Keeping Summertime Pests at Bay: Tips for Central North Carolina Residents

Family enjoying time eating watermelon in their backyard

Ah, summertime in Central North Carolina—a time for outdoor adventures, backyard barbecues, and lazy afternoons spent soaking up the sun. But amidst the warmth and sunshine, there’s one thing that can put a damper on your summer fun: pests. From spiders spinning their webs to mosquitoes buzzing in your ear, summertime brings out a variety of unwanted guests in the Tar Heel State.

In this blog post, we’ll delve into a few of the most common summertime pests in Central North Carolina—spiders, mosquitoes, ants, and wasps. We’ll discuss how to identify infestations, offer tips on keeping these pests away from your home, and ultimately, why TruX Pest Control is your best bet for professional pest control in the greater Raleigh area.

Spiders: Creepy Crawlers of the Night

Spiders are a common sight in Central North Carolina, and while most species are harmless, their presence can still be unsettling for many homeowners. Look for spider webs in corners, behind furniture, and in dark, undisturbed areas of your home. These small and elusive spiders like dark areas in your garage and sheds. Due to their venomous bites, common species such as the brown recluse and black widow should be handled with caution.

To deter spiders from making themselves at home, keep your living spaces clutter-free, vacuum regularly, sweep the underside of outdoor furniture, and seal up any cracks or openings where they could enter your home. 

Person standing in ant -free grass

Enjoy a pest free yard with TruX Pest Control

Mosquitoes: Tiny Menaces of the Summer Night

Nothing ruins a summer evening faster than the incessant buzzing of mosquitoes. These blood-sucking pests thrive in warm, humid climates and are notorious for their itchy bites. To identify a mosquito infestation, keep an eye out for stagnant water sources like birdbaths, clogged gutters, or unattended pools, as these are breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

To minimize mosquito activity around your home, eliminate standing water, use citronella candles or torches outdoors, and install screens on windows and doors to keep them from entering your living spaces. Additionally, consider planting mosquito-repelling plants like lavender, basil, and marigolds in your garden. 

The most advanced mosquito system TruX provides is the In2Care Mosquito System. Instead of deterring mosquitos from landing on your property, this targets them at the source. It uses the mosquito to spread the treatment and keep your yard mosquito-free. 

Ants: Persistent Pests on a Mission

Ants are perhaps the most determined pests of the summer season. Why do ants come into your home? Once they’ve found a food source, they’ll stop at nothing to access it, marching in long lines and infiltrating your kitchen cabinets with ease. Look for trails of ants leading to food sources or small piles of discarded wings near entry points into your home.

To prevent ant infestations, keep your kitchen clean and free of crumbs, seal food containers tightly, and store sweet foods like sugar and honey in airtight containers. Additionally, try using natural ant deterrents like vinegar or cinnamon along entry points to discourage them from entering your home.

What attracts ants to your yard? Ants love trash cans, mulch, shrubs, trees, or pots, and they will make nests and be almost undetectable until disturbed. Red fire ants build their nest mounds outdoors in landscape areas or near a structural foundation. 

Wasps: A Sting in the Tail

Wasps can turn a peaceful backyard barbecue into a chaotic scene of swatting and dodging. These aggressive insects build nests in trees, bushes, and eaves, and their stings can pack a painful punch. Look for paper-like nests in sheltered areas around your home, and listen for buzzing sounds near outdoor gathering spaces.

To deter wasps from nesting near your home, regularly inspect your property for potential nesting sites and remove any existing nests promptly. Keep outdoor garbage bins tightly sealed, and avoid leaving sugary drinks or food uncovered, as these can attract wasps looking for a meal.

Why TruX Pest Control is Your Best Defense Against Summertime Pests

While DIY methods can help mitigate pest problems to some extent, nothing beats the expertise and effectiveness of professional pest control services. That’s where TruX Pest Control comes in.

TruX Pest Control offers comprehensive pest management solutions tailored to the unique needs of Central North Carolina homeowners. Our experienced technicians use effective techniques and environmentally friendly treatments to eliminate pests safely. Plus, with their commitment to customer satisfaction and ongoing support, you can rest easy knowing your home is in good hands.

Don’t let summertime pests ruin your outdoor fun—sign up online for a free pest inspection from TruX Pest Control today. Our experts will assess your property, identify any pest issues, and develop a personalized plan for safe year-round pest control. With TruX Pest Control on your side, you can enjoy a pest-free summer and beyond.

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