Summer isn’t officially over yet, but it’s never too early to start talking about household pest prevention. Stinging insects like yellowjackets and wasps are sticking around for a few more months, but Franklin Pest Solutions has some great tips to ensure your summer stays sting-free!
DON’T STINGING INSECTS ONLY SHOW UP IN THE SUMMER?
Unfortunately, no. While everyone’s favorite season is rife with wasps, bees, hornets, yellow jackets, and the like, the end of the summer is also very important to the life cycle of these pests. This is the time of year when they collect their food to store over the winter as they hibernate, and because of that they’re more likely to sting if provoked or have their nest disturbed. Here’s some info about it from one of our reps and the NPMA:
“Although the weather may start to cool as we move into the fall months, stinging insects do not disappear as quickly and, in fact, are often more aggressive and active at this time because they forage for food that will sustain them throughout wintertime,” one of our Franklin Pest Solutions representatives said recently. “As the summer season comes to a close, people should still take steps to prevent and avoid nearby stinging insect activity, especially as stinging insects send more than 500,000 people to the emergency room each year, according to the National Pest Management Association (NPMA).”
We really don’t want to be bringing up the end of summer already, but we promise thinking about the future will be well worth it. The NPMA has released some important household pest prevention tips to make sure you and your home stay stinger-free for the remainder of this lovely warm season:
- Seal cracks and crevices: Seal all visible cracks and crevices to keep stingers from moving indoors, and regularly inspect around the house’s perimeter for nests.
- Keep food covered: During a picnic or cookout, cover all food when outside and be sure to keep tight fitting lids on trash bins.
- Drink out of clear containers: Stinging insects can sneak into cans unnoticed, so it’s important to be able to see that a liquid is pest-free when drinking it.
- Avoid excessive use of fragrances: If spending long periods of time outdoors, skip the perfume or cologne, as yellowjackets and other stinging insects are attracted to sweet-smelling fragrances. When possible, choose unscented shampoos, soaps, lotions and sunscreen.
- Adjust wardrobe: Avoid wearing dark colors and floral prints, as these patterns can attract stinging insects. Wear closed-toe shoes, especially in grassy areas where hornets and other pests often nest.
- Remain calm, cool and collected: Do not swat at stingers or flail in a panic—these movements may actually provoke an attack. Instead, remain calm and slowly walk away from the area. The insect should fly away without causing any harm.
THERE’S A WASP NEST NEAR MY HOME, CAN’T I JUST KNOCK IT DOWN MYSELF?
Absolutely not! While this might seem easy, it’s always, always best to leave nest removal to the professionals. We’re called experts for a reason, and we don’t want you to get hurt! Just remember we’re easy to contact, and your quotes will always be free, no matter what season. We’ll keep you and your home pest free all year-round!
