Summer is an exciting time of year when we are greeted with warm weather, longer days, and more outdoor activity. Unfortunately, fair weather is also prime time for insects, including ticks and mosquitoes that spread disease.
While most of us are familiar with some common Pennsylvania pests, including ticks, ants, and mosquitoes, a new wave of invasive bugs and plants has swarmed across Eastern Pennsylvania.
Just one summer ago, residents of the Lehigh Valley were greeted by massive clouds of gnat-like flies, known as midges.
In the Poconos and Scranton region, spotted lanternflies have ravaged the area, as they chase down the growing invasion of the Tree of Heaven plant.
The best way to avoid these summer bugs is to stay vigilant and practice proper housekeeping tips, which include indoor cleaning and lawn care. With that said, let’s explore ten of the most common summer insects and bugs you’re bound to find on your Pennsylvania property.
1. Ticks
Ticks are tiny pests that latch onto their hosts to feed. They are commonly found in areas with thick foliage, high grass, or even in grass clippings. You don’t have to go hiking in the deep woods to spot ticks. They can be found as close as your backyard.
These tiny hitchhikers can simply climb onto people or pets. Not only can their bites leave painful swelling, but ticks also carry dangerous diseases like Lyme and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.
The best way to deal with ticks is to keep your yard clear, mowing the grass regularly, and trimming back overgrowth. If you are heading outdoors, wear repellent with DEET to keep these parasites off.
It’s also a good idea to wear long sleeves and pants if you plan on going into the deep woods. Always check your body for ticks after hikes or outdoor activities. If you should find a tick on you, a loved one, or a pet, you should remove it immediately and send it to a lab for testing.
2. Japanese Beetles
This invasive species can have a devastating effect on your garden. These hard-shelled bugs destroy grass and many plants.
They prefer to be in warm, sunny places, making summer an ideal time for them. While they don’t cause any physical harm, they can be destructive to your plants. You can get rid of these pests with regular lawn maintenance and by merely picking the insects off your plants.
3. Biting Flies
These nasty pests can not only be annoying, but they can also produce some unpleasant side effects. Flies can pierce the skin with their sharp mouthparts. These bites can cause swelling, itching, and sometimes, headaches.
The problem with biting flies is that there are many different species.
They love to hang out around water, as we all do on warm days. They prefer warm, sunny days, but they can also become a problem in the evening.
A few simple ways to ward off these pests are keeping your yard clean, providing plenty of circulation, and lighting citronella torches.
4. Spiders
Spiders are more visible during summer, building webs in gardens, under decks, and near windows. While many are harmless and help control pests, some, like the brown recluse, can be dangerous.
Prevent spiders by keeping outdoor spaces tidy and clear of clutter. Shake out gardening gloves and boots before using them, and use caution when reaching into dark or sheltered areas.
5. Ants
Ants are very active during the summer and will almost always make their way inside. Ants can form colonies in dirt mounds, dead or dying trees, and plenty of other areas, taking over your garden or yard.
Additionally, they can find ways inside through little cracks and holes.
A simple way to stop an ant invasion is to spray them with soapy water. This will eventually kill them, and they can simply be vacuumed up.
6. Mosquitoes
These nasty biting insects are some of the deadliest pests in the world. Not only do they leave itchy welts after they bite, but they also spread dangerous diseases like West Nile. Zika, dengue, and yellow fever, among others. Mosquitoes can also spread heartworm to domesticated dogs.
Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water, and their numbers can quickly become overwhelming. To keep your home mosquito-free, stop your yard from becoming overgrown, remove any standing water, and consider applying a mosquito yard spray with the help of a professional.
7. Bed Bugs
Summer means the arrival of summer vacation. Travel is a great way to escape everyday life, but it’s also an easy way to pick up bed bugs.
If you are out and about this summer, be sure to check your hotel rooms, luggage, and clothes for bed bugs. Before returning home, run your clothes through the dryer on high heat to kill off any potential bed bug stowaways.
8. Ladybugs or Asian Lady Beetles
Ladybugs can actually be helpful insects when they stick to your garden. They feast on all manner of garden pests, making them useful little exterminators.
In reality, the real pest is the Asian Lady Beetle. This invasive species looks very similar to the ladybug, but they can be much more of a nuisance should they find their way inside.
Often, they are called “overwinter pests,” and they hatch during the warmer months, swarming inside your home. An easy way to get rid of these nasty-smelling imposters is by sucking them up with a vacuum and relocating them far from your home.
9. Centipedes and Millipedes
These creepy crawlers are known as biters. They both carry venom that can be toxic or harmful to anyone with venom sensitivities.
Typically found in damp, cool areas, these insects won’t usually make themselves known to humans. They also tend to be more active at night.
The best way to deal with these pests is by keeping your home dry. Run a dehumidifier in rooms with excessive moisture and get rid of any potential hiding spots.
10. Stinging Insects
Bees, wasps, hornets, and yellow jackets are all part of the stinging insect family. While these insects tend to leave humans alone, they build their nests out of sight and are territorial. Most stinging insects will get aggressive and attack if they feel threatened.
The first step to treating this issue is locating the nest. The problem that comes with removing them is knowing whether you’ve found a bee’s nest or some other nasty insects.
Bees are essential pollinators and should be removed by a beekeeper. If you don’t have bees, you might have a more aggressive stinging insect. If you want to avoid being stung, leave the job to a pest control expert.
Summer Pest Control Tips to Prevent Bugs & Insects
If you want to avoid pests this summer, try practicing these simple housekeeping tips:
- Keep your grass trimmed and remove weeds or overgrowth to eliminate pest hiding spots and breeding areas. This helps deter ticks, mosquitoes, and other lawn pests.
- Dump standing water from gutters, flowerpots, birdbaths, and toys. Mosquitoes breed quickly in even small amounts of stagnant water.
- Seal entry points by caulking cracks and gaps around windows, doors, and your foundation. Check for damaged screens and replace them.
- Switch to yellow outdoor lights, which are less attractive to flying insects than standard white bulbs. This can reduce nighttime bug activity around patios.
- Clean up after outdoor meals to avoid attracting ants, flies, and wasps. Store food and trash in sealed containers.
- Shake out outdoor items like picnic blankets and patio cushions before using them. Insects often hide in soft or shaded materials.
- Call a pest control pro if infestations become overwhelming. Experts can safely treat large or recurring problems.
For complete peace of mind against summer bugs in Pennsylvania, be sure to contact the pros at The Pest Rangers for our Home Protection Plans.
These plans help defend your property against over a dozen common species of pests based on your location, whether you reside in Southeastern Pennsylvania or Northeastern Pennsylvania.
FAQs
Do I need pest control if I only see a few bugs?
Yes, even a few insects can indicate a larger issue. Many pests reproduce quickly, and a small problem can become a big one fast. Early intervention is the best approach.
Are all bugs I find in summer dangerous?
Not necessarily. Some, like native ladybugs or certain spiders, can be beneficial. However, it’s important to know which species you’re dealing with to avoid harmful bites, stings, or infestations.
What’s the best way to keep mosquitoes away from my patio?
Remove standing water, use citronella candles or torches, install fans for airflow, and wear repellent. Mosquito traps can also be helpful in high-activity areas.
