Wisconsin’s Most Common Summer Bugs

Here are some of the most common summer bugs in Wisconsin…

While the warm summer air brings most of us outside, the hot Wisconsin summer may attract insects inside our homes we don’t typically see in the winter. We will go over some of the common summer bugs in Wisconsin, what you can do to get rid of them and how you can prevent them from ruining your summer. Keep reading to learn more!

Ants

There are a few main types of ants you may find in your home during the summer – carpenter ants, pharaoh ants, house ants, and thief ants. Other Wisconsin ants, like acrobat ants, field ants, and pavement ants can also find their way inside your home.  Many of these ants are attracted to the inside of your home by leftover food on the floors or countertops. If not taken care of, they can create nests, contaminate your food and potentially introduce diseases inside your home. While it is always a good idea to clean up spills and food, if the infestation is bad enough, you will need some professional help.

Asian Beetles

Even though Asian Beetles look similar to ladybugs, they are very different. Asian Beetles emit a foul smelling, yellow liquid from their legs when they feel threatened. They hibernate throughout the cold months until early spring. Since they like to cluster in warmer areas, you will often find them in the south or southwestern side of your home. These beetles can be difficult to get rid of so we suggest contacting K & C Pest Control to help you out. To help prevent future Asian Beetles from coming in, make sure all of your doors and windows are sealed tightly. 

Boxelder Bugs

Boxelder bugs are often found in wall voids and attics of homes and office buildings since this is where they congregate during the colder months. These bugs are attracted to ash-leaved maple trees since they like to munch on its seeds. If you notice boxelder bugs inside your home, the last thing you want to do is crush it. When they are crushed, a scent is released that can attract other types of beetles such as carpet beetles and often leave stains. The best way to get rid of them is sweeping or vacuuming them up and disposing of them outside. Pest control workers can significantly reduce the number of boxelder bugs inside your home as well.

Centipedes

Named for their many legs, centipedes can be found in Wisconsin bathrooms, damp closets, potted plants or basements. Though generally not fatal, they can leave a sting-like bite. Getting rid of them is as easy as removing them with a vacuum. Making sure you have proper ventilation can help keep them from finding their way into your bathroom as well. 

Earwigs

Although Earwigs do not prefer to live inside our homes and often come inside on accident, they can still be creepy to find inside. Some ways they get inside is through cracks and poorly sealed windows or doors. They are attracted to cluttered, damp areas. Our staff is trained to get rid of earwigs through ongoing treatment to help keep them out of your home.

Fleas

As probably one of the most annoying pests to deal with, fleas are small and agile little critters. They love latching to pets and humans which leads to itching and possible infections. Although there are ways to get rid of them, it can be difficult to be completely sure you got all the eggs, larvae and cocoons. If you notice you have fleas in your home, contact us right away so we can help you as soon as possible.

Giant silk moths

After spending the winter in their cocoons, the Giant Silk Moth typically emerges in early summer. They are often found inside closets and attach to clothing. To get rid of them, you will need to take out all of the clothes in your closet, inspect them and remove any signs of caterpillars or moths. As a way to prevent future moths, wipe down surfaces regularly, keep doors closed, replace holes in screens, install cedar lining in your closets and store clothes in vacuumed sealed bags.

Pantry pests (or stored product pests)

Often found in food products like cereals, pancake mix, crackers, pet food and other stored food, pantry pests include insects such as the saw-toothed grain beetle, red flour beetle, cigarette beetle and Indian-meal moth. These buggers often come into the home through the food products from the store which contain the eggs. While not dangerous, they may cause irritation or allergic reactions and are hard to get rid of completely. The best way to get rid of these bugs is by contacting K&C Pest Control. 

Spiders

Not technically a bug and even though spiders feed on other insects, seeing these eight-legged crawlers moving around your home can be jarring, to say the least. If you live on one of our beautiful Wisconsin lakes, rivers or near another body of water, spiders will be more common. They also prefer dark, secluded areas like basements, attics and underneath furniture. While there are home remedies to keep away spiders, K&C Pest Control can walk around your home and find areas you may miss where spiders may be entering your home from to give you total peace of mind.

Wasps

Most insects inside the home don’t have many consequences besides the whole “ew” factor. Wasps, on the other hand, can give painful stings to anyone unlucky enough to make it mad. They are attracted to attics due to their dark nature and they provide protection from the elements. While there are home remedies to get rid of wasps, we suggest you contact us so you can stay safe from potentially angering a swarm of wasps. 

Weevil

Weevils tend to look a little like ticks but are completely harmless. Some of the most popular summer species of weevil include the strawberry root weevil and the long-horned weevil. Sweeping or vacuuming these insects are the best options for getting rid of them in your home.

Notice these creepy crawlies in your Fox Cities home? Contact us at 920-582-9000 and we will get you the help you need.