Summer in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) is all about the outdoors, backyard barbecues and heat. Unfortunately, the warmer temperatures also mean peak activity periods of many unwanted household pests. As they become more active, they will often enter your home in search of food, water, and shelter.
Here at Maple Pest Control, we know how quickly a small pest problem can escalate into a full-blown infestation. To help you stay prepared, we’ve compiled the top 5 summer pests we see in the GTA and the best ways to deal with them.
1. Ants
As the ground warms up, the busy ants are in a hurry. Sugar ants can invade your kitchen, and carpenter ants can destroy wooden structures, but they can be very persistent.
How to Control: Keep your kitchen surfaces clean, put food in airtight containers and seal entry points. If you see a constant trail of ants, it’s best to call the professionals to find the colony. Spraying just the visible ants usually does not solve the problem.
2. Hornets & Wasps
Nothing kills a summer patio session faster than a wasp nest nearby. They become more aggressive in late summer when their colonies are at their peak size.
How to Manage: Regularly check eaves, soffits, and decks for signs of nest-building. Do not attempt to remove a wasp nest yourself. They can be dangerous if provoked. Hire a professional pest removal company. It is the safest option.
3. Cockroaches.
The humidity of summer is a perfect setting for cockroaches to flourish. They are masters at hiding and reproducing quickly, making them a health hazard for your home.
How to Control: Remove moisture sources by repairing leaking pipes and keeping areas such as basements and under-sink cabinets dry. See one, and there are probably plenty more hiding. Special baiting and treatment programs are needed for effective extermination.
4. Spider
Most spiders are harmless, but an increase in spiders in your home is never a welcome sight. The summer surge in other insect activity provides a feast for spiders, prompting them to spin webs in your corners, basements and garages.
How to manage: Regular dusting and vacuuming of webs can help deter them, but for persistent problems, targeted pest control treatments can provide a barrier to keep them out.
5. Rats and mice
Rodents are active all year, despite their association with winter. In the summer, they go inside to escape the heat or to find food within reach.
How to Control: Rodents can enter through small holes. Use steel wool or hardware cloth to seal gaps outside; If you hear scratching in your walls or ceilings, don’t hesitate to call us. We can help to prevent property damage and health hazards.
Keep Your Home Free of Pests This Summer
Don’t let pests take over your summer. If you have a recurring problem or a new infestation, the experts at Maple Pest Control can help. We provide fast, effective and eco-friendly solutions for your property.
Got a question now?
Call Maple Pest Control today for a free estimate.