Please note that some links may earn commission or revenue for Hearst Magazines and Yahoo. Maintaining your home is a year-round task. While certain chores, such as clearing leaves and cleaning gutters, are seasonal and can be done promptly, others require careful planning to be effective. Backyard pests, though not bothersome until the warmer seasons of spring and summer, necessitate preventive measures to keep them away after their dormant period. While mosquitos and flies are ever-present, pest expert Emma Grace Crumbley, an entomologist at Mosquito Squad Plus, cautions against four invasive species to be wary of this summer.
With each passing year growing hotter due to climate change, the temperature rises earlier than before. These changing climate patterns result in bugs being active for longer periods and in greater numbers. “We are experiencing a shortened cold season and prolonged warm season,” Crumbley explains. “This shift resembles a tropical environment rather than the usual long, cold season.” Environmental cues signaling bugs and pests to emerge from dormancy lead to extended life cycles for these creatures. To discover more about these invasive species and how to safeguard your home and garden from them, continue reading for Crumbley’s recommendations.
Japanese Beetles
A significant threat to gardens, Japanese beetles are invasive and currently widespread in 42 out of the 48 contiguous United States, as stated by Crumbley. While not harmful to humans, these beetles can cause extensive damage to gardens and crops. “Adult beetles feed on leaves, flowers, and fruits of numerous plants, potentially damaging crop yields or distressing home gardeners,” Crumbley notes. “The beetle larvae are even more troublesome, feeding on and cutting plant roots, ultimately leading to plant demise.” Monitoring your garden, identifying unhealthy plants, repotting them in fresh soil, and physically removing the beetles can be helpful. For severe infestations, Crumbley suggests consulting a professional pest control expert.
Joro Spider
Having originated from Asia in the early 2010s, the Joro spider is more of an annoyance than a significant health or damage threat. Known for constructing robust and extensive webs with a thread-like texture instead of traditional spider silk, these orb weaver spiders can rebuild their webs rapidly, making them a persistent presence. “Although these spiders do not pose a threat to humans or vegetation, it’s advisable to be vigilant as they continue to spread,” Crumbley advises. Sporting bright yellow stripes, the Joro spider is notably large. October marks the peak time for these spiders, particularly in southern states like Georgia and Alabama. Conventional spider repellents are effective against these resilient architects.
Asian Longhorned Tick
Among the most perilous bugs listed, the Asian longhorn tick can transmit diseases to humans and large livestock such as cattle. Similar to other tick species, this type prefers tall grass and dense vegetation for habitation.
The Poasen virus and anaplasmosis can affect humans, but its primary impact is on spreading diseases among cattle. Fortunately, standard tick prevention measures are effective in combating this issue. According to Crumbley, the same protocols for tick control apply to homeowners as well. This includes wearing long clothing in areas of long grass to prevent tick bites by covering exposed skin. The same precautions should be taken with household pets like dogs and outdoor cats. Regularly checking them for ticks and continuing to use effective tick prevention methods is essential for their well-being.
Moving on to another pest concern, Crumbley highlights the brown marmorated stink bug, also known as BMSB. While it poses a significant threat to agricultural crops such as eggplants and hazelnuts, this stink bug can also be a nuisance for homeowners. Similar to other stink bugs, BMSBs tend to infiltrate homes when the weather cools down, seeking refuge in warm, dark areas like attics and basements. To distinguish them from regular stink bugs, pay attention to the intensity of the chemical odor they emit, which is stronger than that of typical stink bugs. Additionally, BMSBs are known to be persistent and somewhat aggressive in their attempts to enter buildings. To prevent their entry, it is recommended to seal any small cracks or crevices that could serve as entry points. Even minor gaps, such as a loose weather strip on the front door, could provide access for these pesky insects.
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