With summer in New England swinging into full effect it’s finally time to get outdoors and enjoy that warm weather! Getting to the beach, going for a run, or just plain enjoying yourself outside are some of the ways many most of us will take advantage of these beautiful days. No one wants to dampen the mood, but while you’re out there having fun keep in mind that this time of year has a host of parasites, small animals, and annoying house bugs that might not be so fun to run into! We’ll focus on some of these animals today and help you get prepared to stay aware and ready for these pests this summer.
Although most interactions with a mosquito or tick are harmless, they do host a variety of diseases that can be passed when getting bit like Rocky Mountain spotted fever, tularemia, Zika Virus, and more commonly discussed, Lyme disease and West Nile Virus. While you’re enjoying yourself outside, follow these tips to stay safe!
Ticks
- Mostly live in tall grass, shrubs, or on small plants.
- When going through these areas where light colored clothing to make them stand out and be spotted easier.
- Always check yourself and others after going outside. They can live as close as your backyard!
- Use repellents with active ingredients DEET, Picaridin, and Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE). Effectiveness can be found here.
- If you are bit, remove the tick using tweezers. Any signs of rash, sudden sickness, or red spot near the bite should seek medical attention.
Mosquitoes
- Live and breed in stagnant, not moving, bodies or pools of water. If you notice them around your house frequently, search for and pour out any tins, buckets, birdbaths, etc. that might be a breeding ground.
- They’re most active from dusk to sunset and are attracted to the CO2 we breathe so large outside gatherings at this time should be avoided.
- DEET and Picaridin based repellents are the most effective at repelling mosquitoes. For a rundown of the most effective repellent brands, a study by NPR can be found here.
- Most bites just leave an itchy spot on your body, but if you ever notice a puffy white / reddish bump, multiple bumps in following days, or intense bruising seek medical attention immediately.
These two critters spell disaster for most gardens and outside decorations, like bird feeders. With a hunger for apples, tomatoes, spring bulbs and most flowers, these guys can cause some real frustration and damage to any homeowners hard work in the backyard. Here are some warning signs and tips if you run into them this summer!
Squirrels and Chipmunks
- If you start to notice the tops of flowers being taken off or your bird feeders becoming empty much quicker, chances are you’ve got a squirrel / chipmunk problem. Seeing holes or tunnels in the ground where chipmunks live is a sure-fire sign that they’re there.
- Natural repellents that won’t hurt the animals include: Sprays made with urine of their natural predators, sprinkling cayenne pepper or garlic pepper on and around flowers before they bloom, or lay aluminum across the top of pots and poke holes. The reflection keeps them off the plants!
- You can also try fencing or invisible liners that prevent the creatures from gaining access to your garden!
- In the case of chipmunk, as they build the underground tunnel networks they live in this can cause infrastructure damage to your yard and home. Packing in these holes and removing them before they have a chance to breed is essential to protecting your lands structure.
As we start to go in and out of our houses more or open windows, these moments of entry are taken advantage of by these opportunist insects! Ants will quickly smell and search for food you may have left out or dropped onto the ground. Earwigs love moisture, and as the temperature and humidity rises places inside of our homes that suit these conditions attract these creatures. Stinkbugs thrive in hot environments so taking advantage of patios or screen rooms that really heat up during the summer are perfect homes for these guys! To keep these unwanted guests out, try following some of the tips below!
Keep Those Insects Out
- Maintain and keep a clean home. The first thing insects look for when coming in during the summer is food.
- Outside of searching for food, many insects make it in through holes in screens, bent frames, or rotting infrastructure. Double-check the extremities of your house for any potential entry ways and repair damaged rot or windows to guarantee an airtight seal.
- Remove any standing bodies of water or repair leaks that could cause excessive moisture. For the most part, earwigs and stinkbugs are highly attracted to these areas and removing them could prevent the pests all together.
With so much going on in our world right now, thinking about something like summer pests might be small, but it’s always good to be prepared. Enjoy that incredible New England weather and keep your house to yourself this summer!
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