Summer in Northern Nevada brings sunshine, warmth, and more time spent outdoors. Unfortunately, it also signals peak season for many unwanted pests. As temperatures rise, insects and rodents become more active, searching for food, water, and shelter. Homeowners may encounter sudden increases in ants, spiders, rodents, and stinging insects like wasps and hornets. Knowing which summer pests are most common and how to prevent them can protect your home and yard from infestations.
Ants: Small Invaders with Big Impact
Ants are among the most persistent summer pests in Northern Nevada. Drawn to moisture and food, they often invade kitchens, pantries, patios, and even wall voids. While many ants are simply a nuisance, others can contaminate food or build colonies that compromise structural materials.
To keep ants away during summer:
- Seal entry points: Caulk cracks in windows, doors, and foundations.
- Eliminate food sources: Clean up spills immediately and store food in sealed containers.
- Control moisture: Fix leaky faucets and eliminate excess water around sinks or baseboards.
- Trim landscaping: Keep shrubs and trees from touching the house, which serves as a bridge.
Regular inspections can also help catch early signs of activity. Use this seasonal pest checklist as a guide to stay ahead of issues as summer progresses.
Spiders: Web Builders in Hidden Places
Spiders thrive during warm months, especially when insect populations are high. While most spiders in Nevada are harmless, some species, like the black widow, can pose a health risk. Spiders typically seek out undisturbed, dark areas to build webs, including garages, sheds, eaves, and crawlspaces.
Reducing spider activity involves both prevention and control:
- Declutter storage areas: Cardboard boxes, firewood, and unused tools provide excellent hiding spots.
- Vacuum corners and baseboards regularly: Removing webs helps reduce their food supply.
- Minimize exterior lighting: Bright lights attract insects, which in turn draw spiders.
It’s also smart to reduce the general insect population around your home, as spiders follow food. Professional inspections are often necessary to locate nests in inaccessible areas.
Wasps & Hornets: Dangerous Summer Nuisances
Among the most aggressive summer pests, wasps and hornets are territorial and can pose serious threats if nests are built near entryways, eaves, or play areas. Northern Nevada residents often encounter paper wasps and yellowjackets during summer, especially in July and August when colonies are most active.
Prevent wasp and hornet problems with the following strategies:
- Inspect for early nests: Small paper nests can appear under decks, railings, or attic vents.
- Seal trash cans: Wasps are drawn to food scraps and sugary liquids.
- Avoid scented attractants: Perfumed plants or open sweet drinks can attract stinging insects.
- Keep doors and windows screened: Prevent accidental entry into living spaces.
Attempting to remove nests without proper gear or experience can be dangerous. Professionals are trained to handle these pests safely, especially when nests are near high-traffic areas.
Mice and Rats: Seeking Shelter from Heat
Mice and rats are year-round pests, but summer heat often drives them indoors in search of cooler environments. Garages, basements, and attics can become attractive shelters. Once inside, rodents may chew wires, damage insulation, and contaminate surfaces with droppings.
To deter rodents during the hotter months:
- Seal gaps larger than a dime: Rodents can squeeze through surprisingly small openings.
- Store pet food and bird seed securely: These are common attractants left in garages or sheds.
- Remove debris from around the home: Piles of leaves, wood, or unused equipment create nesting zones.
- Keep landscaping trimmed: Dense ground cover provides excellent shelter.
Rodent prevention requires constant vigilance. Consistent inspection is key, as detailed in this article on why regular pest inspections help homeowners maintain a healthy, pest-free environment.
Insects: The Broader Warm-Weather Threat
Beyond ants and spiders, summer in Northern Nevada brings a wide range of general insects, including beetles, moths, and earwigs. These insects are drawn to light, moisture, and shelter. While not all pose a direct threat, their presence can indicate deeper pest issues.
Here are several best practices to reduce insect activity around your home:
- Keep windows and doors sealed: Install weather stripping and use screens in good condition.
- Use motion-activated lighting: Bright outdoor lights attract many nocturnal insects.
- Clean gutters and downspouts: Clogged systems trap moisture, drawing insect activity.
- Control yard moisture: Overwatering plants or having leaky irrigation increases pest risk.
A rise in general insect presence may also signal conditions that attract other pests like rodents or spiders. An integrated approach to landscaping, moisture control, and routine checks is essential.
Enjoy Summer Without the Pests
A beautiful Nevada summer should be spent outdoors, not fighting off pests. For complete protection against ants, spiders, rodents, and other summer invaders, contact Peak Pest Control and keep your home safe, comfortable, and pest-free all season long.
