Summer is finally here. That can mean many things to many people. To students, it could mean a break in the monotony of daily studies. For seniors, it may mark the beginning of a life of possibilities. For builders and subcontractors, it has the potential to mean business opportunity. For a large variety of bugs, it means: “Time to make the babies!” But to make babies, some bugs need blood. Your blood. And that is not okay. If you would rather not have your blood used to increase the number of biting insects in the world, here are a few pests to watch out for, and some ways to keep them from making you their next meal.

Ticks: This parasite not only eats blood, it can spread disease. Here are a few things you need to know.

Ticks love an unmaintained lawn. If you have tall grass and weeds you will invite this pest to leave eggs in your yard. Tall grass also makes tick-carrying wildlife more interested in being in your yard. Your goal should be to give wild animals fewer reasons to pass close to your home. You can do this by sealing and securing trash cans, by putting up a fence, or by removing food sources, like bird feeders.

Fleas: If you own a pet, this parasitic pest can be quite a problem. But pet owners aren’t the only people who suffer with fleas. Here are a few things you need to know.

Fleas and mites are small enough to live on a field mouse. If your home has gaps, cracks or other entry points, you are inviting rodents to bring fleas into your home. Use a caulking gun to seal rotted areas and gaps around pipes and fixtures.

Mosquitoes: If you look beyond the itchy welts this insect leaves on your skin, you will see a vector for dangerous flu-like viruses, like West Nile and Dengue fever. Here is what you need to know about these frustrating little biters.

Protecting yourself and your family from mosquitoes starts in your own backyard. Pest control companies have treatments that will reduce mosquitoes, ticks, fleas and other insects that leave eggs in your yard. They will also find and remove the conditions that invite these insects to breed. If you plan on going out into nature, wear a long-sleeved shirt and long pants. Use DEET to ward off the less motivated biters. And always use netting to protect areas where you sleep and eat.

Bed Bugs: Though not specifically a summer pest, this blood eater is much more active during the summer months. It loves the summer heat and it loves to travel. Here are some ways you can keep it from making you a part of its travel itinerary.

Bed bugs are hitchhikers. When you travel anywhere, even a 5-star resort, always check for bed bugs. This insect will leave black residue on mattress seams and corners. It can be found in between sheets and covers or on upholstered furniture in a room. And, you can detect them by examining sheets and pillowcases for tiny brown blood stains. Before you head home, always check your suitcases and bags for uninvited guests.

In summer, all pest bugs become more active, but you don’t have to let them make a meal out of you. Keep a watchful eye and protect your home from summer pests with help from the pest control professionals at Active Pest Control.

Give us a call or submit a form online for more information!