Seasonal Pest Issues (Summer)

 

An Educational Journal compliments of Canada's Pest Control Professionals

Pests around your home in Summer

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Summer is a wonderful time to get out and enjoy the Great Outdoors. The door will be open and clsoed many times and windows too, so to avoid uninvited guests at your home be sure to keep your screen doors closed and windows properly sealed. The following pest information may apply to your own home and property.

Photo Pest Preventative Action  
spider Spiders - About 12 different species of spider are commonly found in homes and are generally beneficial, as they feed on insect pests that may be present in your home. However, their appearance, web building and activity result in a requirement to control spider in and around the home. Spiders are often brought indoors on firewood, laundry and flowers and will be found around windows or around outdoor lighting. Sweep the basement and crawl space inside the home; remove woodpiles, high grass and litter around the home.
Seasonl Tips

Keep windows closed to exclude mosquitoes, flies etc.

Keep grass cut short to prevent mosquito and other insect activity.

Trim trees and shrubs so they do not touch or overhang houses,
buildings etc. - this allows ants
and other pests access to the
building.

Consider using gravel for planted
beds instead of mulch - mulch
retains moisture that helps
support and promote insect
activity.

Spiders follow insects they prey upon for food and most flying insects come to white lights, but do not perceive yellow wavelengths of light. Use of yellow lights will reduce the insect load upon which spiders prey.

flea Fleas - Common home invading species include the Dog flea & Cat flea. They feed on blood and are attracted to their host's exhaled carbon dioxide & body heat. Multiple bites can pose a health hazard as they are able to transmit diseases, and can cause allergic reactions & secondary infections. Adults can live for several months without a blood meal so infestations may last for weeks or months after pets are removed from the home. Dispose of pet bedding; vacuum all rugs, carpet & upholstered furniture & discard vacuum bag immediately; Use a quality flea shampoo on your pet.
earwig Earwigs - These long, reddish brown insects are one of the most common pests around dark, moist areas of homes. Outdoors, they may pose a threat to plants, feeding on the roots of flowers, vegetables and shrubs. In their search for food & shelter, earwigs readily enter houses, becoming a nuisance, but are not hazardous to humans. Their forceps will only inflict a minor pinch. Eliminate debris around your property, such as grass cuttings, mulch patches and woodpiles.
fly Flies - The most common flies associated with homes are the House Fly, the Fruit Fly and the Cluster Fly. They can readily enter buildings and pose a significant pest problem. Fruit flies and Houseflies breed in wet organic decaying material and can proliferate indoors. Cluster flies are not waste feeders, but are parasites of earthworms and enter structures to over-winter in the fall. Install or repair screens; improve drainage; remove garbage daily; keep trash cans clean and tightly covered; repair cracks around siding; windows & doors.
ants Ants - Common non-wood infesting ant species include the Pharaoh Ant, Pavement Ant, Citronella Ant and Thief Ant. Ants live in colonies which are usually located outdoors, but may enter buildings for shelter and/or food. Ants feed on practically every kind of food but those entering homes are often looking for sweets and proteins. Remove food sources; seal cracks and crevices; locate and eliminate nests; correct drainage in house plants; seal cracks in pavement.
lady bug Sow Bugs and Pill Bugs - These small land crustaceans are primarily nocturnal and live in areas of high moisture. They generally eat decaying leaf litter and vegetable matter. They may also feed on the tips of young plants, so can be considered pests, however they also help the environment by breaking up decaying plant matter and help speed up the recycling of the nutrients they contain. Reduce indoor humidity levels; Remove excess debris around exterior
perimeter of the home; Seal cracks and crevices in structure foundation.