10 Reasons Why Pests are Most Active in Summer
Exploring Factors Behind Increased Activity
Summer’s here and that means pests are on the prowl.
But why is that? Are they just fleas, ticks, spiders, cockroaches, and mosquitoes relishing the sun’s warmth?
Well, according to EPM Pest Control Brisbane, it goes deeper than that. While temperature and humidity play a role in pest activity during the summer months.
So do other factors like availability of food, water, and daylight hours.
Let’s dive into all these various factors which contribute to our warm-weather woes.
Factors Contributing to Pest Activity in Summer
A. Increase in Temperature and Humidity
There’s no denying that summer is hot and humid. But did you know it’s this very same combination of temperature and humidity that can allow certain pests to thrive? Indeed, many species of insects find the warm temperatures and subsequent high-humidity levels to their liking. This means more of them in all shapes and sizes. Setting up a perfect environment for reproduction ultimately leads to higher pest populations. On top of all that, activities like gardening can attract other types of pests too. In fact, some may even ride in the soil from home gardens.
B. Access to food and water
Food and water are kind of essential to any pest’s life, and easy access in the summer months can make their population explode. For many species, when temperatures rise they start to look for food and water sources more desperately as the necessary resources may be hot or scarce. Additionally, summer activities create ample opportunities for pests to consume whatever lingering snacks remain on picnic blankets or hide within garbage cans. All of this means we must take extra precautions during these times to ensure higher populations don’t end up invading our homes looking for food and water.
C. More Reproduction
Summer is the prime time for insect reproduction. With easy access to food and longer daylight hours than night, insects quickly multiply and become nuisances in and around our homes. For instance, with mosquitoes, we know that they need water sources to breed in order to efficiently propagate their offspring. We also know that female mosquitoes are attracted to dark spots as their breeding ground which get heated up more readily during hot warmer temperature days meaning they have better access to resources. And if there’s one thing we don’t want, it’s hundreds of babies buzzing around our barbecues.
D. Longer Daylight Hours
Longer daylight hours encourage more outdoor activities. But the downside is, it also gives pests like ants, bees, and flies more time to look for food sources inside your home. While we may think that these insects are harmless, they can actually carry harmful germs and even increase allergens around our property or on our patio furniture. Therefore, it’s important to note that summer pest infestation can be especially problematic when there’s more time spent outdoors in general.
E. Increased outdoor activities
Hot weather is a time for increased outdoor activities, and pests are there to enjoy it too. Unsuspecting people may find themselves surprised by certain pest species they didn’t expect to encounter. As we know, many of us like to go out camping or hiking during the warmest months of the year. But this means some unwelcome visitors may join us on our journeys. Additionally, people who eat outdoors often forget that other tiny critters love food too like crickets and moths which can quickly become a problem if not controlled properly. So if you’re planning an outdoor activity such as barbecuing, you’d better be prepared ahead of time.
F. Increased Moisture
Like molecules driven together by the heat of summer shower, increased moisture and humidity can create the perfect environment for pests to thrive and increase their life cycle. Areas with dense foliage or places near water are particularly susceptible to pest activity as they have more moisture in the air which allows them to be active longer throughout the day. This additional moisture also helps certain species produce enzymes and other compounds necessary for their growth and reproduction cycles, meaning more pests within a short period of time.
G. Hitchhiking
If you think you’ll never find yourself with a stowaway in your car or luggage, think again. Extreme heat during summer is notorious for hitchhiking from place to place due to its favorable conditions and easy access to resources when travelling around. Insects like cockroaches can manage to sneak into small crevices such as suitcases when going abroad. So take precautions and check any luggage before taking off on your next adventure. Additionally, keep an eye out for ants or mosquitoes when packing up your trunk. They love things like empty sweet wrappers which are often found in cars during those warm-weather days we enjoy so much.
H. Pest biology and behavior
Many species of insects and pests have adapted to the warmer months in various ways over time. Because they rely on warm temperatures and humidity levels for survival, it’s not surprising that more activity is seen during these conditions. Their ability to reproduce rapidly makes it even easier for them to spread and cause a nuisance when there’s an abundance of resources readily available during summer. Researchers believe that this adaptation is rooted in their biology as they had no choice. But to evolve given the increasing global temperatures over time.
