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Summer Pests and How to Deal with Them

Sage, oregano, thyme, savory, mint, and oregano growing in small pots with labels
Summer is here, and so are the pests and insects. Learn more about what to expect and how to prevent them from bothering you and your family.

With nicer weather and longer days, being outside is the go-to thing in the summer. Whether you are going to the park, going camping, or swimming, our time spent outside increases. Because of this, you may be dealing with more bugs and pests than you desire. To ensure that you have the best summer possible, implement some of these ideas to prevent these pests from ruining your day. 

Pests You May Encounter 

If you have ever felt like you encountered more bugs in the summer than at any other time of the year, then you would be correct. Insects are cold-blooded, so when the heat picks up, they are able to regulate their temperature, making them more active in warmer weather. Expect larvae to grow faster, insects to be faster, and the mating season to begin. Some insects that you may come across that have these characteristics are: 

  • Mosquitos
  • Ants
  • Flies
  • Bees and Wasps
  • Cockroaches
  • Ticks 
  • Termites

No matter what bug or pest it is, an abundance of them can ruin your day. If you are dealing with an infestation of any bug or pest, make sure to call Pest Exit for professional pest control across Virginia.

How to Keep Them Away 

Unfortunately, there is no way to completely get rid of bugs when you are outside. But if you are trying to prevent them from entering your home or hanging out around you, there are different methods that you can try. 

Property Prevention 

If you are looking for a way to prevent bugs from nesting in your backyard, there are a few things you can plant or add to deter them from staying. Planting citronella grass, lavender, mint, basil, and more are all-natural deterrents to unwanted pests. These plants all have an oil in them that releases a strong scent that most insects do not like. If you are looking for a pretty way to repel insects, try out your green thumb by planting some herbs and flowers. 

A not-so-pretty way to prevent insects or bugs is by adding traps in and around your home. If you are looking to prevent wasps from creating a colony in your backyard, hang a brown paper bag that is in the shape of a ball as a pretend colony. Wasps are territorial and will not go near another hive. You can also try to add bee and wasp traps closer to the entry of your home to prevent them from entering. 

Adding bait traps in and around your home is also a great way to reduce colony size or infestation. If the issue continues and it seems like there is no end in sight, the colony or infestation may be bigger than anticipated, which will then need professional extermination.

If you have tried everything you can to prevent these pests, but nothing seems to work, make sure to seek professional help. A professional pest control company like Pest Exit can locate the source and devise long-term solutions to prevent them from coming back. 

Protect Yourself

If you are going to be outside, it can be annoying to deal with pests always swarming around you or your food. To prevent this from happening, try implementing this into your routine. 

  • Bug Spray: For a quick and easy solution, use bug spray. Spraying it on any exposed skin will prevent bugs from biting you and hanging around. 
  • Citronella Bracelets: Citronella is a natural bug repellent that is used in bug spray and bracelets. If you don’t want to be covered in bug spray, opting for a bracelet or necklace can be a quick and hassle-free solution. 
  • Mosquito Hats: If bug spray will not be enough, try using a mosquito hat or net for your outdoor space. This lightweight mesh is easy to wear and offers protection from being bitten. 

Pests and insects are hard to predict, meaning there is no one answer to keeping them away. If you are still dealing with them even after consistent home remedies, talk to a professional pest control company like Pest Exit. We can assist you in finding the root of the problem.