Common Summer Pests in the PNW

With summer comes warmer temperatures and longer days. Unfortunately, it also brings pests. At Antworks, we want you to have an enjoyable summer which is why we’re explaining the top summer pests you may encounter in the Pacific Northwest and what you can do to help prevent them.

5 Warm Weather Pests

Do you enjoy warm weather and sunshine? So do these 5 pests.

• Mosquitoes: mosquitoes aren’t just annoying, they are vector pests. This means they can spread disease-causing pathogens such as Zika and West Nile Virus. They breed in stagnant water and are mostly active at dusk and dawn.
• Wasps: wasps are beneficial to the ecosystem because they prey on insects, but they can pose problems to your family if they nest near your home, especially if you’re allergic to their venom. The most common wasp species are yellowjackets, paper wasps, bald-faced hornets, and mud daubers.
• Termites: termites are tiny, almost translucent, wood-destroying insects that are attracted to damp and rotting wood. They’re silent destroyers and can impact the structural integrity of your home. The common types of termites in our area are subterranean termites, dampwood termites, and drywood termites.
• Ants: ants are the number one nuisance pest in the country. Odorous house ants will contaminate your food, while fire ants will bite. Carpenter ants are wood destroying ants and can cause structural damage similar to termites. Most ants are attracted to moisture and crumbs.

4 Pest Control Tips for Summer Pests

The best way to control pests is with prevention! Here are some summer pest control tips you can try to help combat those annoying invaders.

1. 1. Maintain Cleanliness
      From food to water, homes supply what many pests need to survive. Sweep up crumbs, vacuum carpets, clean spills, wipe down surfaces, and empty the trash regularly to help keep pests away. Another great tip is to store your food in airtight containers.
   2. Maintain Your Yard
      Unruly bushes and overgrown grass are not only unsightly, but they also provide harborage for pests. Mow your grass regularly and trim back bushes so they aren’t touching your house.
   3. Seal Openings
      Walk around the perimeter of your home, looking for small cracks and crevices pests may use to get inside. Then seal those with a silicone-based caulk. Don’t forget the areas where utility lines enter. Also, replace damaged window screens and install door stops to your front and back doors.
   4. Eliminate Standing Water
      Mosquitoes need water to lay eggs. They only need about a bottle capful of water to breed. So as you walk your home, be sure to dump kiddie pools, birdbaths, old tires, and anything else that is holding water to help prevent mosquitoes and other pests.

   Experts in Summer Pest Control

   Hopefully these pest control tips help, but if you still find yourself dealing with unwelcome visitors, contact a pest control professional like Antworks. We’ve been protecting homeowners and businesses in the Portland OR and Vancouver WA area against pests since 2005. Our pest control process is thorough and effective.