Not only is the mosquito the most well-known summertime pest, but it's also perhaps the most aggravating. Disturbing perfect summer evenings outdoors roasting s'mores by the bonfire and always biting when you least expect, mosquitos are easily the worst pests in the summer. The good news is that there are ways to help prevent mosquitos.
The Culex Mosquito
In North America alone there are more than 170 different mosquito species, reported the National Pest Management Association. The most common kind of summer pest is the culex mosquito, known to breed in soft soil or stagnant water. Narrow and oval with six legs and antennae, the culex mosquito is predominately gray in color with white, silver, green or iridescent blue scales, though these are often hard to see due to its small size. Interestingly, only female mosquito feed on human blood. Males, on the other hand, feed on the nectar from plants.
Health threats
The United States Environmental Protection Agency stated that though most mosquito bites are quite harmless, some may be responsible for transmitting serious diseases. Most bites are itchy and bothersome, though not dangerous. However, if a mosquito carrying malaria, dengue fever or a form of encephalitis such as West Nile virus bites you, you are at risk for developing the disease as well. This is largely area- and region-dependent, but caution is still advised.
The most recent risk in relation to this pest is the Zika virus, spread through the bite of an Aedes species mosquito infected with the disease, reported the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It was named a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on February 1, 2016 by the World Health Organization.
Mosquito prevention
The National Pesticide Information Center advised keeping containers outside that are known to collect water - such as cans and trash bins, flower pots, gutters and birdbaths - void of water in the summertime. Frequently checking to ensure that these spaces are dry, especially after it rains, is key for disrupting the breeding of mosquitos and thus, reducing the number of them near your home. Swimming pools and hot tubs especially should be kept covered. It's also important to ensure that all windows and screens are in good condition and do not have any tears, rips or holes.
When it comes to personal protection, long-sleeved shirts and long pants are advised while outdoors, especially when mosquitos are most active - in the evening and early morning, according to the source. Applying a mosquito repellent whenever you spend time outdoors is also important for prevention.
You probably already know that most people are repulsed by the simple sight of cockroaches. If you are personally dealing with a cockroach infestation, the feelings of disgust are probably even more intense. Unfortunately, the cold winter weather tends to be one of the reasons this pest ends up in your home in the first place, according to Any Pest. While you may know that you don't want to share your home with cockroaches this winter, there are a number of interesting facts about this pest that you've probably never heard.
Because of the high amount of traffic and the versatility of the facilities, pests are naturally attracted to long-term care institutions. Many nursing homes, rehabilitation centers and other care facilities include on-site kitchens and cafeterias as well as private rooms and common spaces. All of these places are susceptible to attracting pests because of the presence of food, water and viable habitats.
During the summer months, some people love to go camping with family and friends. Yet this fun trip can be ruined with a few unwanted visitors, most notably different types of bugs. Crawling spiders, hungry mosquitoes and buzzing flies can become annoying quickly. How can you avoid these pests when you're outdoors? Consider these tips to keep bugs out of your campsite.
Carpenter ants can chew through the strongest studs and stringers in a house as they hollow the wooden beams out for nesting. The resulting damage can weaken the home's structural support and require expensive repairs. Professional pest control workers can remove a colony of ants, but the best practice for homeowners is to learn the best ways to keep out an ant colony and prevent the problem before it begins.
As the weather cools, you'll probably see fewer pests than you did during the warmer months, but that doesn't mean they're all gone just yet. Some insects can actually come out in full force during the autumn, while others might seek refuge in your warm home. Here are some key tips to keep in mind as fall gets underway:
As the middle of summer approaches, you need to be vigilant about keeping your garden free of pests. Many insects breed during the summertime, which means they're on the lookout for great places to lay their eggs. For many bugs, that means near a source of food. In fact, some species of insects will lay their eggs inside budding vegetables and fruit so their larvae have something to eat as soon as they hatch. That's why you have to keep harmful bugs out without damaging the bugs that could help you, such as bumble bees.
You might have noticed that, with the exception of the kitchen, you find more pests in your bathroom than in the rest of your home. This is because insects and rodents see the bathroom as a convenient watering hole. Pests love leaky pipes and standing water because these offer them a hydrating oasis in the otherwise dry biome that is your house or apartment. And if your bathroom develops mold, all the better for pests, who may eat fungus or use it to lay their eggs.
