10 top types of summer pests & how to keep them away

Summer is a time for outdoor activities, barbecues, and enjoying the warm weather, but it’s also the season when pests are most active. These uninvited guests can quickly turn a pleasant day into a frustrating battle against bites, stings, and infestations. Understanding the types of pests that thrive during the summer months and knowing how to keep them at bay is crucial for maintaining a comfortable and safe environment.

From the buzzing of mosquitoes to the stealthy crawl of ticks, each pest presents its own set of challenges. Some are merely nuisances, while others can pose serious health risks. This article will explore the top 10 types of summer pests and provide practical tips on how to prevent them from ruining your summer fun.

Mosquitoes are perhaps the most notorious summer pests, known for their itchy bites and ability to transmit diseases such as West Nile virus and Zika virus. These insects breed in standing water, so eliminating sources like clogged gutters, birdbaths, and flowerpots can significantly reduce their numbers. Using insect repellent containing DEET or picaridin on exposed skin and wearing long sleeves and pants during peak mosquito activity times, typically dawn and dusk, can also help keep them away.

Installing screens on windows and doors and using mosquito nets over beds can provide additional protection indoors. For outdoor areas, consider using citronella candles or torches, which can deter mosquitoes with their scent. Additionally, fans can be effective in keeping mosquitoes at bay, as these weak flyers struggle against the breeze.

Ants are a common sight during summer, often invading homes in search of food and water. To prevent ants from becoming a problem, it’s important to keep kitchens and dining areas clean and free of crumbs and spills. Sealing food in airtight containers and promptly cleaning up after meals can deter these persistent pests.

Outside, ants can be managed by removing potential nesting sites such as piles of wood or debris. Using ant baits and traps can be effective in reducing their numbers, as these products allow ants to carry poison back to their colonies. For a natural approach, try using diatomaceous earth or a mixture of vinegar and water as a deterrent.

Flies are not only annoying but can also spread diseases as they land on food and surfaces. Keeping doors and windows closed or screened can help prevent flies from entering your home. Regularly cleaning garbage bins and ensuring they are tightly sealed can also reduce fly attraction.

For outdoor areas, consider using fly traps or strips to capture these pests. Essential oils such as lavender, eucalyptus, and peppermint can act as natural repellents when used in diffusers or sprays. Additionally, maintaining a clean environment and promptly disposing of pet waste can minimize fly breeding sites.

Ticks are small arachnids that can transmit serious illnesses like Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. They thrive in tall grass and wooded areas, so keeping lawns mowed and removing leaf litter can reduce tick habitats. When spending time outdoors, wearing light-colored clothing and tucking pants into socks can make it easier to spot ticks.

Using tick repellents containing permethrin on clothing and DEET on skin can provide additional protection. After spending time in tick-prone areas, it’s important to conduct thorough tick checks on yourself, children, and pets. If a tick is found, removing it promptly with fine-tipped tweezers can help prevent disease transmission.

Wasps can be aggressive and deliver painful stings, making them unwelcome guests at summer gatherings. To prevent wasps from nesting near your home, regularly inspect and seal any cracks or crevices in walls and eaves. Removing food sources such as fallen fruit and sugary drinks can also deter wasps.

For outdoor events, keeping food covered and using wasp traps can help manage their presence. If a wasp nest is discovered, it’s best to contact a professional pest control service to safely remove it, as attempting to do so yourself can provoke the wasps.

Fleas are small, wingless insects that can cause discomfort for both pets and humans. These pests thrive in warm, humid environments and can quickly infest homes. Regularly grooming pets with a flea comb and using veterinarian-recommended flea treatments can help keep these pests at bay.

Vacuuming carpets, rugs, and furniture frequently can remove flea eggs and larvae from your home. Washing pet bedding and toys in hot water can also help eliminate fleas. For severe infestations, consider using flea sprays or foggers, but always follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.

While most spiders are harmless and even beneficial by controlling other insect populations, their webs and presence can be unsettling. To minimize spider activity, keep your home free of clutter where spiders can hide. Regularly dusting and vacuuming can also remove webs and egg sacs.

Sealing cracks and gaps in windows, doors, and foundations can prevent spiders from entering your home. Using natural deterrents like peppermint oil or vinegar sprays can also help keep spiders at bay. If you encounter venomous spiders such as black widows or brown recluses, it’s best to contact a pest control professional for safe removal.

Bed bugs are small, elusive insects that feed on human blood, often causing itchy bites. These pests can be difficult to eliminate once they infest a home. To prevent bed bugs, inspect secondhand furniture and hotel rooms for signs of infestation, such as small reddish-brown stains or shed skins.

Regularly washing and drying bedding on high heat can kill bed bugs and their eggs. Encasements for mattresses and box springs can also prevent bed bugs from taking up residence. If an infestation occurs, professional pest control services are often necessary to completely eradicate these pests.

Moths can be a nuisance when they invade closets and pantries, causing damage to clothing and food. To prevent moth infestations, store clothing in airtight containers or garment bags. Cedar blocks or lavender sachets can act as natural repellents in closets.

In the pantry, regularly check for signs of moths in grains and cereals, and store dry goods in airtight containers. Cleaning shelves and vacuuming regularly can help remove moth eggs and larvae. If moths are already present, pheromone traps can be effective in reducing their numbers.

Cockroaches are notorious for their resilience and ability to spread disease. These pests thrive in warm, humid environments and can quickly become a problem if not addressed. Keeping kitchens and bathrooms clean and free of food debris can help deter cockroaches.

Sealing cracks and crevices where cockroaches can enter and hiding can also be effective. Using bait stations and insect growth regulators can help control cockroach populations. For severe infestations, professional pest control services may be necessary to eliminate these persistent pests.

Stink bugs are aptly named for the unpleasant odor they release when disturbed. These pests often seek shelter indoors as temperatures rise. To prevent stink bugs from entering your home, seal cracks and gaps around windows, doors, and foundations.

Using screens on windows and doors can also help keep stink bugs out. If stink bugs do get inside, avoid crushing them to prevent their odor from spreading. Instead, gently capture them and release them outdoors. Vacuuming can also be an effective way to remove stink bugs without causing a stink.