Why Does Summer Have So Many Bugs?

Bugs in the Hampton Roads area can pester us all year, but during the summer, there is an uptick in activity. Why? Because summer gives bugs everything they need. The more you know about these needs, the more likely you are to keep bugs out of your home and yard!

What the cold does to bugs

Bugs are cold-blooded animals. They do not attempt to maintain a warm body temperature when it gets cold. They go into a state called diapause. In diapause, they slow down and may become immobile. They can stay in this immobile state for a long time. Unfortunately, it doesn't typically get cold enough long enough here in the Hampton 

Warm temperatures get bugs moving

Insects respond to warm temperatures. When it warms up, they get moving. Warm summer temperatures will cause wasps to build nests on your home, ants to create colonies in your yard and forage indoors, and carpenter bees to tunnel into your fence, among other pest problems.

Moisture affects bug activity

We all know that water is essential for life. All animals need water to survive, and some also need it to keep their skin hydrated. Many insects cannot survive in dry conditions. Millipedes, silverfish, termites, and many other pests die when they become dehydrated.

Summer rains can dampen lawns and landscaping. While your vegetation needs moisture, you can have trouble with bugs if moist conditions linger. Moisture will attract moisture pests to the soil near your home and the wood inside your home. You may start to have trouble with carpenter ants, wood-boring beetles, or termites. 

We offer many suggestions in our blog and helpful articles for managing moisture and guarding against pest problems. If your damp crawl space is attracting insects (and rodents), you may also consider visiting our moisture control page.

What bug activity does to other bugs

In the natural world, insects often prey on each other. When one type of pest becomes noticeable on your property, it can lead to a domino effect. For instance, if you have an ant infestation, it may attract spiders, as spiders feed on ants. Subsequently, the presence of spiders may attract wasps since they prey on spiders. By managing the conditions that attract pests, starting with moisture control, you can prevent the invitation for bugs and other pests.

Pest prevention tips for Hampton Roads residents

You can help deter pests with a little elbow grease. Sure, pest prevention takes time and effort, but it can make a difference. Here are a few of our most recommended pest prevention tips:

• Fix leaks and other plumbing problems, inside and outside.
•  Clear out gutters and make sure water downspouts divert water away from your foundation to reduce stagnant and accumulating water.
• Trim bushes and other plants to reduce humidity in your landscaping.
• Remove leaves, sticks, and organic clutter near your home.
• Store flowerpots, spare tires, and other belongings in containers or a storage shed instead of the yard.
• Paint or stain wood to deter wood-damaging pests.
• Keep trash in covered containers and away from the side of your house.
• Remove spider webs.
• Use expanding foam to fill in structural cavities and gaps around pipes.
• Replace weatherstripping.
• Keep the interior of your home clean so that pests don't find (or smell) a potential meal. Many bugs are attracted to decaying organic matter.

How Getem Services eliminates summer pests

When bugs get moving during the summer, you can reduce activity in your yard and keep them out of your home by signing up for home pest control. Available in Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, and throughout Hampton Roads, here’s what homeowners can expect when they get quarterly pest control from Getem Services:

• We’ll knock down spider webs around your exterior.
• We will locate and address any wasp nests that are forming.
• Our pest control specialist will perform an exterior pest treatment and address pest problems inside, if necessary.
• We’ll install and monitor bait stations, replenishing them as needed.

Our Getem Services team applies a multi-pronged treatment plan around your home all year long, especially during the summer months when bugs are more active. The treatments and maintenance we apply target pests already active on your property and prevent new pest problems from developing.

We also offer seasonal mosquito control to drastically reduce the mosquito population when these pests are most active! 

 Connect with us today to learn more or to start your service.