Rockford pest control specialists share prevention tips for the summer

When it gets hotter, pest activity increases. From mosquitoes to carpenter ants, summer is full of unwanted visitors. Proactive methods can assist in keeping your home and yard pest-free.

Mosquito Management

Mosquitoes are more than an annoyance; they can spread diseases such as West Nile virus. In Rockford, Illinois, the first pool of mosquitoes tested positive for West Nile virus during May of 2025, demonstrating the value of early prevention.

Prevention Tips:

• Drain Standing Water: Mosquitoes breed in standing water. Drain and clean bird baths, kiddie pools, tires, and other containers on a regular basis.
• Seal Entry Points: Seal windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out of your home.
• Use Repellents: Use EPA-registered insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus when outside.
  
• Wear Protective Gear: Put on long sleeves and pants, especially during early morning and evening hours when mosquitoes are at their worst.

Tick Awareness

Ticks adore patches of tall grass and forests where they get to spread Lyme disease and other illnesses.

Prevention Tips:

• Maintain Landscaping: Mow grass short and remove leaf litter to rid ticks of their habitat. 
• Dress for Success: Wear long-sleeved, light-colored shirts and pants. Tuck pant legs into socks to minimize exposed skin.
• Use Tick Repellents: Wear repellents with 20% or more DEET or clothing treated with permethrin.
• Do Tick Checks: When returning from outdoors, inspect yourself, children, and pets thoroughly for ticks.

Stinging Insect Precautions

Summer sees an increase in the activity of bees, wasps, and hornets, whose stings are dangerous, especially for those with allergies.

Prevention Tips:

• Cover Food and Beverages: When dining outdoors, cover food and beverages to avoid attracting stinging insects.
• Stay Away from Strong Aromas: Avoid using heavily scented perfumes or body lotions, which are a magnet for these insects.
• Check for Nests: Inspect eaves, sheds, and other sheltered areas regularly for nests. If found, have experts safely remove them.

Carpenter Ant Control

Carpenter ants can cause structural damage by digging tunnels in wood to build nests.

Prevention Tips:

• Remove Moisture: Fix leaky pipes and offer good ventilation to reduce moisture that attracts carpenter ants.
• Store Firewood Properly: Store firewood off the ground and away from your home's foundation.
• Seal Entry Points: Seal cracks and crevices in the outside of your house to exclude ants.
• Monitor Activity: When winged ants are seen indoors, it may be a sign of an indoor nest; contact pest control professionals. 

Termite Prevention

Termites are silent destroyers, consuming wood and inflicting considerable damage before being discovered.

Prevention Tips:

• Reduce Moisture: Ventilate basements and crawl spaces, and keep them dry.
• Remove Wood-to-Soil Contact: Keep wooden structures off the ground to discourage termite invasion.
• Regular Inspection: Schedule yearly termite inspections to catch infestations early.

Spotted Lanternfly Alert

Spotted lanternflies are an invasive pest that causes damage to trees and plants. Their infestation can be managed through early detection.

Prevention Tips:

• Scrape Egg Masses: Check and scrape egg masses off the trunks of trees, outdoor furniture, and other items.
• Report Sightings: Report sightings of spotted lanternflies to local agricultural agencies in support of containment efforts.

General Pest Prevention Methods

• Seal Cracks and Gaps: Inspect your home's exterior and seal cracks and openings to prevent pest entry.
• Practice Cleanliness: Regularly clean your home, especially kitchen areas, to get rid of food materials that invite pests.
• Waste Management: Tie trash bins with tight-lid covers and dispose of trash regularly.
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• Professional Pest Control: Hire frequent pest control services for complete protection.