Bees, Wasps, Mosquitoes, and Ants Are Out In FULL FORCE This Summer
Thursday, July 29, 2010
It’s the time of the year when children are outside playing games and the grill is always sizzling with delicious summer fare. While it is nice to be outside enjoying the warm weather, it’s not fun getting stung by one of summer’s most infamous pests: fire ants, wasps, mosquitoes and yellowjackets. These potentially harmful pests can rapidly invade an outdoor living space, quickly putting an end to your summer fun.
“Stinging insects send more than half a million people to the emergency room every year,” said Arrow Pest Control Expert Shay Runion. “Fire ants, in particular, can prove to be extremely dangerous to young children. What might appear to be a tall mound of dirt in the yard or sandbox is actually a fire ant mound. Simply touching the nest with a stick, can aggravate it, potentially leading to multiple, painful stings.”
Here is some information about these pests and the necessary steps to prevent them from overtaking your outdoor living space:
* Red Imported Fire Ants: Fire ants get their name from the painful sting they leave behind on their victims. Known for the large nests they built in tall mounds, fire ants can usually be found in landscaped areas or near the foundation of a home. To prevent fire ants from entering the home, seal all cracks in and around the home.
* Mosquitoes: Mosquitoes are summer’s most “notorious” pests, known for the painful, itchy welts they can leave behind after attacking their victims. Mosquitoes are willing to go the distance to get what they want, often traveling up to 14 miles to feed. Mosquitoes can also mature from eggs to adults very quickly, usually in 10 -to- 14 days. They lay their eggs in stagnant water. Mosquitoes are most active during dusk and dawn hours. Where possible, remove all sources of standing water from your property and don’t forget about unused swimming pools!
* Wasps: Wasps are the most aggressive of the summer insects. They are unique in that they do not need to be provoked to show their aggression, often attacking humans for no apparent reason. One wasp can sting its victim multiple times, leaving behind localized pain and swelling and can cause more serious allergic reactions in some cases. Wasp nests are found near roofs and in plants. If a wasp nest is found on a property, a pest professional should be contacted immediately.
* Yellowjackets: Yellowjackets typically create their nests in the ground, attics or basements. If their nest is disturbed, yellowjackets will attack and potentially sting their victim multiple times. Yellowjackets feed on protein and sweets, so it is important to keep all food covered, in a sealed container when having an outdoor barbeque. It is also important to make sure all trash cans have a secure lid.
- Information gathered from Arrow Exterminating
Posted in: Intown Atlanta Real Estate News