of the most common causes for infestations of scavenger pests such as ants, wasps, and flies. These pests are often attracted to outdoor events such as barbecues and this can lead to them moving into the home. Any spills, stains, or even just food left out in the open can attract them. This also applies to pet food and garbage, both of which can provide an attractive food source to certain pest species.
In the case of nesting pests like ants, scavenging workers can relay information about food sources back to the rest of the nest. Once they have found a food source in or around your home, they can be difficult to deter.
By cleaning up any spills and keeping stored food sealed safely away, homeowners can greatly reduce the chances of dealing with an infestation.
- Reduce standing water sources
One of the most common summertime pests is the mosquito. Mosquitoes reproduce by laying eggs in sources of standing water. This is why it is common to see an uptick in mosquito activity after a period of rainfall.
If you are dealing with an unusual amount of mosquito activity, one of the best steps that you can take is to reduce available breeding locations for the mosquito. This can be accomplished in a variety of different ways, from filling in stumps or holes in the ground that collect water to treating larger bodies like ponds and lakes with mosquito prevention products.
Many mosquito treatment products require specialized training to use properly and often licensing to acquire. Due to this, a mosquito infestation is best left in the hands of a pest professional.
- Remove Debris and Pest Hiding Places
Many reclusive pests prefer to remain hidden during the day. Scorpions, spiders, snakes, and squirrels can all take advantage of debris to nest and remain out of sight. By reducing these shelter options, homeowners can make their property less desirable for these pests.
This is also important indoors as well. Pests such as bedbugs thrive in environments of clutter, and reducing this can allow them to be more easily eradicated.
- Check Your Pets for Fleas and Other Pests
Our pets enjoy the warm summer weather just as much as we do, but it is important to keep them safe from pests that they may encounter. Dogs and cats, especially those that spend time outdoors, have an increased risk of picking up fleas, ticks, and other parasitic pests during the summer.
These pests can cause pets discomfort and also represent an infestation risk if the pet carries the parasites inside. If you see your pets acting agitated or unusual, it is possibly a sign of these parasites, and it is advisable to take them to a vet and have them checked out.
- Schedule Pretreatments and Inspections
The fact is, no exhaustive list of factors that lead to infestation could be created. The conducive conditions that increase your likelihood of dealing with a pest invasion are not always easily identifiable. As such, it is a good idea to have regular inspections of your property performed by a licensed pest technician. This can allow problems and early warning signs of pest activity to be detected and dealt with BEFORE a major infestation occurs.
Further, many pests can be stopped entirely with an effective perimeter of preventative treatments. This is especially effective against wood destroying organisms such as termites. The infestations that these pests create are often more difficult to treat once established, and as such you will save yourself time, expense, and frustration by getting ahead of the problem.
Summertime pests can be a threat, but with a reliable pest control expert on call, you have nothing to worry about! At Canton Termite and Pest Control, we pride ourselves on providing hassle-free, quick, and easy pest control. We have decades of experience dealing with pests of all kinds! We employ industry-leading treatment techniques that are all backed by 100% Satisfaction Guarantee, so you can rely on us for pest control without any risk or stress!
So get ahead of pest threats this summer, call us today at 770-479-1598!
By: Tim
