The Height of Pest Season
Pest season runs throughout the year, but summer and early fall can be the worst time for encountering pests. The reason is that there are just more pests around in August, September, and October. What’s on the horizon for pests during the height of the pest season? Let’s explore.
Wasps and Meat Bees
Many types of wasps pester homeowners throughout the summer; the most notorious species are the yellowjackets and hornets – AKA meat bees. Not bees at all, these are wasps plain and simple. The solitary wasps are also out, but are by far less aggressive and generally mind their own business. They include the mud daubers, spider wasps, and cicada killers. Solitary wasps tend to provide more of a benefit than do the vespids – yellowjackets and hornets. Mud daubers are spider hunters, as are the pompilidae. The cicada killers kill cicada – those insects that buzz all the time and drive you crazy.
Ticks and Disease
The tick season begins around April, though, can be earlier if the spring is mild. It runs through November though ticks are around all year long. Ticks spread many diseases, and the most commonly known is Lyme’s Disease. You can do a lot to prevent ticks from annoying you by keeping your yard neat and clean. They typically use shrubs and taller grasses as perches from which they get on you and other larger animals. Maintaining shrubs and grasses by keeping them pruned and mowed helps keep ticks out of the yard. They also overwinter in leaf litter. In fall and spring, keep fallen leaves out of the yard. Nature always has a solution, and oddly, the critter that eats ticks is the opossum. They are adept at finding and eating ticks; They can also become pests in next to no time.
Wildlife Issues
Mammals tend to have the most presence in yards and around homes in late fall when looking for denning locations. They will also set up regular routes for food during the summer. Those spots include where you feed the dog and cat, unsecured garbage cans, and food stores that may be in an outbuilding. While many animals can spread disease, the most dangerous thing about them is their bite. Never corner a wild animal as their last defense is a good offense, and many will attack to defend themselves. Some, like the skunk, will spray first and ask questions later. Common issues with wildlife include home damage, yard and landscaping damage, and pet injuries. Skunk, raccoons, possums, and even feral cats and dogs can become pests for homeowners and commercial businesses.
Learn more about how to deal with and prevent pest infestations and encounters by reaching out to our team. We provide comprehensive and safe pest control solutions throughout the Bryan and College Station communities. Our services are perfect for homeowners, commercial businesses, multi-family dwellings, and real estate. Our rates are affordable, and we have ongoing service plans too. Call us today for all of your pest control needs.
