Jun 21, 2018, 10:45 AM by Fred Speer

Summer officially arrives on Thursday, June 21 – even though most Californians have been dealing with summer-like weather for several months now – and that means pest pressure will be on the rise.

Clark, your neighborly pest control expert, is very familiar with the annual summer rite of passage with regard to pets, and would like to share some valuable prevention tips that will turn down the heat on four categories of frequently encountered summer pests.

1. Fleas and ticks: Summer is flea and tick season. Pet owners can protect their pets by vacuuming carpets, floors, and furniture on a regular basis. Also, avoid walking dogs in tall grass where fleas and ticks often hide, and wash pet bedding, collars, and plush toys frequently.
2. Flies: Keep disease-spreading flies away from your dining and food preparation areas by covering food with foil or tight-sealing lids. Also, clean up food and beverage spills to reduce the threat, as flies are attracted to sugary residues.
3. Ants: Like flies, ants are drawn to food, along with food spills and leftovers. Ants – especially Argentine ants, one of the most commonly found species in California – thrive on sweet, sugary substances like spilled soft drinks. Rinse out cans and bottles before they go into the recycle bin or garbage, and clean up spilled food and drinks.
4. Stinging Insects: Getting stung by a bee or wasp is no laughing matter, and not something to try to handle on your own. If you spot a nest in a tree or under the awning or eaves of your home, call Clark immediately for assistance.

If you need help preventing summer pests in and around your home, call California and Nevada’s trusted, friendly pest management professional, Clark, at (800) WE-NEED-YOU (936-3339) or send an email to clarkcares@clarkpest.com.

Until next time, the pest management professionals at Clark Pest Control thank you for help in keeping unwanted pests out of your home.