The Biting & Stinging Insects Of Summer

In today's blog post, we'll explore the most common biting and stinging pests  Hampton Roads residents are likely to encounter this summer.  We'll  also take a brief look at their behaviors, the risks they present, and how to protect yourself and loved ones from their unwelcome attention. Whether you're an avid gardener, a hiking enthusiast, or simply enjoy relaxing in your backyard, being informed about these insects is the first step to enjoying a more comfortable summer.

Fire ants

Most ants are annoying. They get inside and crawl on kitchen counters and pantry shelves. While fire ants can do this, it is not as common. They prefer to live in warm, sunny areas of your lawn, not shaded areas next to your home. Unfortunately, these pests cause trouble in your yard. Not only do they build unsightly mounds, but if you get too close,  they will bite and sting you. 

Here are a few fire ant prevention tips:

• Keep trash receptacles clean and covered. Fire ants eat protein sources in garbage.
• Address moisture problems, such as damaged sprinklers and standing water, as water can attract fire ants.
• Perform regular lawn maintenance.

It is important to keep fire ants away because they are aggressive and the painful, itchy welts they leave behind can turn into blisters. Moreover, fire ant venom can be life-threatening for some individuals. 

Mosquitoes

Summer is a hotbed for mosquito activity. Warm conditions increase mosquito reproduction. By addressing conditions that allow mosquitoes to reproduce on your property, you may deter mosquito activity and reduce bites.

• Trim vegetation to lower humidity and deter mosquitoes from resting there.
• Clean gutters to reduce perimeter saturation, which can lead to puddles that offer female mosquitoes places to lay eggs.
• Remove any objects that capture water and thus provide sites for mosquitoes to lay eggs.

It is important to prevent mosquito bites because these insects are able to spread many diseases such as West Nile virus.

Fleas

When animals come into your yard during the summer months, they can drop flea eggs. These eggs hatch, fleas develop, and the fleas hide in waiting for your pets to pass by. Here are a few tips to prevent your pets from bringing fleas indoors.

• Consult your veterinarian about flea control products for your pets.
• Trim vegetation and clear gutters to reduce the moisture fleas need for development.
• Use expanding foam to seal gaps in your exterior to prevent rats or mice from bringing fleas indoors.

Fleas are mostly nuisance pests, but their bites are irritating and they can transmit diseases such as typhus. They can also introduce tapeworm and other parasites into people and pets if swallowed. 

Wasps

Common social wasps in our Hampton Roads service area are yellow jackets, paper wasps, and bald-faced hornets. Depending on the species, you may find ground or aerial nests on your property. You may even find these pests nesting in a wall void or the attic if they found a way in. 

Here are few ways you can make your property less hospitable to wasps:

• Seal cracks, gaps, and other openings on the exterior of your home. 
• Keep trash cans covered. 
• Mow your lawn regularly and plug any holes made by rodents or animals. 
• Keep food and drinks, especially sweet ones, covered when eating outdoors. 
• Limit the number of flowers close to your home. 

A wasp can cause a burning sting. In most cases, localized pain is the result, but some individuals are allergic and far more serious symptoms are possible.

Bed Bugs

Although bed bugs are active all year long, infestations tend to spike during the summer months because warmer conditions promote faster growth and reproduction. It’s also the time of year when more people travel. You see, bed bugs travel from one location to another on people and belongings and hotels, airports, and other places where people congregate in large numbers are prime areas to encounter bed bugs and unknowingly bring them home with you. 

Here are some tips to keep bed bugs out of your home.

• Always perform a quick bed bug inspection when spending the night away from home, no matter where you stay.
• Store your laundry in a sealed bag to keep bed bugs out.
• When you return home, wash and dry all of your clothes on the hottest temperature the fabric will allow. 

Bites from bed bugs are annoying, but these insects are not known to spread diseases to humans. Bed bug infestations can cause significant stress. 

Professional pest control you can trust

When you need a pest control treatment, your Getem Services team is available to assist you. We provide year-round home pest control solutions that eliminate and prevent pest activity, including ants, mice, and cockroaches.

Our highly trained pest control specialists also provide target treatments, such as:

• Fire ant control
• Mosquito control
• Bed bug treatments

For relief from biting and stinging pests in Norfolk, Virginia Beach, or elsewhere in Hampton Roads, contact Getem Services!