Everything you Need to Know About Summertime Pests

Biting and stinging pests are inevitable during the warmer months. Some bites and stings are just sore and itchy, but others can have more severe repercussions for our families, friends, and pets.

What pests bite?
Biting pests include bed bugs, ticks, mosquitoes, lice, fleas, biting flies, conenose bugs, and chiggers. They suck the blood out of our bodies and may transmit diseases to our bloodstream. Some of the diseases known to be carried by such pests include West Nile, Lyme disease, Malaria, and Zika. Some chemicals present in these organisms’ saliva cause swelling and itching and may ruin your summer.

What pests sting?
Stinging pests see us as a threat to them and their colonies, which prompts them to attack us in defense. They include bees, wasps, and ants. Their stings inflict a lot of pain and can be fatal, especially when an attack is by a mass. Being stung more than 200 times can be very dangerous and requires immediate treatment. A large portion of the human population is allergic to these stings, hence the need to watch out for these pests during summer. Other pests to be cautious of are spiders, scorpions, and centipedes.

How to prevent bites and stings from pests
Don’t allow bugs and insects to ruin your summer; follow these tips:

• Use plants that keep off pests - Some plants prevent mosquitoes from hanging around our homes and can include rosemary, peppermint, sage, basil, lavender, lemongrass, citronella, and catnip.
• Trim bushes and trees around your house - High summer temperatures and rain makes it easy for growth of foliage. The plants grow towards your house, and pests use them to access your indoors. Trimming the foliage will reduce the chance of the pests getting into your home.
• Avoid bright light - Insects are attracted to white light, so using yellow lighting will keep them away.
• Keep your compound clean - Ants and rodents are attracted to your home due to the presence of food debris. Bag and dispose of all your food debris, keep your pet dishes inside, and keep the trash away from your house to maintain a pest-free compound.
• Keep your compound dry - Water serves as both a breeding ground for most pests and a drinking fountain. Dehumidify moist areas to keep pests out.

If you're looking for professional pest control solutions, visit Bayou Cajun Termite & Pest Control today.