Summertime in Arkansas: Rising Temperatures, Barbeques…& Bugs
While the winters in Arkansas don’t get too bad and the springtime brings mild weather that encourages us all to spend a bit more time outdoors, the summertime brings rising temperatures and humidity. While the warmer weather surely makes us want to enjoy swimming, barbeques, and time spent in our yard with our friends, it also brings about an increased presence of bugs. It’s important to know what the common summer bugs and pests are so that you can take proper measures to prevent them from invading your property to escape the sweltering heat and humid weather. That’s why our experienced pest control technicians at Hopper Termite & Pest have put together a handy guide to assist you.
What Is It About Summer that Attracts Bugs?
Many insects tend to hibernate in the wintertime, especially scorpions. However, as temperatures start to rise, it draws these creatures out of hibernation and in search of food, shelter, and water. Additionally, as competition for food and other survival necessities is high, other insect-eating predators can potentially drive these bugs to seek safety within your home.
The Common Summer Insects & How to Prevent Them
Ants
It’s possible that ants only make you think of these insects crawling over a red and white picnic blanket in search of food. However, the reality is that they live in colonies and come out in the summertime in search of food to bring back. As the temperatures rise, these insects emerge and make their way into your home. If you have any sticky spills, leftover crumbs, unattended or covered pet food, or food left out in the open, it will attract ants. Therefore it’s important to ensure that all food is properly stored and cleaned up and there isn’t anything left out that will draw ants to it. Our expert pest control technicians can help you prevent an ant infestation by providing you with a barrier treatment in addition to the use of boric acid dust for the soil or any other hiding spots.
Flies
With the rising temperatures, there’s no better way to beat the heat than to relax with a nice cold glass of lemonade. Or maybe you got a nice, juicy watermelon that’s been cut and is in a serving bowl on your kitchen counter. Just like you, flies are attracted to sweet scents and tastes, which is why you most often see them buzzing around your sugary drinks and confections. The problem is that once these flying pests get inside your property, they can quickly multiply and what was once one or two can become a cumbersome infestation. To properly detract them from your property, ensure that there are no crumbs or spills, tightly seal your garbage so no scents can escape, keep your home as clean as possible, and properly seal and store food where flies are unable to access it.
Spiders
When it becomes so hot and humid you could cook an egg on the sidewalk, it’s best to seek shelter inside a nice air-conditioned room. However, we’re not the only ones who think this. Just like humans, spiders seek out dark and cool environments to escape the heat. Your garage, basement, and near your refrigerator are excellent places for spiders to take shelter. Additionally, if you’re dealing with another insect infestation, spiders prey upon other bugs and will enter your home in search of them to feast on. It’s best to keep your home clean and free of other insects to help prevent spiders from moving into your home.
Mosquitoes
Summertime and the humidity bring about the presence of mosquitoes. An enjoyable backyard gathering can quickly become a mosquito feasting zone if you’re not careful. The minute the temperatures begin to rise, mosquitoes emerge from hibernation in search of food. They typically are attracted to and congregate around standing water. Our Springdale, AR pest control specialists can discuss various treatment and prevention options to help keep these blood-sucking pests from using you as their meal source.
Scorpions
Much like the other insects discussed above, scorpions also emerge from hibernation in the summer in search of food, water, and shelter. This is why it’s important to ensure that your home is properly sealed, there aren’t any leaks or standing water, and you don’t have another pest problem that would attract scorpions.
At Hopper Termite & Pest, we can discuss treatment options to keep you and your property protected in the summer months. We are dedicated to protecting your home, health, and family, which is why we will always arrive on time and ready to develop a personalized approach to pest control. Let us give these bugs the boot. Call (870)425-4122 or contact us online.