May 24, 2017, 10:44 AM by Fred Speer

This coming Monday is Memorial Day, the unofficial start  of the summer season. It’s also the time when pest pressure in and around homes is, like the temperature outside, rising.

Back in April, the Clark Man shared the National Pest Management Association’s Bug Barometer, a forecast on insect pest activity levels for the coming months based on weather patterns. The pest forecast for California calls for an active summer season of annoying crawling and flying pests.

“Warmer, wetter spring weather may lead to higher than normal flying pest populations, including mosquitoes and stinging insects, which will continue through the summer months. Increased West Coast rainfall may drive cockroaches and other crawling pests indoors.”

How do homeowners stop pests such as flies, cockroaches, stinging insects, ticks, and ants from becoming not only a nuisance, but a potential threat this summer?

The Clark Man recommends staying on top of basic home and yard maintenance tasks, and following good food handling and storage practices, along with a healthy dose of common sense, to protect you and your family from pest threats.

• Keep bushes and tree limbs trimmed to deny pests access to your home.
• Don’t overdo it with mulch and plantings near your home, because that can create an ideal location for pest harborage.
• Eliminate excess moisture – pests need moisture to survive.
• Seal openings in the foundation, make sure there are no tears in window screens, and check caulking around door and window frames to seal off pests from getting inside.
• Emptying garbage or recycle bins frequently will eliminate potential food sources for pests.
• Keep food tightly covered in plastic containers or covered with foil or plastic wrap before and after cooking.
• Do not leave soda cans uncovered, as the sugary ingredients can attract ants or stinging insects.

• When working or enjoying the outdoors, apply an insect repellant containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus, and reapply as directed on the label.
• Wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and closed-toe shoes when outdoors. Choose light-colored clothing that makes it easier to spot ticks and other insects.

In closing, as we prepare for the long holiday weekend, Clark Pest Control would like to take a moment and salute all of those who have served our great nation, and honor those who have given the ultimate sacrifice. May we never take them for granted, and if you see a veteran this weekend, thank them for their service to our country.

If you have questions or concerns about pests this summer, call or text (800) WE-NEED-YOU (936-3339) or drop me an email at clarkcares@clarkpest.com.

Until next time I’m the Clark Man, and thanks for helping me keep unwanted pests out of your home.