Late Summer Pests

As the long, lazy days of summer gradually give way to the crisp, cool embrace of autumn, many residents of Virginia assume that the threat of pests also dwindles. However, nature has its own plans, and late summer brings with it a surge in pest activity that can catch us off guard. The weather is still warm and outdoor activity is still in full swing, allowing for pest populations that thrive in summer to take advantage of opportunities to enter our homes.   

Late Summer Pests and Their Habits 

With gardens in full bloom and an increased presence of humans engaging in outdoor activities, pests find easy access to food sources and potential hosts, making late summer ideal for pest infestations. The most common of which are: 

• Mosquitoes: Mosquitoes thrive in the humidity of summer, and by late summer their numbers have increased drastically. Breeding in any stagnant or standing water on your property, these blood suckers invade your property and can potentially spread diseases like malaria.  
• Flies: House flies and fruit flies breed quickly and in places that are easy to miss. Unsealed garbage bins, or overripe gardens are beacons for these pests, and they can easily overrun your home.  
• Bees, Wasps & Hornets: These stinging pests are out en masse having established their nests by late summer. Notoriously attracted to sweet scents, overripe fruit or unsealed food waste will invite these potentially dangerous stinging pests onto your property. 
• Cockroaches: Preferring warm and humid locations, cockroaches are no strangers to Virginia residents, and they can be near impossible to keep out without professional help. These pests can spread sickness and are very good at hiding, so the sight of even one is worth a call to the professionals. 
• Termites: Any wood material in a home is at risk for termites, who thrive in warm and damp conditions. Secretive and small, their invasion can take years to notice, at which point the damage they cause may be extensive. 
• Spiders: Scurrying to find mates for the fall, spiders will be seeking out the milder temperatures of your home to escape the late summer heat and lay their eggs.  
• Rodents: By late summer, rodents like mice or rats will be looking to take advantage of any holes along your roof, gaps in doorframes, or damaged screens to turn your home into their new nesting place.  
• Snakes: Predators follow the prey, so where you see increased rodent activity, you’ll also find increased snake activity.  

Professional Help You Can Trust 

The experts at Loyal Termite & Pest Control have 60 years of industry leading experience protecting the homes of Virginia residents. Committed to long-term solutions, our highly trained team of professionals know how to keep your home pest free year-round. Don’t wait, give us a call today for a free quote!