Unlike raccoons, snakes enjoy basking in the heat of the sun.
Pest issues don’t go away in the summer. In fact, this season has its own list of animal control issues that you’ll have to contend with. Each species of animal has habits that are unique to those animals. With that said, some of those habits will come with behaviors that attract them to your property or even into your home. Here are four pest issues to look out for this summer.
Watch for Bats
Having bats in the attic is not an issue that’s reserved for the fall or winter; they’ll also take the opportunity to enter your attic in the summer as well. In fact, bats use the summer to migrate between their time of roosts and winter hibernation. You’ll want to catch the bats early as they’ll start damaging your property when they grow into larger numbers. To look for any bat activity in your attic, go outside after the sun goes down and inspect your roofline to see if you can spot them coming in and out of your attic.
Raccoons from Below
Raccoons are also known for making a home in the attic, but as the summer sun beats down on them, they’ll often take up residence under your deck instead as it will feel cooler in the summer. Raccoons are known for consuming more food in the summer to get fatter in preparation to survive the winter. To keep up with this enhanced appetite, they’ll also look through your trash cans, dig up your garden, and steal dog and cat food for themselves, leaving a mess behind them that you’ll have to clean on a regular basis. Keep your trash cans secure and consider installing a fence around your garden to keep the raccoons at bay.
Snakes in Your Yard
Unlike raccoons, snakes enjoy basking in the heat of the sun. You’ll usually spot them out in the open on your property. While some have colors that contrast with the grass, others blend in and are harder to see with the untrained eye. Because people spend more time outside in the summer, there’s a heightened desire to protect family and friends from bites. It’s best to call an expert to have the snakes removed.
Spotting Groundhogs
Homeowners that have large yards will probably see their share of groundhogs in the summer. As far as pests go, they can impact your vegetable gardens and damage fruit trees. Have animal control specialists assess your concerns and help with repellents.
Common Summer Pests Unique to Maryland’s Environment and Climate
Common Summer Pests Unique to Maryland’s Environment and Climate
Maryland’s hot, humid summers create ideal breeding conditions for a range of pests that can invade homes, yards, and businesses. While pest problems are common nationwide, certain species are particularly active in this region due to its mix of coastal climate, wooded areas, and urban density.
Mosquitoes are one of the most widespread summer nuisances in Maryland. With an abundance of standing water sources – from backyard birdbaths to marshy lowlands – they reproduce quickly and can carry diseases such as West Nile virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis. Their presence spikes after periods of heavy rain or flooding.
Ticks are another high-risk pest, especially in wooded or grassy parts of the state. Deer ticks (blacklegged ticks) are common throughout Maryland and are known carriers of Lyme disease. The risk increases during the summer as people and pets spend more time outdoors.
Ants, particularly odorous house ants and carpenter ants, are also common invaders during warmer months. Once they find a food source, they’re quick to form trails into kitchens, pantries, and garbage areas. Carpenter ants pose a bigger threat, potentially damaging wooden structures over time.
Stinging insects like yellow jackets and paper wasps are aggressive in the late summer. These insects build nests in shrubs, under decks, and even inside wall voids. They often become more hostile in August and early September as their colonies reach full size.
Staying ahead of these pests means staying alert and taking preventive action early in the season. Regular yard maintenance, eliminating standing water, and sealing cracks or gaps around your home can go a long way in keeping Maryland’s most active summer pests at bay.
Have an Animal Problem on Your Property? Give Us a Call!
Shumaker’s Animal Control has over 25 years of experience in the animal and pest control field. Whatever your problem, we can help remedy the situation and restore your home (or yard) back to normal. Give us a call at (443) 854-8072 or contact us online today to see how we can help you! For more information on household and neighborhood pests and how to protect your family, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.
