Dealing with Common Late Summer Pests

An American dog tick

While what we refer to as “pest season” ends in the middle of summer, this doesn’t mean that the late summer season is free of pests entirely. In fact, there are several kinds of pests that thrive in these conditions in Vermont. Preventing these pests for the rest of the summer means making regular efforts to ensure that your property is in inviting them in. To learn about late summer pests and the prevention techniques that our technicians at Vermont Pest Control recommend you use against them, read on!

Pests to Look Out For in Late Summer

Several kinds of critters to just find in the heat and relative aridity of the late summer. These are the pests that we are most often called to deal with in August and September:

  • Ticks: These parasitic arachnids lurk in large numbers in the forests of Vermont. Because they breed in the late spring and early summer, tick numbers are at their highest right about now.
  • Wildlife: If an animal hibernates during the winter, it means that they will be out and about all summer, taking advantage of the favorable conditions. Raccoons, possums, and squirrels commonly cause property damage in the late summer.
  • Bees and wasps: If you host regular outdoor get-togethers or have a habit of leaving food out, you can easily attract bees and wasps, or even incentivize them to build a nearby nest.
  • Mosquitoes: Mosquitoes are a tricky pest to deal with because if you don’t prevent their ability to breed, they can stick around in large numbers through the summer and into the fall.

How Can I Prevent Pests in Late Summer?

While we encourage all of our customers to lead with natural, DIY pest prevention, it is important to know that any serious pest infestation should be addressed by a licensed exterminator right away. That said, we advise you to add these measures to your routines to keep late summer pests away:

  1. Seal gaps shut: You could have tiny gaps or cracks in your fencing, roofing, siding, foundation, windows, or doors that you’ve never paid close attention to. These holes could be used as pest entryways, so seal what you can with a silicone-based caulk and install screens where needed.
  2. Be cautious with garbage: Taking out the trash frequently and using sealable outdoor bins will go a long way in preventing bees, wasps, wildlife, and other pests.
  3. Eliminate standing water: Mosquitoes will breed in even the tiniest of standing water pools, so you have to cover or pour it out wherever you find it on your property. Be sure to double-check gutters, planter boxes, and other receptacles.
  4. Do regular yard maintenance: Get rid of grass clippings and leaf piles promptly, trim your trees and shrubs back, and take regular decluttering sweeps to prevent pests from finding hiding places.

Late Summer Pest Control in Vermont

Sometimes you discover a pest infestation before you have the time to do anything about it. If you’re dealing with an outbreak of any kind of pests that’s getting out of hand, let your local pest control company know. Our licensed and certified technicians at Vermont Pest Control can assess your property for the cause of the infestation, quickly handle the pest problem, and teach you how to prevent similar ones going forward. For a free quote, contact us today!

Worried About Animals in the Attic?

Squirrel on Vermont home roof - Vermont Pest Control

Whether you’re gathered in the kitchen with your family or trying to sleep at night, hearing noises and movement coming from your attic is enough to frighten anyone. While feeling a presence in your home may lead some to believe they’re living the plot of a B-list horror movie, the reality is that a nuisance wildlife problem is underway. Wild animals often gain access to our homes through the roof, where they take up residence in the attic. It goes without saying that no one wants any animals making themselves at home in their attic.

The experts at Vermont Pest Control understand how stressful wildlife problems can be, especially if they make their way into your home. Provided by our experts, we have all the information you need about potential infestations in your attic.

Common Wildlife in Vermont Homes

We’re no strangers to wild animals roaming around our neighborhoods here in Vermont. But how do they get inside? Any animal that can access your roof can likely squeeze their way into your attic if given the chance. The five pests that are the most likely culprits for invading your attic include the following:

  1. Bats: Possibly the most dangerous attic dweller is the bat. Bat waste is toxic and can cause health risks.
  2. Birds: Hearing chirping noises or fluttering indicates you could have a nest of birds in your attic. They have a harder time leaving once they’re inside.
  3. Rats & mice: These rodents can make some of the loudest noises with their scratching, chewing, squeaking, and running. The roof rat is the most common rodent in attics.
  4. Squirrels: All types of squirrels can squeeze in through tiny openings and are feared for their ability to chew through wires.
  5. Raccoons: Female raccoons are known to nest in attics, and can come and go during the day and night. Chattering noises may indicate a nest of baby raccoons.

What to Do When You Have an Animal in the Attic

Don’t try to find a wild animal that you think is living in your attic on your own. When you try to get rid of the animal, bat, or bird on your own, you are not only putting yourself and your family at risk, but also the animal. It is possible for wild animals to carry rabies and bite if they feel threatened. For this reason alone, a professional should always be consulted. When you hire a humane wildlife removal company like Vermont Pest Control, you can rest assured that the safest traps will be used to capture and relocate any wild animal.

Humane Nuisance Wildlife Removal

At Vermont pest Control, we know how stressful it can be to discover wildlife in your attic. Wildlife can also pose a threat to your family. In addition to inspecting your home thoroughly, our animal removal experts can prevent wild animals from entering your attic in the future by putting preventative measures into place. For more information, contact us today!

Overwintering Pests in Vermont

Raccoons are a common overwintering pest in Vermont - Vermont Pest Control

An overwintering pest is any insect or wild animal that gets into your property, typically in the fall, for shelter during the winter months. Rather than hibernate during the cold winter, these pests will nest and remain active in your attic or crawl space until spring rolls around. Needless to say, pest activity in your home this time of year is something no one wants to deal with. Thankfully, there are a number of ways you can prevent overwintering pests in Vermont homes. Keep reading to learn our top tips to keep pests out of your attic every winter.

What Overwintering Pests are Common in Vermont?

Just as you look to spend more time indoors in the winter to escape the dropping temperatures outdoors, so do pests! A few of the most common pests and wild animals that try to get inside this time of year include:

  • House mice: Many mice prefer secluded areas and will look to nest in your attic using insulation and other stored items.
  • Rats: Different types of rats can squeeze their way inside and take up residence in the attic.
  • Bats: Big brown bats will roost in an attic and use it as their cave. Bats can create a big mess with their droppings.
  • Raccoons: Raccoons are strong climbers and can make their way into your attic to escape dropping temperatures outside.
  • Squirrels: The attic is the perfect place for squirrels to burrow and hide out the colder months.

Tips & Tricks to Keep Pests Out This Winter

Every year, it’s important to learn how to protect your home against winter pest problems. Some of the best ways to prevent overwintering pests include the following measures.

  1. In your attic, organize all items and eliminate any clutter. Use plastic bins instead of cardboard boxes for storage.
  2. Inspect both inside out outside the attic, and seal any cracks or crevices with caulk or steel wool.
  3. Secure your chimney with a chimney cap, and install wire mesh over any vents or holes.
  4. Trim overhanging tree branches, overgrown bushes, and vines away from your home to limit roof access to pests.
  5. Ensure your garbage cans are securely stored in your hard with tight-fitting lids to keep pests out.

Winter Pest Infestations

This time of year, no one wants to share their home with pests. If you suspect there are rodents or other pests taking shelter in your attic, it’s important to contact the professionals at Vermont Pest Control. Pests residing in your home can be dangerous and hazardous—give us a call to get rid of them safely.