Tampa Bay Times reports that “in Tampa, September 2018 was the hottest of any month ever on record, with an average temperature of 85.8 degrees, surpassing the previous record of 85.6 set in June 1998. And around the bay, the month was the hottest September on record in 10 places, according to the National Weather Service, including in Plant City, Tarpon Springs, Lakeland and Brooksville, where the average temperature was anywhere from 2 to 5 degrees above normal. October so far is providing little relief”.
Hot weather brings bugs indoors
When the temperatures rise or it is record breaking hot, the chance of an insect encounter inside your home is likely. In fact, summer is well known for its many different infestations, from mosquitoes to bees to ants and beyond.
When temperatures increase it can help insects breed which includes:
- Increase in the insect population.
- Decrease in time between insect generations.
- Insects breeding earlier in the year.
- Lower crop production.
- Speeds up the lifecycle of insects.
Insects are cold-blooded and they can handle the heat much better than the cold. But most bugs do not like to roast out in the sun all summer especially in record breaking heat. They get very creative to cool off. The main way they cool off is to come inside a dwelling to seek shelter where they can avoid environmental extremes.
Top places insects hide
Discover some of the top places insects hide and how you can make your home a little less insect-friendly.
Attic
Despite temperature extremes, attics offer insects shelter from the elements. If your attic contains a stash of boxes and other unused items, the area becomes even more welcoming. To keep insects out, screen vents. Clear clutter; if you don’t use it, donate, recycle or toss it. If wall voids open into the attic, seal them to reduce insect migration within walls.
Insects that hide in attics include: Asian Lady Beetles, Boxelder Bugs, Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs, Silverfish, Spiders
Baseboards
The space behind wall baseboards or trim usually operates like an insect hotel, hosting all kinds of critters that crave tight spaces. Insects that don’t live behind trim frequently use it as a highway to get from place to place. Many times baseboards float just above the floor or carpet, giving insects easy access to these tight quarters. Use a crevice tool to vacuum along trim, a job you should tackle weekly. Keep trim dusted; a vacuum brush attachment makes that task easy. Look for insecticides specifically labeled for use along and behind trim.
Insects that hide behind baseboards include: Boxelder Bugs, Carpet Beetles, Clothes Moths, Book Lice, Cockroaches, Ants, Crickets
Wall Voids
Insects like the microclimate and rough wood surfaces found in spaces behind walls. These voids provide insects hidden access to multiple rooms or living spaces. To treat interior wall voids, direct insecticide into the space by drilling a hole through drywall. This job is most often done by professionals who have access to insecticides developed for use in wall voids.
Insects that hide in wall voids include: Asian Lady Beetles, Boxelder Bugs, Bed Bugs, Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs, Silverfish, Cockroaches, Spiders, Centipedes
Bathrooms
The moist, humid environment of a bathroom extends a cozy welcome to insects. Keep your bathroom clean and vacuum up dust and loose hair regularly. Replace the cap on the toothpaste (some Ants love this); rinse cups and turn upside down to drain. Check all plumbing for leaks, and wipe down shower stalls, tub floors and sinks before bedtime to reduce available water for thirsty insects.
Insects that hide in bathrooms include: Crickets, Silverfish, Cockroaches, Ants
Clutter
Boxes, stacks of newspapers and even dirty laundry on the floor offer shelter for insects. When new insects find their way into your home, if there’s ample clutter on the floor, they’ll find it easier to move in undetected. Keeping your home neat and clutter-free is a simple prevention against invading insects.
Insects that hide in clutter include: Spiders, Silverfish, Book Lice, Cockroaches
Trash Cans
A trash can is a buffet for foraging insects. Use a trash can with a sealed lid to keep insects out of garbage. Rinse out food containers and wrappers to eliminate potential food sources. Carry household garbage out regularly, storing it in your outside trash bin until pickup day. Regularly rinse household trash cans with a weak bleach solution to eliminate possible insect eggs and crumbs.
Insects that hide in trash cans include: Ants, Cockroaches, Spiders, Flies
Recycling
Rinse all items that head for the recycling bin to remove food or sugary residue. Sloshing a little soapy water or vinegar in recyclables makes them less appealing to hungry or thirsty insects. If you’re storing recyclables inside, take time to clean items well to avoid drawing insects.
Insects that hide in recycling include: Ants, Roaches, Centipedes, Spiders, Flies
Clothes Closets
Insects that feed on fabrics find the warm, dark, seldom-disturbed environs of a clothes closet a wonderful haven. Clean closets regularly, and retain only clothing that you wear. Always launder or dry clean new or used clothes before adding them to your closet. Learn other tips on dealing with insects that attack clothes.
Insects that hide in clothes closets include: Moths, Ants, Cockroaches, Spiders, Silverfish
Pet Food
Open bowls of pet food and water extend a warm invitation to all kinds of insects, especially when they sit open all night long. Store dishes overnight in sealed containers; keep pet food supplies sealed at all times.
Insects that hide in pet food include: Ants, Cockroaches, Flies”
Drive-Bye Exterminators offers home and commercial pest control services in Clearwater, Florida, and the surrounding areas. Family owned and operated for over 25 years, Drive-Bye Exterminators has state certified inspectors and exterminators provide roach, subterranean termite, dry wood termite, roaches, spider, ant and flea services to both commercial and residential clients. Whether a business owner needs help getting rid of a termite infestation, or a homeowner wants to rid their kitchen of ants, Drive-Bye Exterminators offers each client the same level of professionalism and excellence.
Request a FREE Pest Control or Termite Inspection today with the Professionals of Drive-Bye Exterminators. Contact Us Today at 727-787-2127.
