The Most Dangerous Bugs of Summer Call for Different Solutions

Summer is in full swing. Time to enjoy outdoor fun with family and friends. No one wants to think about dangerous bugs and the harm they might cause.

Dangerous bugs are those that pose a danger to our health and our property. Here are some of the most common culprits and how we can try to steer clear of them.

Mosquitoes

When we think about mosquitoes we think about those annoying itchy mosquito bites. But mosquito control is important because these pests are responsible for the deaths of more than 1 million people worldwide due to mosquito-borne illnesses such as Malaria, Zika virus, dengue fever, and yellow fever, according to the American Mosquito Control Association.

Ticks

Ticks are parasites belonging to the arachnid family. They attach to mammals and feed on blood. They cannot jump or fly, so they lay in wait in the grass or a bush until someone brushes up against them. The most common disease spread by ticks is Lyme, but they can also be the cause of Rocky Mountain spotted fever, babesiosis, and anaplasmosis. The Centers for Disease Control reports that tick-borne illnesses have more than doubled in the past decade.

Spiders

Most spiders are beneficial because of the many insects they consume but rarely do people perceive them as beneficial. They mostly creep us out. Two spiders to definitely steer clear of are Black Widows and Brown Recluses. They will hide out in woodpiles and where there is undisturbed debris. These spiders release venom that causes pain, nerve issues, and swelling.

Termites

Termites are less of a health risk than a home wrecker, causing millions in damages each year to residential and commercial structures. Termite control is necessary and begins with a termite inspection.

Fire Ants

These ants live in mounds that contain anywhere from 100,000 to 500,000 insects. They latch onto victims and keep injecting venom until they’re brushed off. Bites burn and then turn into fluid-filled pustules.

Bees

Bees are mostly helpful pollinators, and even Africanized bees do not act out of aggression. They’re dangerous though to people who have allergies which can cause anaphylactic shock. The added danger of Africanized bees is that they tend to attack as a swarm, delivering multiple stings.

Wasps

While bees tend to sting only once, wasps such as hornets can deliver multiple stings. On the positive side, their stings usually cause only minor irritation, swelling, and redness.

Prevention Tips

• Try to stay indoors at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active or wear repellent.
• Mosquitoes need only a thimbleful of water to breed, so eliminate all standing water including swimming pool covers and flower pots.
• Keep window screens in good condition.
• Wear long sleeves, long pants, and closed shoes when outdoors and in wooded areas.
• Wear a repellent containing DEET on exposed skin.
• Where light-colored clothing and no perfume to deter stinging insects and to better notice ticks.
• Mow your lawn regularly and remove weeds, debris, and woodpiles.
• Inspect yourself and your family and pets after spending time outdoors.

Call Ecola

Ecola provides a wide range of pest control solutions including natural termite control. There’s no doubt that many types of pests become more plentiful and active during the summer months. Call Ecola at 800-471-BUGS (2847) to discover how you can keep the dangerous summer bugs bugging you at bay.