Temperatures are rising and days are getting longer, which can only mean one thing—summer is here. While there are many things to love about summer, one downside is the rise in bug activity. Several pests become more active in the summer leading to more bugs buzzing around your home and yard. We’ve made a list of the most common flying bugs you could encounter this summer.
Mosquitoes
These summer bugs are notorious for their biting habits. Mosquitoes vary in size depending on their species, but most are smaller than ½ʺ. Common species range in color from gray, brown, or black. Mosquitoes thrive in warm temperatures, which is why they love summer. You’re most likely to find them near standing water, since this is where they lay eggs.
Prevention Tips: The best way to avoid a mosquito infestation is to eliminate sources of standing water. If mosquitoes can’t find a spot to breed, they’re less likely to stay in the area.
How to Get Rid of Mosquitoes: After eliminating sources of water, you can spray your yard with a plant-based insecticide spray like our Mosquito & Tick Killer. Our Mosquito Fogger and Natural Insect Repellent can also help keep these pests away.
Fruit Flies
Fruit flies are attracted to the ripe fruit and vegetables we love to enjoy in the summer. They lay eggs in organic matter including overripe or rotting produce. These flies have tan bodies and red or dark eyes. They are about 1/8ʺ in length. Fruit flies are most active in late summer and early fall.
Prevention Tips: To help keep fruit flies from invading your home, you’ll want to keep your produce in the fridge or covered if left on your counters. It’s important to empty your trash bins regularly, so rotting produce isn’t available to them.
How to Get Rid of Fruit Flies: If you’re fighting an infestation, our Flying Insect Killer will help to kill fruit flies on contact and leave you with a residual repellency. You can also place our Fruit Fly Traps in areas with fly activity.
Stinging Insects
Two stinging insects to watch out for this summer are paper wasps and yellow jackets. Paper wasps have a brown and yellow body that ranges in size from ¾ʺ-1ʺ. Yellow jackets are black and yellow and grow between 3/8ʺ-5/8ʺ. These stinging insects construct nests with a paper-like appearance. Paper wasp nests can be found on branches, shrubs, and in attics. Yellow jacket nests are often built underground or in bushes. These pests can be territorial and aggressive when provoked, stinging multiple times.
Prevention Tips: Stinging insects are attracted to food including sweets and proteins. Make sure to clean up any food or drinks after enjoying a meal outside. Keep your trash bins sealed tightly to avoid these pests.
How to Get Rid of Stinging Insects: To get rid of stinging insects, you’ll need to find their nest. Then, you can spray the nest with our Wasp & Hornet Killer. It’s a foaming jet spray that reaches up to 18 feet. This means you can coat the nest without having to get too close to it.
Invading bugs shouldn’t interrupt your summer fun. Knowing which pests are likely to fly into your space can help you prevent their arrival. If bugs are giving you a fit, we’re here to help! Check out our Maggie’s Farm Simply Effective™ Pest Control products for a more environmentally and family-friendly solution.