Summer on Long Island is all about enjoying the beautiful weather, backyard BBQs, and all the fun Long Island has to offer. But, as temperatures rise, so does pest activity, and unwelcome guests can quickly turn your summer dream into a nightmare. These aren't just annoying invaders; they can carry diseases, damage your property, and cost you a fortune if left unchecked. From itchy bites to potential property damage, understanding these common summer invaders and how to prevent them is key to your peace of mind.
A Summer Target for Unwanted Guests
Here in Long Island, we see a big surprise in specific pests looking to move in as the weather warms up:
- Mosquitoes: More than just itchy bites, these tiny terrors can carry diseases such as West Nile Virus and Zika. They love to breed in standing water around your home or business - from bird baths to flowerpots.
- Ants: Suddenly, your kitchen counters are under siege! Ants are constantly searching for food and water in the summer heat, and your pantry is the prime target.
- Hornets & Wasps: Outdoor entertaining can quickly turn terrifying with a buzzing nest nearby. These aggressive stingers are out in full force and can be a real threat, especially if you have kids or pets.
- Carpenter Bees: While essential pollinators like bumble bees and honeybees, carpenter bees can become a nuisance and cause damage to your home. They bore perfectly round holes into wooden structures like decks, eaves, and fascias to create nests. Their drilling can weaken wood overtime, and their constant buzzing and dive-bombing can be intimidating.
- Ticks: Spending time at the park, woods, or even overgrown grassy areas can increase your risk of encountering ticks. These silent hitchhikers can transmit serious illnesses like Lyme Disease making vigilance crucial after outdoor activities.
- Occasional Invaders: Crickets, earwigs, and centipedes will seek refuge from the summer heat or heavy rains, making their way inside your property.
Simple Summer Prevention Tips for Your Peace of Mind
While our solutions are effective at addressing existing pest issues, proactive prevention is your best defense for maintaining a truly pest-free home this summer. Here are some simple, yet powerful, prevention tips you can implement to make your Long Island home less inviting to those unwelcomed summer guests, ensuring peace of mind:
- Eliminate Standing Water: The #1 rule for mosquito control! Regularly empty bird baths, kiddie pools, flowerpots, clogged gutters, old tires, and any containers that collect standing water.
- Seal Entry Points: Even tiny cracks around windows, doors, pipes, and your foundation are open invitations. Inspect your home's exterior and seal all openings that you see. Repair any torn windows and door screens promptly. This is especially vital for deterring ants, flies, and preventing termites from finding access points.
- Manage Outdoor Debris: Piles of leaves and firewood stacked too close to your house provide excellent hiding and breeding spots for many pests, including termites, ants, and rodents. Keep your yard tidy and maintain a clear perimeter around your home.
- Landscaping: Trim bushes and cut tree branches away from your house to prevent pests from using them as bridges to your entry points. Keep your lawn mowed short, as tall grass can harbor ticks and other insects. Ensure mulch beds are not directly against your foundation as this will attract carpenter ants and termites.
- Proper Food Storage & Hygiene: For both homeowners and restaurateurs, keep all food in airtight containers. Clean up spills immediately, wipe down counters, sweep and mop the floor, vacuum, and don't leave dirty dishes in the sink overnight. These habits will significantly reduce attractants for ants, flies, rodents, and roaches.
