Ants & Stinging Insects Expected To Be A Problem This Summer

In a blog post published last month, we highlighted the pests that the NPMA’s Bug Barometer® forecasted to be a problem this spring in our region of the country. Today, we’re going to take a look at what the industry experts are saying about summer pest activity in Colorado.

Hot & dry weather may send ants indoors over the summer

According to the Bug Barometer, conditions are likely to be hotter and drier than normal in Colorado this summer which could lead to an influx of ant activity inside homes and businesses. Why? Ants prefer environments with plenty of moisture and if they can’t find it outdoors, they’ll move indoors in search of water sources. With that in mind, keep an eye out for the following types of ants:

• Carpenter ants
• Odorous house ants/sugar ants
• Pavement ants

Risks associated with ants in Colorado

The good news about most ants in our region, they’re considered more nuisance than a risk to health and property. That said, they may infest your kitchen and could even show up in your food.

An exception is the carpenter ant. These wood-destroying insects are capable of causing damage to structures if left untreated. If you see big, black ants crawling across the floor, take action right away in order to avoid a larger issue down the road.

Ant prevention tips

To stop ants from taking over your home, we recommend the following ant prevention tips:

• Seal all cracks, gaps, and openings that may serve as entry points
• Store food in airtight containers
• Keep living spaces clean and free of food debris
• Repair leaking appliances or leaky pipes
• Replace water-damaged wood
• Run dehumidifiers in rooms that are prone to moisture issues
• Address any moisture problems

Warmer-than-normal temps may create the perfect environment for stinging insects

Yellow jackets, baldfaced hornets, and paper wasps all thrive during the summer months and will not be deterred by warmer-than-normal temperatures. In fact, it may have the opposite effect on these stinging pests. With more energy to seek out food, they have no trouble expanding their nests and growing their numbers.

Risks associated with stinging insects

Since some wasps are aerial nesters and others are ground nesters, and others are somewhere in between, there’s a good chance of encountering these pests when spending time outside. Whether you’re mowing your lawn, painting, or simply playing in the backyard, you should take care to avoid stinging insects and reduce your chances of being stung. As you probably already know, stings from yellow jackets and other stinging insects may produce a red, painful welt, but it could also trigger a severe allergic reaction and require medical attention.

How to protect yourself and family from stings this summer

Rather than spend the summer attending to stings or worrying about someone in your family being stung, we recommend implementing measures that can help you avoid encounters with stinging insects. Here are a few tips to accomplish that:

• Fill holes in your lawn
• Seal openings on your home’s exterior
• Keep outdoor trash cans closed
• When eating outside, keep dishes covered
• Don’t leave soda cans or other sugary drinks lying about outside
• Use caution when mowing your lawn and avoid holes that may house wasp nests
• Look up for nests in eaves and other protected areas of your home’s exterior
• Avoid wearing scented lotions and perfumes when spending time outdoors

Sign up for year-round home pest control with EnviroPest

Rather than worrying about the possibility of ants infesting your home or stinging insects causing problems, contact EnviroPest for year-round home pest control services that protect against both types of pests and many others!

Available in Denver, Boulder, Colorado Springs, and Loveland as well as throughout NoCo, our Colorado’s Choice Smart Service offers homeowners the best protection against nuisance and potentially harmful and/or destructive insects and rodents all year long. Check out our plan benefits below or reach out today if you’d like more info about our residential services!