Be Aware of These Summer Pests

With Memorial Day Weekend behind us, most people consider the summer in full swing. For many of us that means outdoor entertaining and activities. While we should be wary of pests all year, this season brings with it some of the more dangerous pests that could potentially ruin your treasured outdoor time. Read on to find out more about the pests of summer that you should be aware of and how to prevent them from spoiling your summer fun.

Bees, Wasps & Stinging Insects

Stinging insects such as bees, hornets, wasps, and yellow jackets are sure to mess up your outdoor cooking or entertainment plans if they have taken up residence in your patio area or backyard.No one wants to experience a painful sting, but there are some groups that are at a higher risk to these pests. Stinging insects send more than half a million people to the emergency room every year. Young children, the elderly and especially those with allergies are most at risk.Avoid these summer pests by covering food near your grill or outdoor kitchen, cleaning up spills, removing and covering garbage, wearing shoes and long sleeves when possible, and avoiding swatting at stinging insects as they may see it as an aggressive stance.

Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes may seem more like a nuisance pest, but in reality, they are perhaps the most dangerous of summer pests.They have the ability to transmit numerous diseases including West Nile virus, malaria, yellow fever, dengue and eastern equine encephalitis (EEE).Avoid these summer pests by staying indoors during peak mosquito time such as dawn and dusk. You can also protect yourself by wearing long sleeves and using insect repellent with at least 20% DEET. You may want to clear your yard of standing water in potted plants or pet dishes as well.

Ticks

Ticks are always a problem during the summer months, but the last few years has brought an increase in these pests (especially in the northeast region). Ticks can transmit several pathogens including Lyme Disease.Prevention techniques for families should include: wearing bug spray with at least 20% DEET, wearing long sleeved pants and shirts when out on hiking trails or wooded areas, checking for ticks on your body after being out, and having a tick treatment for your yard.Does your yard attract bees, mosquitoes, or ticks? Are you finding that your outdoor time is marred with swatting and trying to stay away from these pests? Talk to our specialists who can recommend a treatment for your yard and home.