Summer Pests Heading Indoors!

It’s not a myth that some weather components, especially temperature and moisture, play a vital role in affecting the life cycle and habitation of pests.

For insects, higher temperatures increase the speed of their life cycle. This leads to a quicker mature speed and less time between generations. That’s why we see more insects in warmer times of the year.

Pests in general change their behaviors to better adjust themselves against the heat. Finding shelter to avoid the extreme weather is vital for survival. With a heatwave gripping multiple states in the U.S., pests in these areas start marching indoors to seek shelter. You may have noticed it already – ants gather around your sink, trashcans, or enter into bathrooms; spiders nest around your windows or hide in shaded areas like garages, basements, and crawl spaces. You may also find spiders looking to set up their webs in your shower! Scorpions are now heavily invading homes as well, crawling into dark places like garages, cabinets, and closets to escape the heat.

Among all the pests that have the potential to be spotted indoors, scorpions might be the scariest. Most scorpions in the U.S. are found in the Southwest region; they come in many sizes and colors, but are usually pale gold or tan and do not grow larger than a few inches long. There are 90 species of scorpions in the United States but only one, the Arizona bark scorpion, has venom deadly enough to kill a human. This species is usually yellow-brown and less than three inches long. Even though most scorpion stings are not deadly, their stings are still very painful, so it is best to avoid them.

To avoid unpleasant encounters with scorpions in and around your home:

• Eliminate standing water
• Seal cracks and crevices, especially around doors and windows where they can gain access to your home
• Inspect cabinets, closets, and other dark places on a regular basis
• Clear away brush, debris, and woodpiles from the perimeter of your home. Keep firewood about 30 feet away
• Scorpions feed on other insects such as crickets, turn outdoor lights off at night will help prevent crickets from gathering around your home

If you have already spotted a scorpion in or around your home, you can try to remove it yourself by scooping it into an empty container and discarding it right away. But be sure to proceed with caution, wearing protective clothing such as gloves and long sleeves is strongly recommended.

If you’d prefer not to approach these critters yourself, HomeTeam Pest Defense is always here to help! Call 855-855-4873 to schedule an appointment or request a quote now so you can help protect your family today.