For most of the country, it may seem like Mother Nature skipped spring and fast forwarded straight to summer with places like Minneapolis, Chicago and New York enjoying well-above-average temperatures. Humans aren’t the only ones enjoying the warmer-than-normal weather. Termites, ants, flies and mosquitoes are all making their appearance a bit earlier this year.
Because of the warmer winter and early spring, bugs have started reproducing earlier, so we could see an increase in pest activity through the summer. Instead of these pests having two or three generations, they might have four or five. That means more bugs to bug us.
Insects have some of the same needs as humans – food, shelter and water. Our homes usually provide bugs with everything they need, so it’s only natural for them to try to move in with us.
I recommend homeowners take the following steps to prevent insect infestations during this particularly buggy season:
• Remove all unnecessary food and water sources.
• Seal cracks and crevices around doors and windows.
• Clean up spilled food and drinks immediately.
• Keep gutters clear, and direct water from downspouts away from your home.
• Thin vegetation and do not pile mulch or allow soil to accumulate against your home’s siding. This could provide a breeding ground for mosquitoes and access for ants, roaches and termites to enter your home.
• Pay close attention to dirt-filled porches and crawlspaces. Termites could have easy access to wood through cracks in foundation walls or if wood is in contact with the soil.
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