I. Immediate response to human activity
Yes, pests are more active in the summertime. Thus, they have an increase in body temperature. But how aware of humans are they? In a word, very. If you’re out and about during the warmer months, it’s likely that pests will be drawn to your body heat simply because it’s an easy snack. It turns out that many species can recognise not only our warmth. But also certain odors we emit as well. This means they’ll be more inclined to be around us when we’re barbecuing or hiking since their senses can hone right in on us and immediate food sources. Therefore, always remember to take extra steps to keep yourself free of these pesky invaders while venturing outdoors this summer.
J. Structural elements of our homes
Pests aren’t just drawn to us. They’re also drawn to the structural elements of our homes. Insects, in particular, are attracted to cracks and crevices which can provide them with refuge from the scorching summer heat. And if your windows or door frames have gaps around them, pests won’t be shy about searching every corner of your house for food sources. Make sure you inspect these spaces if you plan on staying home during this wonderful time of year since pests can thrive in even the tiniest corners of your home.
Common Types of Pests Active During Summer
A. Flies
While flies may seem like something of a nuisance all year round, they tend to be particularly active during the summer months. It’s not unheard of for certain species to consume more food in this time as well, making them even more of an annoyance if left unchecked. Additionally, when female flies lay their eggs in warm puddles and soil on humid days. That can make it much easier for those eggs to hatch and more pests will emerge. Don lawns or decks with fly netting if you’re concerned about keeping these critters away while enjoying the great outdoors.
B. Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are our energy-sapping enemy. These guys are sure to make an appearance during the hotter months of the year, and unfortunately, they can carry dangerous diseases as well. Mosquitoes need water sources in order to lay their eggs and grow food for their larvae. So if you find yourself in a situation with stagnant water laying around then consider foul play. In the worst-case scenario, these mosquitoes can carry deadly illnesses like Zika and Malaria. So it’s best to keep environments clean and free from any standing water to reduce your chances of being bitten.
C. Cockroaches
Cockroaches are one of the most tenacious of summer pests. They can linger in dark areas that have a lot of food and water sources which means they’re more likely to survive when temperatures start to rise. On top of that, these insidious creatures love humid environments and can even multiply when there’s less access to food – meaning high population numbers. To avoid issues with cockroaches this summer season, make sure your kitchen and other areas of your home stay clean and free from errant crumbs for long periods of time.
D. Wasps
Wasps are stinging insects and are a big problem during summer as well simply because they prefer to be active during hot and sunny days. Wasps love flowers and plants that emit an array of sweet scents, and if you keep some around, expect them to come buzzing your way. Plus, wasp stings can be incredibly painful. So it’s best to take precautions before entertaining outdoors this season. Lastly, certain species like Hornet wasps can quickly colonise and build humungous nests near water sources or food-rich areas which may cause even more problems for you in the long run.
E. Other Insects and Rodents
Summer isn’t just a time for flying critters as insects and rodents alike like to be out during the warmer months of the year. Insects like bees, ants, and termites can be found throughout our homes when they search for food while certain rodents like mice may look for moisture or refuge from the heat. As with any other pest, it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings and take steps to keep yourself safe if you plan on spending time outdoors.
Prevention and Control Strategies for Summer Pests
- Ensure access points are sealed properly. So no pests can slip through.
- Regularly dispose of garbage both indoors and outdoors in secure containers.
- Keep your lawn trimmed short and void of any debris or tall plants which could harbor mosquitoes.
- Always keep an eye out for wasps ’ nesting sites as these may cause problems if left unchecked.
- If all else fails then don’t hesitate to call professional pest control services for help.
Conclusion
As summer rolls in, so too do pests.
But now that we’re armed with the knowledge of why they become active during this time as well as tips and tricks to eradicate them, there’s really no excuse for allowing these little critters to take over.
From immediate response to human activity to structural elements of our homes, be mindful of pests this season by taking the necessary preventative measures both indoors and out.
And if all else fails you may always seek help from a professional pest control service who are experts at getting rid of troublesome insects quickly and safely.
