Westchester County has issued all kinds of safety tips for those who’ll be out in the record heat this holiday weekend. But the heat’s effect on the human body won’t be the only challenge.
From mosquitoes and flies to ants and bees, expect to see more pests as temperatures rise into the weekend. Warm weather accelerates insect development, and many pests use the heat and human gatherings as opportunities to multiply and move indoors.
Holiday get-togethers mean more food, more trash and more outdoor fun, all of which also create ideal conditions for pests. Here are the main ones to watch out for:
- Ants: Hot, dry weather is prime time for ants to cause damage. They go inside in search of water and can quickly infest kitchens, bathrooms and basements.
- Mosquitoes: Items such as containers, plant trays and buckets, as well as clogged gutters, provide breeding sites and increase the risk of bites.
- Flies: Considered among the most annoying and dirtiest pests, these insects are primarily attracted to common backyard party staples such as food, garbage and sugary drinks. Once they find a reliable food source, they multiply quickly.
- Stinging insects (wasps, yellowjackets, hornets): They can be extremely aggressive when they feel threatened. These pests are drawn to protein and sweets found at barbecues and picnics.
- Spotted lanternflies: These pests are still active and feed on trees and plants. They weaken your landscape and leave sticky residue that attracts more pests.
Extreme heat can be very hard on lawns, trees and shrubs, increasing the risk of insect damage and disease. Watch for fading or patchy grass and wilting or thinning plants. To keep your yard healthy, make sure to water, care for and treat your plants. This helps them cope with the heat and keeps away pests.
Some pests can cause more problems that are worse than just being a nuisance:
- Carpenter ants: Hot weather increases their metabolism and activity, driving them to leave their outdoor nests to search for food inside your home.
- Termites: Warm weather speeds up their activity. Colonies grow fast and can cause expensive, hidden damage.
- Rodents: These pests seek cool, shaded spots indoors, can squeeze through tiny gaps and pose a risk of contamination.
Follow these steps now to cut down on pest problems before and during the holiday:
- Eliminate standing water around your property.
- Keep garbage sealed and away from gathering areas.
- Clean up food and drink spills promptly.
- Seal cracks and entry points around your home.
- Trim vegetation away from the house.
With the heat likely to stick around, you may notice more pests even after the holiday weekend. Acting now can help you avoid bigger problems later.
Jim McHale is a Cornell-trained entomologist as well as president of JP McHale Pest Management LLC, headquartered in Buchanan.
