Discover the 8 most common summer pests that can invade your home and ruin your summer fun. Learn effective strategies and techniques to handle summer pests.

1. 8 Most Common Summer Pest and How
to Handle Them
Summer brings a host of delights.
However, along with picnics and poolside lounging, this season also
attracts some uninvited guests—summer pests.
From buzzing mosquitoes to pesky ants, these little intruders can
quickly turn your idyllic summer into a battle to protect your home.
But fear not! We will give you the knowledge to handle the most
common summer pests.
Summer Pests

2. Pest populations can go out of control during the summer
● Flies
When fly populations are not naturally controlled, it could lead to a
potential increase in fly numbers during late spring and summer.
Flies thrive in environments with exposed decaying garbage, organic
matter, and vegetation.

3. House flies and biting flies can be problematic and pose health risks
due to their feeding habits and potential disease transmission.
How to Get Rid of Flies
○ Implement proper waste and garbage management
practices, including regular disposal and using
receptacles with lids.
○ Position garbage bins away from door entrances.
○ Always keep doors closed to prevent flies from
entering.
○ Replace broken and worn-out screens to prevent flies
from entering.
○ Minimize the presence of ripe fruits and vegetables,
as they attract flies.

4. ○ Use fans or open windows strategically to create air
currents that deter flies from landing and settling in.
● Ants
Ants are social insects that operate in highly organized colonies.
When discovering a food source, they swiftly communicate its location
to their comrades using pheromone trails.
This cooperative behaviour explains why you often see a steady
stream of ants following one another, exploring your kitchen, and
infiltrating your cabinets.
How to Get Rid of Ants
○ Eliminate food sources by storing food in airtight
containers and promptly cleaning up spills.
○ Seal entry points like cracks, gaps, and openings in
windows, doors, and foundation walls.

5. ○ Consider using natural ant deterrents like vinegar,
lemon juice, or peppermint oil and applying them
along entry points.
○ Utilize ant baits and traps strategically placed near
ant trails and entry points.
● Earwigs
Earwigs, commonly found in Ontario from mid-June to October, may
appear intimidating with their noticeable pincers, but they do not harm
humans or structures.
They are outdoor creatures that inhabit damp areas, such as under
mulch, dead leaves, rotten wood, logs, and stones, where they feed
on decaying plant material.
How to Get Rid of Earwigs
○ Reduce moisture and dampness near the foundation
of your home.
○ Seal any cracks, gaps, or openings where earwigs
may enter.

6. ○ Remove or relocate mulch, logs, and firewood away
from the house.
○ Use dehumidifiers or fans to decrease humidity
indoors.
○ Install door sweeps and weatherstripping to prevent
earwigs from entering.
● Wasps
Wasps can be invasive and aggressive summertime pests, known for
defending their nests by swarming and stinging intruders.
Unlike bees, they can sting repeatedly, making them potentially
dangerous around your home.
During the summer, wasps are active, building nests and raising
young, which can result in large populations by fall.
How to Get Rid of Wasps

7. ○ Identify and locate the wasp nests around your
property.
○ Keep children and pets away from areas with active
wasp nests.
○ Avoid swatting or provoking wasps, as it may trigger
defensive behaviour.
○ Use wasp traps or professional pest control services
to eliminate or relocate nests.
● Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes can pose health and safety risks, potentially transmitting
diseases like West Nile Virus and encephalitis.
While mosquitoes in Canada are less likely to spread diseases
compared to tropical regions, their bites can still cause considerable
discomfort.

8. These relentless insects are commonly found near stagnant water
sources and are most active during sunset, at night, or in dense
shade.
How to Get Rid of Mosquitoes
○ Wear long sleeves, long pants, and socks to cover
exposed skin when spending time outdoors.
○ Use mosquito repellent.
○ Ensure that windows and doors have screens to keep
mosquitoes out.
○ Drain any standing water that accumulates around
your property.
○ Use outdoor fans or install mosquito traps to reduce
their presence in your immediate surroundings.
○ Fill in any redundant ditches or holes in your yard to
prevent water accumulation.

9. ○ Trim back tall grass and bushes, as mosquitoes tend
to rest in shaded areas during the day.
● Fleas
Fleas are a major concern for pet owners and can be frustrating.
These parasites feed on the blood of their hosts and can cause
discomfort and health issues.
While fleas can be a year-round problem, they become more
prominent during summer when pets spend more time outside.
How to Get Rid of Fleas
○ Check for signs of fleas, such as excessive
scratching, redness, or flea dirt on your pets’ fur.
○ Consult your veterinarian for topical spot-on
treatments, oral medications, or flea collars for your
pets.

10. ○ Vacuum your home thoroughly, paying attention to
areas where your pets spend time, such as carpets,
rugs, furniture, and bedding.
○ Wash your pets’ bedding in hot water regularly to kill
any fleas or eggs present.
● Spiders
While many spider species are beneficial in controlling the insect
population, some can quickly breed and become a pest in your home
and backyard.
It’s important to take proactive measures to handle and prevent spider
infestations.
How to Get Rid of Spiders
○ Seal these entry points like holes, gaps, and cracks to
prevent spiders from entering your home.

11. ○ Declutter and remove potential hiding spots for
spiders, such as piles of wood, debris, or unused
items.
○ Vacuum and dust the corners and ceiling of your
home regularly to remove spider webs and egg sacs.
○ Trim shrubs, bushes, and vegetation around your
home to reduce spider habitats.
● Cockroaches
Flooding can bring about an increased risk of cockroach infestations.
These resilient pests can be flushed out from underground sewer
systems and find their way into urban structures.
The moist conditions resulting from floods also create an attractive
environment for cockroaches.
As a homeowner, taking proactive measures to handle and prevent
cockroach infestations is crucial.

12. How to Get Rid of Cockroaches
○ Remove crumbs and spills from surfaces to eliminate
potential food sources for cockroaches.
○ Keep food in tightly sealed containers to deny
cockroaches access to their food source.
○ Use a dehumidifier to lower humidity levels and
create an unfavourable cockroach environment.
○ Repair leaky pipes and faucets to eliminate easily
accessible water sources for cockroaches.
○ Take out the trash regularly.
○ Remove clutter, especially cardboard boxes, which
can serve as their hiding places.

13. ○ Close off entry points by sealing crevices and
openings in walls and floors to prevent cockroaches
from entering your home.
How to Deal With These Summer
Pests
Removing pest nesting grounds can reduce infestation

14. ● Pest-proof your property
Make ongoing efforts to prevent pests from entering your living or
working space.
Implement measures such as sealing entry points, repairing cracks,
and maintaining proper sanitation to keep pests outside where they
belong.
● Get treatment from a professional pest control
Consult a licensed expert for comprehensive and effective treatments.
Off-the-shelf products and DIY techniques often fall short of resolving
pest issues.
Professional-grade products with enduring residuals are crucial for
long-lasting pest control.
● Address pest problems promptly
If you notice signs of pests or suspect a pest infestation, it is crucial to
seek professional help as soon as possible.

15. Delaying pest control measures can lead to more extensive and costly
issues.
Act now to prevent pest infestations from becoming more costly and
troublesome.
Trust Pro Pest delivers effective pest-proofing services, ensuring pests
stay out of your home or business.
Call us at 416-487-4179 to schedule a consultation and take the first
step towards a pest-free environment.