For many people, summer is perhaps the most awaited season. After long months of freezing temperatures and rainy days, people are looking forward to outdoor fun and games, such as going to the beach, family vacations, and sporting events.
However, we are not the only ones that anticipate the hot season — pests do, too! During summer, you will probably notice the presence of pests around your property.
Make sure to protect your homes from potential pest infestation before the summer season starts.
Why Summer Is the Season for Pests
The summer season is the time of the year filled with pool parties, beach trips, and unfortunately, pest infestation! Like many of us, pests love the heat of summer, too.
That is why it is critical to be extra alert about all the summer bugs and insects attempting to invade your property — both in your home and garden.
- Temperature
The rising temperature in spring and summer has a significant impact on pest behaviour and development. Just like people, pests have their limits when exposed to extreme heat.
For instance, when exposed to unbearable heat, some pests will take shelter indoors. Temperature favourability causes pests to be more active until they reach the tipping point where they will try to access your air-conditioned home to find comfort.
- Moisture
Water is a necessity for survival. That is why we often find pests thriving in moist areas in our homes. Air moisture is also a contributory factor, making high humidity and summer rains a favourable condition.
Long periods of drought trigger pests to move indoors to find damp areas for shelter.
- Food Sources
During the summer season, grass and other vegetables are more abundant than ever, making them an all-you-can-eat buffet that attracts pests to your property.
Unmanaged gardens and unmowed grass can lead to an increase in the pest population. Pest infestation will become a persistent problem until the food sources are depleted and pests have moved on.
- Life Cycles
Since many pests are cold-blooded, they are highly affected by the summer temperature. Often, this leads to increased activity at specific stages in their life cycle during the summer season.
For instance, the population of ant colonies spikes up as they tend to reproduce more to ensure colony survival during the approaching colder seasons when they become dormant.
- Daylight
During summer, we enjoy longer daylight. Unfortunately, prolonged daytime hours also mean more for insects to feed on.
Most Common Summer Pests to Watch Out
When the weather starts to get warm, you will probably notice more pests and wildlife creeping from their hiding places in search of food and new shelter. Combined with their natural instinct to reproduce during summer, it won’t be long till you’ll be dealing with a pest infestation in your home.
While some bugs and insects are an important part of our ecosystem, they can be a nightmare to many homeowners, especially when they take shelter in such large numbers.
- Ticks
Ticks are often a big concern for many pet owners during the summer. Since many of us love to take our furry friends out for a walk, ticks can attach to your pet and make them their new home and food source. As small as they can be, tick bites can spread life-threatening diseases on you and your pets, especially if they go unnoticed for a long period.
- Centipedes
The harsh winter temperature forces centipedes to retreat underground for survival. However, when the weather starts to warm up, they will emerge from their nest and search for the next potential food source and shelter.
- Cockroaches
Cockroaches tend to breed more during the summer due to the warm weather. That is why we frequently see cockroaches over the summer, as they are more likely to be searching for a favourable thriving environment packed with food and water sources.
Unfortunately for us, there is no one season for cockroaches. You will still likely see them creeping around all year long, especially if you live in a warmer climate.
Also, the problem of cockroach infestation will not resolve on its own. If you suspect an infestation problem in your property, whether in summer or winter, be sure to contact a pest control professional ASAP!
- Bed Bugs
Bed bugs in summer are also a major concern for many homeowners. The heat and humidity can trigger an infestation problem, which means you will be dealing with these tiny blood-suckers throughout the summer season until early or mid-fall.
Unfortunately, bed bug problems are not a seasonal thing. Infestation problems can be all year round and are virtually impossible to eliminate on your own. It’s best to contact a trusted bed bug exterminator as soon as you suspect an infestation in your home.
- Rats
Rats will start to creep out from the winter shelter as early as spring. However, they are most likely to be more active during summer as the scent of built-up organic matter attracts them.
If you have unkempt landscapes, then you will probably expect a potential infestation of rats in the summer.
While rats breed throughout the year, summer is the rat mating season. They are more likely to find a good nesting place in your home and settle for longer periods of time.
If you notice more presence of rats in summer, call a rat control company in Toronto to address and get rid of them.
- Ants
We all deal with persistent ant infestation problems at some point in our lives. While these tiny crawling insects are virtually harmless, ants in summer can be a nuisance.
They can invade the cupboards and cabinets where you keep your food supplies. Also, the ant population can quickly escalate if proper precautions are not taken in a timely manner.
How to Protect Your Home from Pest Infestation in Summer
Summer should be a time for fun and enjoyment—not for dealing with pesky pest infestations. With many pests resurfacing during the warm weather, summer is perhaps the best season for pest control.
At Pro-Pest, we believe that no pest, big or small, should disrupt the integrity of your home. Our team of pest control professionals wants you to enjoy a well-deserved peace each time you are out enjoying the summer.
Call us today at 416-487-4179 for reliable pest control and animal removal services in Toronto.
