What Causes Increased Pest Activity in the Summer?

Exploring the Surge in Pest Activity

We all have those days when it feels like we just can’t escape the pesky pests.

Whether indoors or outdoors, these summer visitors seem to make their presence known.

But why do these pests seem so much more active during the summer season?

Professional pest control companies can help identify problem areas vulnerable to pest infestations.

Why are pests more active during the summer and what measures can you take?

With a little understanding of the environmental conditions and pest biology that lead to increased pest.

Increase in Temperature and Humidity

Ah yes, Those warm weather. We all know how nice it can be to relax outside during a hot day. But have you ever stopped to think why this time of year seems particularly teeming with pests like mosquitoes, cockroaches and flies? The answer lies in the increased heat and humidity of the summer season. It can create an ideal environment for many types of common household pests. As it gets hotter and humidity levels reach their peak, these conditions become a party for many pests.

Access to food and water

The  heat and humidity might be an ideal environment for many types of common house pests, but to really make it a party you need food and lots of it. Warmer months are flush with natural abundance of food. Stinging Insects buzzing around outside, ripe fruit trees blooming in suburban yards, overflowing garbage bins at the curb on garbage day. These all make for prime feeding grounds for most pests as they look to build up their energy stores to carry out mating rituals in hopes of maximising population growth. Along with these natural availability of food come our own human-made problems like overwatered plants sitting unused in backyards or pet dishes filled to the brim with drinking water.

More Reproduction

Summertime is party time. At least for pests like mosquitoes and flies, it seems that way, especially when summer season brings with it more opportunities to reproduce than in other months of the year. First, males and females will emerge from dormancy as it warm up and go looking for mates. It all depends on what species we are dealing with. Moreover, as evenings become brighter thanks to extended daylight hours, many insect populations will look for high spots outdoors while avoiding wet or cold areas and experience more rainfall.

Increased outdoor activities

We all know how much fun it can be to take advantage of those hot summer days. But what we often don’t realise is that our outdoor adventures might provide common pests with longer life cycle with an opportunity to come along. As certain species will ‘hitch-hike’ on items brought from home in search of new environments. Furthermore, prolonged physical activity helps keep us warm which in turn attracts bugs. To ensure your summertime memories stay pest free consider packing bug repellents, and storage bags for belongings. So you can enjoy the great outdoors again next summer without fear of any unwelcome visitors.

Increased Moisture

Moisture is one of the most important factors when discussing pest presence in the summer months as compared to average temperature. It has a significant impact on both bodies of water and the ground. As it gets hotter in many regions of the country. So do moisture levels, leaving behind standing pools of water waiting to become home to thousands of small species such. If not properly managed by draining or eliminating these pockets, you can expect a host of common summer pests around. It makes it this an essential part of any pest control plan during peak summer days.

Hitchhiking

Never underestimate the power of hitchhiking. Without proper knowledge, packing up a bag for a summer road trip can turn into an invitation for neighboring pests. Many insects can hide in boxes brought home from vacations. Others look at our cars or campsites like an all-you-can-ride buffet as they feast on any left-out food residue. To prevent these hitchhikers from becoming permanent residents, use preventative measures.

Pest biology and behavior

What we know about why pests are more active during hot temperature goes beyond heat and humidity. It looks at how these warm and wet environments fit into individual pest biology and behavior. Lastly, the behaviors of certain pests will have them looking for cooler spots from the midday heat. So if a homeowner or business doesn’t implement preventative strategies then those bugs might end up inside your living space.

Use of air conditioning systems

During hot and humid days, many people turn to their ACs to help stave off the heat only. It allows cool air to pass through open windows and doors into our living spaces. As a result, they simply come in one night looking for food and never bother leaving. To avoid having pest intruders walking through your front door make sure there are no cracks or holes left unchecked.

Population intrusions

This means that in some cases a species will overrun another species’ territory. This leads to an escalated use of natural resources as well as heightened competition for sources of food and water sources. As such, this makes it difficult for homeowners or businesses to prevent these types of occurrences. Many times they already have an existing pest problem. Especially in locations near woodlands or other green spaces. If you do find yourself dealing with an infestation, make sure to call professional pest control services immediately.

Prevention and Control Strategies for Summer Pests

Removal of Entry Points into Home or Business

If there were never any entry points for pests to enter your property then guess what? You would never have the need to worry about pest. One of the most effective methods of reducing pest populations is to simply identify and remove access points. Take a look at potential holes in gutter systems, siding, doorways or open garbage cans, or landscaping features. This might be allowing additional insects into your property. You can also use screens or caulk around windowsills, doors, and other conventional entryways as an added measure. But remember to regularly inspect these areas too since critters will always look for new ways into your safe space.

Sanitation to Keep Areas Clean and Free from Potential Food Sources for Pests

Good sanitation practices are essential in keeping away any unwanted visitors during the summer months and beyond. Therefore, it is important for homeowners to regularly clean up their outdoor space. Also, monitor it closely if there is any expectation of leaving food out over a period of time. That way you can reduce the chances of unwanted insects gate-crashing your summer party.

Proper Storage of Garbage and Leftover Food

Finally, the proper storage of garbage or leftover food should always be a priority for homes and businesses. It means leaving out an open bowl filled with leftovers will make for a great party spot for pests. So remember to stay vigilant about your storage habits. Especially, when it comes to food and garbage and you’ll minimise potential pest activity this summer.

Conclusion

Summertime is here.

And with it comes memorable days spent in the sun accompanied by warmer temperatures and increased humidity.

This attracts all types of pests from mosquitos to ants.

But with a little understanding of the environmental conditions and pest biology, this summer we can finally return back to our favorite outdoor activities bug-free.

So let’s enjoy those warm summer nights.

Knowing we are one step closer to taking back control of our gardens and living spaces.