How to Stop Dangerous Summer Pests

It’s summer in North Carolina, a time to get outside and enjoy the sunshine, if it’s not too hot, that is! Whether you’re watching the kids play outside, working in the garden, or taking your dog for a hike, it’s important to be aware of summer insects and pests. More than just a nuisance, we’re sharing the four most dangerous pests to watch out for and how to protect yourself, your family, and your pets.

Mosquitoes

While their bites are itchy and annoying, the real danger with mosquitoes lies in their ability to carry and transmit dangerous diseases. In North Carolina, cases of West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis are particularly dangerous, and pets are at risk through parasites like heartworms. . Fortunately, you can reduce risk by:

Fortunately, you can reduce risk by:

• Wearing a mosquito repellent containing DEET, long pants, and long sleeves. 
• Minimizing time outside during evening and dawn hours when mosquitoes are most active.
• Eliminate places where water collects, like empty flower pots and bird baths. Cover kids’ pools when not in use.
• Clean up debris like piles of mulch, damp leaves, and wood. 

Wasps and Stinging Insects

While bees and wasps are an essential part of the ecosystem, their sting can be painful and dangerous, especially to children and people who are allergic. It’s important to be careful of individual wasps, bees, and yellow jackets, but because these insects build new nests or hives each year, you also want to be mindful of signs of new growth so you can have it removed quickly. 

Reduce risk of stings by: 

• Wearing shoes outdoors at all times.
• Keeping trash bins away from your home and tightly closed.
• Not wearing sweet smelling perfumes, lotions, or soaps.

Prevent nests and hives by: 

• Covering holes in the ground – many wasps and hornets build nests on the ground. 
• Removing wood piles and debris from your property
• Inspect eaves, loose shingles, soffits, and wooden structural elements. Fill holes and repair any access areas immediately.

If you do have a wasp nest or beehive, do not try and get rid of it yourself. Call a professional exterminator immediately!

Ticks

Ticks are a serious problem in North Carolina and are especially prevalent in the summer months. They are parasitic pests and tend to live in brush and tall grasses waiting to attach to a host to feed on which is problematic in and of itself, but they also carry Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, spotted fever, and other serious diseases. Often, they go unnoticed until someone has been bitten, so it’s important to be vigilant about how to prevent them. 

Reduce the risk of tick bites with the following measures: 

• Keep grass cut and make sure all brush and overgrowth is trimmed back.
• Avoid dense vegetation
• If working or hiking in wooded or overgrown areas, wear long pants, long sleeves, socks, and closed-toe shoes.
• Use a tick repellent when working outdoors and put pets on a preventative medication. 
• Check your hair, clothing, and skin and inspect pets thoroughly, especially when coming in from tall grass or overgrown areas.

Fire Ants

Fire ants have been documented in 72 of 100 counties in North Carolina, including Wake and Johnston counties. These insects build mounded nests in grassy areas that look like small sand piles, though they can grow to be 12 to 18 inches high in extreme cases, and even worse, much of the nest is located underground. Most times, their mounds are easy to overlook but if you step on them, you will definitely notice them fast. Fire ant stings are dangerous, leaving itching, painful red bumps, and in rare cases, triggering severe allergic reactions. 

Minimize risk of fire ants and ant stings with these steps: 

• Keep grass trimmed regularly.
• Rake or remove grass clippings and lawn debris.
• Wear shoes when outdoors.
• Be mindful of where you step when you’re outside.

Contact Us for Pest Control in Garner, NC 

The best way to reduce the risk of stings, bites, and other problems associated with dangerous summer insects in North Carolina is by having regular pest control and mosquito prevention services. At Kumo Pest Control, we work with homeowners in Garner, Fuquay-Varina, and Clayton to keep their yards and property free of insects, pests, and mosquitoes with affordable service. To schedule your same-day appointment or learn more about how we can make your home a safe place this summer call or text us at  919-628-0833 or fill out the contact form to get started!