With the beautiful warmer weather that accompanies the turn of the season, also come invasive household pests. Just as mice are more commonly found in homes during winter, some pests are more common during the summer months- especially in hotter climates, like California.
There are clear steps you can take to protect your home from seasonal pests so that you can focus on enjoying your summer, and if all else fails, it is best to hire a professional pest control company like Norcal Wildlife Removal for help.
Many pests thrive in dry, hot environments and are active as soon as the weather begins to warm up. The following are common pests that you likely already have experienced.
- Ants
- Birds
- Bees and wasps
- Mosquitos
Just about everyone has experienced ants in their home. They search for crumbs of food and can sneak around under furniture and carpets unnoticed for a time. It is an unpleasant shock to find a swarm of ants battling under a dropped and forgotten morsel of food or empty snack package.
They are one of the most common pests year round, and can be difficult to deal with quickly once in the home. The best prevention method is to keep a clean and clutter-free home. The less access to food, the less attracted ants are to your living spaces.
Check the seals around your windows and doors as these are the easiest ways for ants to get inside. Before you find any ants, set traps under furniture and in cabinets where food is stored. Remember that ants are seldom alone, so it is important to keep wanderers from reporting back to their colonies.
Spring is the primary nesting season for our winged friends. During that time, they look for safe places to call home and raise their babies. Ideal places are small and sheltered, but easily accessible. Unfortunately, this can include your home’s air vents, which are easier to enter than to leave.
Then the heat of summer arrives and the birds may be trapped and die inside your air ducts. Dead animals inside the air conditioning ductwork become a much larger problem, causing an awful stench and attracting other pests.
To prevent this scenario from occurring, regularly inspect the perimeter of your home and replace the wire over air vents and other potential nesting places as needed. Place birdhouses in your yard as a safe alternative.
Birds carry disease, so call a pest control expert if you are unsure about your safety. These professionals not only remove live animals, but clean and sanitize the areas they inhabited. Visit pestcontrolbird.com to learn more.
Bee and wasp nests are frequently found on patios, porches, and sheds during summer. Dormant in the cold, they often make their homes near the areas they pollinate. If you have a garden, you may be more likely to find them milling about.
Not only do stinging insects inhabit your yard, but nests above doors are a safety hazard. Left unresolved, nests grow and can eventually damage the structural integrity of your home.
Spray repellents around your home to kill bees, wasps, and other insects. Some natural methods may be effective in deterring insects instead of killing them, like the use of citronella. Planting the herb or burning a citronella scented candle may curb insects before a large problem arises.
Should you notice an active nest, call a professional to come and assess the situation. Often, beekeepers may come and relocate a bee nest as an alternative to killing them. Attempting to remove or destroy an active nest yourself is dangerous and may not be as effective as hiring an experienced professional.
Like stinging insects, no one is too thrilled about mosquitoes on a sunny summer day. If you live in a humid area, or near a pond or river, you probably experience these pesky insects. Avoid leaving standing water around your home, like buckets, bird baths, and pools.
Citronella is also an effective repellent for mosquitoes. It can be placed in and around your home to protect you and your family. There are also stronger products containing DEET that are often more effective, especially if your area experiences high volumes of mosquitos.
Inspect window and door screens for gaps or holes. Repair or replace screens to keep mosquitoes out of your home.
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