Summertime = Longer Days and Peskier Pests
Pests can be lurking around the corner — or in your walls — at any point in the year. But when the sun shines brighter and the temperatures rise, those pesky creatures become more of a nuisance than ever.
Let’s take a look at what summertime in San Luis Obispo County means for pests and how you can protect your family and home.
Mosquito Control in SLO County
Mosquitos aren’t just a nuisance. California has experienced more than 300 deaths caused by the West Nile Virus since 2003. A San Luis Obispo County resident died from the first reported West Nile Virus case last year.
Not everyone that contracts the virus will show signs of sickness. However, about 20% of infected people do experience harsh, flu-like symptoms.
Some extreme cases lead to neurological illnesses and, sadly, even death. Protecting yourself and your family from mosquito bites is imperative.
Not only can mosquitoes carry diseases that afflict humans, but they also can transmit several diseases and parasites that dogs and horses are very susceptible to. These include dog heart worms, eastern equine encephalitis and West Nile virus.
Almost everyone has had the unpleasant experience of being bitten by a mosquito. Mosquito bites can cause skin irritation through an allergic reaction to the mosquito’s saliva – this is what causes the red bump and itching. But a more serious consequence of some mosquito bites may be transmission of serious diseases and viruses such as malaria, dengue virus, Zika and West Nile virus, which can lead to disabling and potentially deadly effects (such as encephalitis, meningitis and microcephaly).
Preparing for Pests in Summer 2022
Virus-carrying mosquitoes are scary enough, but they are not the only types of pests that can be, well, pests in the summer. Following are some of the most common pests San Luis Obispo County residents deal with.
Ants
You probably didn’t invite any ants to the party, but that certainly doesn’t stop them from crashing it. Some of the most common ants in California are Pharaoh ants, pavement ants, and carpenter ants.
Ants love eating leftover food and making homes in your walls. That may seem relatively harmless, but did you know that ants actually track bacteria into your home? Let us help you get rid of ants before they become a more serious annoyance.
Ticks and Fleas
Fleas and ticks thrive in San Luis Obispo County in the summertime and drive both four-legged and two-legged beings crazy.
Fleas are incredibly annoying, but they are also dangerous. They can infect humans with viruses and trigger allergic reactions.
Ticks carry Lyme and other diseases that they easily transfer to their host. Unfortunately, sometimes a human does not notice a tick has attached itself until it’s been there a while.
Rodents
Mice and rats are annoying, destructive, and nasty. These pesky creatures know no bounds and will take over your home, if you let them.
They leave unsanitary droppings behind, even on food prep surfaces. They chew through walls and even wiring, causing potential fire hazards.
Keeping them out of your house is extremely important to your family’s health and safety. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to do without a rodent removal service.
Bed Bugs
While these are the most common pests you’ll deal with in San Luis Obispo County, summertime puts you at risk for exposure to other types. Why? Because summertime is travel time.
Every time you travel out of California, you could easily pick up pests in your luggage and bring them home. For example, if you stay in a hotel where there are bed bugs, you will likely bring those buggers home with you.
If someone comes to visit you from another state, they could bring pests along with them. And, unfortunately, the pests won’t leave when your guests do. They’ll have made themselves comfortable in your home.
Termites
There is nothing scarier than seeing termites swarming around your property. Termites cause billions of dollars of damage to structures each year around the United States. That’s why it’s important to be aware of the signs of termite infestation and to know how to prevent them.
If you think your home has a termite infestation, call us now at 805-544-9446 to schedule your home termite inspection.
Brezden Pest Control has been protecting properties from termites since 1980 in and around San Luis Obispo County. Check out our Termite Infographic for some eye popping statitstics homeowners should be aware of.
With all of these risks, what do you do?
- Wear insect repellent when you spend time outdoors. Whether you are hanging out in the yard or playing at Santa Rosa Park, slather yourself and your kids with repellent.
- If you have pets, bathe them regularly and check for any fleas and ticks. If you see them, take care of them immediately.
- Keep your house cleaned. This will not only help prevent or reduce pests. It will also help you notice their presence and take action. For example, it’s much easier to notice mice droppings when they are not covered by clutter. Once you notice them, you can address the issue.
- When traveling, try to shake out your clothing before packing your bags.
- Partner with professionals. Sometimes, no matter how many precautions you take, pests still find their way into your home. Brezden Pest Control can help you identify and eradicate pests, so you can sleep easier at night.
FAQs About Pest Control in the Summer
Common questions about summertime pest control in San Luis Obispo County.
DYI or Professional Pest Control?
By the time you notice you have a pest problem, it is usually way beyond what you can imagine. Typically, if you see one mouse, you can believe that there are many more hiding in your walls and other parts of your home. One of the biggest problems with over-the-counter products is that they do not typically address the full-scale problem. They can help, but to get to the heart of it all, you need a professional that has access to more effective eradication tools. A battle with pests can take a longer period of time and, subsequently, cost you a lot more money over time.
Why are bugs more active in the summertime?
In some ways, insects are similar to humans. The sun that shines so brightly in the summer tends to energize the human body. For the most part, winter weather makes us long to curl up by a fire. We are more apt to be active when the sun is shining, and the temperature is higher. Insects become healthier in warmer temperatures and, therefore, more full of energy in the summertime. In cold weather, they lack energy, so most either die or hibernate. It is simply the way their bodies and biochemical processes work.
I have kids and pets. Are your summer pest control products safe for them?
Absolutely. Before we treat your home with our pest control services, we take the time to understand your household, your needs, and your desires. We work within your comfort zone, ensuring your family’s safety every step of the way.
Schedule your free pest inspection
If you need help with getting rid of any of these summer pests, schedule your free inspection by calling 805-544-9446
Download our Summer Pests Infographic for more summer pest control tips to help you protect your home or business in SLO County.
⭐INFOGRAPHIC: 15 Pest Control Tips For SLO County⭐
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