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Summer in Ontario means long sunny days, warm evenings, and plenty of time outdoors, but it also means that pests are more active. From ants marching into the kitchen to mosquitoes buzzing around your backyard, summer pests can be more than just an annoyance. They can damage your home, spread germs, and even ruin your enjoyment of the season. Luckily, with a little preparation and consistent maintenance, you can keep them at bay.
Common Summer Pests in Ontario
Before you can protect your home, it helps to know what you’re up against. Some of the most common summer pests in Peterborough and the Kawarthas include:
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Ants – Often invade kitchens in search of food.
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Wasps and Hornets – Build nests under decks, in trees, or along rooflines.
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Mosquitoes – Breed in standing water and make evenings outdoors uncomfortable.
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Spiders – Seek shelter inside cool basements or damp areas.
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Mice – Though more common in colder months, some may sneak inside during summer for food and shelter.
Tips to Protect Your Home
1. Seal Entry Points
Pests don’t need much space to get inside. Inspect doors, windows, foundation cracks, and gaps around vents or pipes. Use caulking, weather stripping, or mesh screens to seal potential entryways.
2. Keep Things Clean
Food and water sources attract pests. Keep counters wiped, store food in sealed containers, and take out the garbage regularly. Don’t forget pet food dishes; they can be just as appealing to ants and rodents.
3. Manage Moisture
Many pests are drawn to damp environments. Fix leaky faucets, ensure your basement is well-ventilated, and clean out gutters so water drains away from your home.
4. Tidy Up Outdoors
Trim back shrubs, mow your lawn regularly, and avoid letting woodpiles or yard debris sit near your home’s foundation. These areas provide shelter for rodents, ants, and insects.
5. Eliminate Standing Water
Mosquitoes can breed in even the smallest amount of stagnant water. Empty birdbaths, buckets, and kiddie pools regularly, and make sure eavestroughs are draining properly.
6. Use Natural Deterrents
Herbs like mint, basil, and lavender can deter insects when planted around your yard or kept in pots near doorways. Essential oils such as citronella and peppermint are also popular natural repellents.
7. Know When to Call the Pros
If you’re dealing with a persistent infestation, like carpenter ants or wasps nesting near entryways, it may be time to contact a professional pest control service. They can identify the issue and safely treat it.
Enjoy a Pest-Free Summer
With some preventative steps, you can enjoy everything summer has to offer without uninvited guests invading your home. A little effort now saves frustration later and helps protect your property, your health, and your peace of mind.
