Pests for All Seasons

From annoying summer flies to rodents in the winter, pests become active during specific seasons of the year.  Weather, temperature and landscaping are all factors that affect year-round pest activity in and around your house.  Fortunately, homeowners and renters can prevent an infestation before it starts by educating themselves on what types of pests to expect during each part of the year.  

The pests of greatest concern during each season are: 
* Spring: Spiders, ladybugs, blowflies, gnats, aphids, carpenter bees, termites, ants, clover mites, stored product pests such as Indian Meal Moths and others thrive in climates with sustained temperatures of 60 degrees or more.
* Summer: Bees, wasps, hornets, yellow jackets, mosquitoes and fire ants are active in warmer months, as well as ticks, fleas, crickets and cockroaches.
* Fall: Rodents, box elder bugs, ants and ladybugs move indoors as temperatures drop and the days get shorter.
* Winter: Cold weather forces rodents, pharaoh ants, cockroaches and aphids indoors through migration or being brought in on plants, produce or other items.

The appearance of these seasonal visitors to your condominium or apartment is more than just an embarrassment or annoyance.  Pests such as rodents cause structural damage to your property, while others injure plants by destroying leaves, stems, roots and flowers.  Most importantly, some pests can pose serious health risks to your and your pets.  

As temperatures rise and fall, pests are drawn indoors for different reasons, typically in search of food, water or more comfortable temperatures essential to their survival.  The best defense against these unwanted invaders in homes is to seal them out and eliminate their access to all attractive elements.  

“Homeowners and renters can take steps to make their property less attractive and hospitable to pests,” said Orkin, Inc. Technical Services Manager Patrick Copps.  “By anticipating the pests that could pose a problem during each season, they can create a cleaner, safer living environment.”

Accurate identification and quick treatment is the key to controlling pests before they can cause any harm or damage.  For more tips, visit www.orkin.com or www.orkincommercial.com.