As summer comes to a close and school is back in session, you may notice an increase in unwelcome guests. An influx of stinging insects, relentless mosquitoes, and a sudden trail of ants.
August and September are heavy months for pest activity. Understanding why this happens at this time of year and taking preventative steps now can keep your home pest-free heading into fall.
Why Is Activity High in Late Summer?
- Colonies Are at Maximum Size: Wasps, yellow jackets, and ants have been building their colonies all spring and summer. By August, nest populations are at their absolute peak, which causes colonies to become overcrowded and there is more competition for resources.
- Food and Water Sources Change: With higher summer temperatures, natural outdoor water dries up, forcing bugs toward man-made water sources. Bird baths, hose spigots, and indoor sinks become their watering holes. Natural food supplies are starting to decrease, driving pests to forage closer to human living spaces. This causes a battle of the fittest within the colony as they prepare for fall and winter.
The 4 Pests to Watch Out For Right Now
- Yellow Jackets and Wasps: Going into late summer, dietary needs shift from protein to carbohydrates and sugars. These cravings cause them to be more territorial, hungry, and aggressive. Especially near sugary drinks, fruits, and garbage cans.
- Peak Mosquito Populations: Summer rains along with increased temps are the ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes. Standing water can produce thousands of new mosquitoes in less than 2 weeks.
- Ant Trails Inside: When the soil temperatures spike and moisture evaporates, worker ants travel inside looking for water and food scraps. A few crumbs in the kitchen or a pet’s food bowl can attract hundreds of ants in a matter of hours.
- Mice Searching for Shelter: Rodents are typically associated with the cooler, winter months; however, they start looking for shelter as early as late August. As evenings begin to become cooler overnight, this prompts mice and rats to locate small gaps in building foundations and roofs.
Steps to Pest-Proof Your Home Before Fall
- Eliminate Standing Water: Tip over anything that holds rainwater at least 2 times a week.
- Trim Landscaping Near Your Home/Office: Keep tree branches and shrubs trimmed at least 24 inches from your home or office’s siding and roof.
- Seal Food Containers: Store items such as cereal, sugar, and grains in an airtight glass or plastic container. Avoid leaving pet food out overnight.
- Check for Obvious Gaps: Inspect window screens for any tears and ensure door sweeps form a tight seal when closing. Look for any gaps around the foundation vents, dryer vents, or plumbing lines.
Need Help Keeping Pests at Bay?
Contact our team today to schedule a comprehensive late-summer inspection and perimeter barrier treatment.