12 Common Summer Bugs and How to Keep Them Away
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Summer brings warm weather, outdoor activities, and unfortunately, an increase in insect activity. While bugs play important roles in our ecosystem, they can also be a nuisance or even a health hazard. Here’s a guide to some common summer bugs and how to keep them at bay.
Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are perhaps the most notorious summer pests. These blood-sucking insects can transmit diseases and leave itchy bites. To deter them, use EPA-approved repellents containing DEET or picaridin. Eliminate standing water around your home where mosquitoes breed. Wear long sleeves and pants when outdoors, especially during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
Ticks
Ticks can carry diseases like Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. When outdoors, wear long clothing and tuck pants into socks. Use tick repellents and check yourself, children, and pets for ticks after being in wooded or grassy areas. Keep your lawn mowed and remove leaf litter to reduce tick habitats near your home.
Ants
Ants often invade homes in search of food during summer. Keep your kitchen clean and store food in airtight containers. Use natural deterrents like vinegar or cinnamon to disrupt ant trails. For persistent problems, consider using ant baits or calling a professional pest control service.
Flies
House flies can be a nuisance and carry diseases. Keep your home clean, especially the kitchen and areas where food is present. Use screens on windows and doors to prevent flies from entering. Outdoors, keep garbage cans covered and clean up after pets promptly to reduce fly breeding sites.
Bees And Wasps
While important pollinators, bees and wasps can deliver painful stings. Avoid wearing bright colors or floral patterns outdoors. Don’t leave sweet drinks or foods uncovered outside. If you have a nest near your home, it’s best to call a professional for removal rather than attempting it yourself.
Gnats
These tiny flying insects are attracted to moisture and decaying organic matter. Reduce moisture around your home by fixing leaks and improving drainage. Use yellow bug lights outdoors, as gnats are less attracted to this color. Citronella candles can also help repel gnats during outdoor gatherings.
Fleas
Fleas often hitch a ride on pets into our homes. Regularly treat your pets with vet-approved flea prevention products. Vacuum frequently, especially in areas where pets spend time. Wash pet bedding in hot water regularly. For severe infestations, you may need to use flea bombs or call a pest control professional.
Bed Bugs
While not strictly summer pests, bed bugs can become more active with increased travel. When staying in hotels, check the mattress and headboard for signs of bed bugs. At home, encase your mattress and box spring in protective covers. If you suspect bed bugs, call a professional immediately, as they are notoriously difficult to eliminate.
Chiggers
These tiny mites leave intensely itchy bites. When in grassy or wooded areas, use insect repellent and wear long clothing. After being outdoors, take a hot shower and wash your clothes in hot water. Keep your lawn mowed short to reduce chigger habitats near your home.
Earwigs
These nocturnal insects are attracted to damp areas. Reduce moisture around your home by fixing leaks and improving ventilation. Remove piles of leaves, wood, or other organic matter where earwigs might hide. Use diatomaceous earth around entry points to deter these pests.
Fruit Flies
Fruit flies are attracted to ripe or fermenting fruits and vegetables. Keep produce in the refrigerator or in sealed containers. Clean up spills and crumbs promptly. Set out traps made with apple cider vinegar to catch fruit flies. Regularly clean drains where they might breed.
Stink Bugs
These shield-shaped bugs release an unpleasant odor when disturbed. Seal cracks around windows, doors, and siding to prevent entry. Use yellow bug lights outdoors, as stink bugs are less attracted to this color. If they get inside, vacuum them up and dispose of the bag immediately to prevent odor.
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