Each summer, it seems like bugs are out in full force. While part of this is due to the fact that people are spending more time outside, most species of bugs really are more active during the summer. This is because insects are cold-blooded and can't regulate their body temperatures on their own. When winter hits, they either reduce their activities to avoid the cold or go through a natural cycle where adults lay eggs in the fall before dying off and are replaced by larvae that emerge when warm weather returns.
Here are some of the more common pests that follow the summer schedule
Bees, Wasps, and Hornets
Most bees, wasps, and hornets form annual colonies. As cold weather approaches, most adults begin to die off. It is only the queen that seeks shelter in small, warm locations like rotting logs or loose siding on a home to hibernate through the winter. When warm weather returns, the queen starts a new nest as worker bees begin to hatch. They will continue to build the nest throughout the summer before breeding with the queen in the fall so that the cycle continues.
Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes rely on water to breed. As water and air temperatures fall, adults become less active and may lay one final "raft" of mosquito eggs (normally around 300 eggs) before the winter while others go into hibernation. The first warm rain of spring awakens the hibernating adults and signals the eggs that it's time to hatch.
Flies
At the end of autumn before the winter months, female flies will seek a place to lay eggs. They normall choose dirty areas such as fecal matter or decaying organisms to lay eggs so their maggot offspring will have a food source. Once they have eaten enough, they will form a protective cocoon and hibernate for the winter. Once winter is over and spring rolls in, the flies will hatch from their cocoons, search for food, and reproduce.
Some flies, such as the cluster fly, will find shelter and hibernate in large groups, or clusters. They normally hide in cracks or crevices in structures but can also be found inside clothing, under furniture, While these flies won't harm you or your house, they can be very annoying and leave fecal matter in your home. Even worse, they can attract other pests such as spiders which can be a threat to you and your home.
Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are generally a year-round pest thanks to the fact that they live primarily indoors. However, the summer months are a prime time for the spread of bed bug infestations. One reason for that is the warmer weather and accompanying warmer indoor temperatures provides ideal breeding conditions. Another is that bed bugs hitchhiking in luggage and on clothing are more likely to survive when exposed to the outdoor air. Finally, summer vacations lead to people traveling more, and this increases the chances that they will come into contact with bed bugs.
Dealing with pests in the relaxing summer months can be quite irritating - especially when your trying to enjoy time outdoors. To get help with a summer infestation, contact the pest control experts at Breda Pest Management.
