Summer is prime time for backyard barbecues, beach days—and unfortunately, pest problems. As temperatures rise, many pests come out of hibernation and go into overdrive, searching for food, water, and shelter. If you’re not prepared, your home can become their summer vacation spot.
Here’s your summer pest control guide—what to watch out for, how to prevent infestations, and what to do if pests try to crash your summer.
1. Ants on the March
Ants are one of the most common summer pests. Warm weather speeds up their metabolism, making them more active and hungry. You’ll often find them invading kitchens, trash bins, or any area with sugary spills or crumbs.
What to Watch For:
- Lines of ants leading to food or water sources
- Ant mounds in your yard, especially near foundations
- Sawdust or tiny holes near baseboards (a sign of carpenter ants)
How to Prevent It:
- Wipe down counters and sweep regularly
- Store food in airtight containers
- Seal cracks and crevices around windows and doors
- Trim trees and bushes away from your home’s exterior
2. Mosquito Madness
Nothing ruins a summer evening faster than mosquito bites. Besides being annoying, mosquitoes can carry diseases like West Nile Virus and Zika. Warm, humid weather and standing water provide the perfect breeding conditions for these pests.
What to Watch For:
- Increased mosquito activity at dawn and dusk
- Standing water in flowerpots, birdbaths, gutters, or kids’ toys
- Buzzing or bites when you’re relaxing outside
How to Prevent It:
- Empty and refresh outdoor water containers weekly
- Use mosquito repellents and citronella candles
- Install or repair window and door screens
- Consider professional mosquito treatments for your yard
3. Flies in Full Force
Flies breed rapidly during the summer and are attracted to heat, garbage, and food—making your home a prime target. They’re more than just a nuisance; flies can carry bacteria and contaminate food.
What to Watch For:
- Flies buzzing around trash cans or fruit bowls
- Larvae (maggots) in or near trash
- Increased activity in kitchens or near pet food
How to Prevent It:
- Take out garbage frequently and use sealed trash cans
- Clean up food spills immediately
- Don’t leave pet food out for long periods
- Use fly screens and keep doors closed as much as possible
4. Stinging Insects: Bees, Wasps, and Hornets
While bees are crucial for pollination, stinging insects like wasps and hornets can be aggressive—especially in late summer when their colonies are larger and food is scarce.
What to Watch For:
- Visible nests under eaves, in trees, or near porches
- Increased activity near sugary drinks or trash
- Buzzing noises near outdoor seating or sheds
How to Prevent It:
- Keep food and drinks covered when outdoors
- Regularly inspect for and safely remove small nests early in the season
- Avoid wearing strong perfumes or bright colors that attract stingers
- If nests are large or wasps seem aggressive, call a professional—don’t attempt to remove nests yourself
5. Termites on the Move
While termite swarms often occur in spring, they’re still highly active in the summer, silently causing damage beneath the surface. Warm weather accelerates their feeding and nesting.
What to Watch For:
- Hollow-sounding wood or blistering paint
- Discarded wings near windows or doors
- Mud tubes along foundations or crawl spaces
How to Prevent It:
- Eliminate wood-to-soil contact around your home
- Fix leaks and reduce moisture buildup around foundations
- Keep firewood stored well away from your house
- Schedule annual termite inspections to catch problems early
Bonus Tip: Keep Your Yard Tidy
A messy yard is an open invitation for pests. Tall grass, overgrown shrubs, and clutter can create the perfect shelter and breeding ground for insects and rodents.
Summer Yard Checklist:
- Mow the lawn regularly
- Trim bushes and remove yard debris
- Keep firewood stacked off the ground and away from the home
- Clean out gutters to prevent water buildup
When to Call the Pros
Even with the best prevention, summer pests can be persistent. If you’re seeing signs of an infestation—or just want peace of mind—a professional inspection can help identify hidden problems and provide targeted treatments to keep your home pest-free all season long.
At Main Sail Pest Control , we offer custom summer pest control solutions to suit your home, your yard, and your schedule. From one-time treatments to ongoing protection, we’re here to help you enjoy a bite-free summer.