How to Prevent the Top 5 Summer Pests in Missouri

Top 5 Summer Pests in Missouri and How to Prevent Them

Summer pests in Missouri can be a nuisance. Moreover, Summer in Missouri is a beautiful time of year, but it also brings several unwelcome guests: Summer pests in Missouri. From mosquitoes to ticks, these unwanted visitors can make outdoor enjoyment less than ideal. In this blog post, we will discuss the top 5 summer pests in Missouri, their identification, habits, and economic importance. We will also provide tips on avoiding these pests in and around your home and some DIY techniques. Finally, we will explain the importance of professional pest management and why pest management programs are the best option for controlling these pests in and around your home on a routine basis.

Top 5 Summer Pests in Missouri

1. Mosquitoes
2. Ticks
3. Ants
4. Wasps
5. Spiders

Mosquitoes are Summer Pests in Missouri

Mosquitoes are one of the most common summer pests in Missouri. They are attracted to warm, humid weather and can be found in abundance near bodies of water. Mosquitoes are not only a nuisance but can also transmit several diseases, including West Nile virus and Zika virus.

Identification:

Mosquitoes are small, flying insects with long, slender legs and wings. They have a proboscis, which is a long, needle-like mouthpart that they use to pierce the skin and suck blood.

Habits:

Mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk. They lay their eggs in standing water, such as bird baths, old tires, and puddles in gutters around your home.

Economic Importance:

Mosquitoes can have a significant economic impact on Missouri. They can cause various health problems, including West Nile virus and Zika virus. They can also make it difficult to enjoy outdoor activities.

Prevention Tips:

• Eliminate standing water around your property.
• Wear long sleeves and pants when outdoors.
• Use insect repellent.
• Install screens on your windows and doors.

DIY Techniques:

• You can make your own mosquito repellent using essential oils such as citronella and lemongrass.
• You can also install mosquito traps around your property.

Ticks are Summer Pests in Missouri

Ticks are another common summer pest in Missouri. They are often found in wooded areas and tall grasses. Ticks can transmit several diseases, including Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

Identification:

Ticks are small, wingless insects that attach themselves to the skin of animals and humans. They have eight legs and a hard outer shell.

Habits:

Ticks are most active in the spring and summer. They attach themselves to the skin of animals and humans and feed on blood.

Economic Importance:

Ticks can have a significant economic impact on Missouri. They can cause various health problems, including Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. They can also make it difficult to enjoy outdoor activities. More information about health issues related to Ticks can be found at pestworld.org.

Prevention Tips:

• Wear long sleeves and pants when outdoors.
• Use insect repellent.
• Check yourself for ticks after spending time outdoors.

DIY Techniques:

• You can remove a tick with tweezers.
• You can also use a tick removal tool.

Ants

Ants are a common Summer pest in Missouri. They are attracted to food and water and can often be found in kitchens and bathrooms. Ants can be a nuisance, but they are not typically dangerous.

Identification:

Ants are small, social insects that live in colonies. They have six legs and a pair of antennae.

Habits:

Ants are most active in the spring and summer. They build nests in your home, in the ground, or in wood.

Economic Importance:

Ants can be a nuisance, but they are not typically dangerous. They can contaminate food and damage property.

Prevention Tips:

• Keep your food and garbage stored in airtight containers.
• Clean up spills immediately.
• Seal cracks and crevices in your home.

DIY Techniques:

• You can make your own ant bait using sugar and borax.
• You can also use commercial ant baits.

Wasps

Wasps are a common summer pest in Missouri. They are often found in trees in the ground and shrubs and on your home. Wasps can be aggressive, and their stings can be painful.

Identification:

Wasps are flying insects that have a slender body and a pair of wings. They have a stinger that they use to defend themselves.

Habits:

Wasps are most active in the late summer and fall. They build nests in trees and shrubs.In the ground and on your home.

Economic Importance:

Wasps can be a nuisance, but they are not typically dangerous. They can sting people and animals.

Prevention Tips:

• Avoid disturbing wasp nests.
• Wear long sleeves and pants when outdoors.
• Use insect repellent.

DIY Techniques:

• You can remove a wasp nest with a commercial wasp spray.
• You can also call a professional pest management company to remove a wasp nest.

Spiders

Spiders are a common summer pest in Missouri. They are often found in dark, damp places like basements and garages. Most spiders are not dangerous, but some, such as the black widow and brown recluse, can be poisonous.

Identification:

Spiders are eight-legged arachnids. They use a pair of fangs to inject venom into their prey.

Habits:

Spiders are most active at night. They build webs to catch their prey.

Economic Importance:

Spiders are not typically dangerous. They can be a nuisance, but they can also help to control other pests, such as insects.

Prevention Tips:

• Seal cracks and crevices in your home.
• Keep your home clean and clutter-free.
• Avoid touching spiders.

DIY Techniques:

• You can remove a spider with a vacuum cleaner.
• You can also use a commercial spider spray.

Importance of Professional Pest Management

Professional pest management is the best way to control Summer pests in Missouri around your home. Pest control companies have the experience and expertise to identify and eliminate pests effectively. They also have access to professional-grade pesticides unavailable to the general public.

Why Pest Management Programs Are the Best Option

Pest management programs are the best option for regularly controlling pests in and around your home. These programs can help to prevent pests from infesting your home in the first place. They can also help to eliminate pests that have already invaded your home.

Conclusion

Summer pests in Missouri can be a nuisance, but you can do several things to prevent them. Following the tips in this blog post can help keep your home pest-free all summer.

Please note that this blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. If you are concerned about a pest infestation, don’t hesitate to contact a professional pest management company.