Just because summer is winding down doesn’t mean pest season is over. In fact, August is one of the most active pest months in Central Virginia. With high heat, afternoon storms, and changing conditions, many pests are at their peak—or preparing to move inside.
At Pest Now of Central VA, we know what’s still crawling, stinging, and nesting this time of year. Here’s your late-summer pest watch list—and what you can do to keep your home protected through the end of the season.
Ants: Still Going Strong
Why they’re active:
The heat drives ants to seek moisture—and the smallest crumbs can send them marching straight into your kitchen or bathroom.
Watch for:
- Long ant trails along baseboards and windows
- Activity near pet food bowls or sinks
- Outdoor colonies near patios and walkways
What to do:
Wipe surfaces, store food tightly, and seal cracks. If trails keep returning, it’s time for professional treatment to target the source colony.
Wasps & Yellow Jackets: Aggressive and Everywhere
Why they’re active:
Stinging insects like wasps, hornets, and yellow jackets are most aggressive in late summer, as colonies reach maturity and food becomes scarce.
Watch for:
- Nests under eaves, decks, or in ground holes
- Increased activity around food or trash during cookouts
- Sudden stings while gardening or mowing
What to do:
Never attempt to remove a nest yourself—especially underground ones. Call Pest Now to safely eliminate wasps and prevent them from rebuilding.
Spiders: Seeking Shelter
Why they’re active:
Spiders thrive in warm weather and feed on other bugs—which means when pests increase, spider activity follows. As nights begin to cool in late August, they often start exploring indoors.
Watch for:
- Webs in basements, corners, or crawl spaces
- Small house spiders or even black widows in dark, undisturbed areas
What to do:
Vacuum webs, reduce clutter, and schedule an inspection if spider activity increases or you spot venomous species.
Mosquitoes: Still Biting
Why they’re active:
Mosquitoes love late summer humidity. Afternoon rain showers and warm evenings mean breeding continues in standing water.
Watch for:
- Bites around ankles, especially at dusk
- Mosquito swarms near bushes, gutters, or birdbaths
- Water collecting in flowerpots, toys, or tarps
What to do:
Dump standing water weekly and schedule a final summer mosquito treatment with Pest Now to reduce biting activity.
Rodents: Scouting for Fall Shelter
Why they’re active:
By late summer, mice and rats begin scouting for places to overwinter—especially crawl spaces, garages, and attics.
Watch for:
- Droppings in corners, under sinks, or near pet food
- Scratching sounds in walls or ceilings
- Nests made from insulation or paper
What to do:
Seal exterior entry points and store food in rodent-proof containers. Pest Now offers rodent inspections and exclusion services to keep them out before fall.
Don’t Let Late-Summer Pests Sneak In
Many homeowners let their guard down as summer winds down—but August and September are critical months for preventing pests from becoming long-term problems.
Let Pest Now of Central VA help with:
✅ Mosquito & tick treatments
✅ Wasp & hornet removal
✅ Ant and spider control
✅ Rodent prevention
✅ Year-round protection plans
Ready for Fall? Make Sure the Pests Aren’t.
Before bugs take over your kitchen or rodents move into your attic, let Pest Now get your home protected and pest-free—so you can enjoy the rest of summer in peace.
Call today at (804) 589-1009 or visit pestnowcva.com for a free late-summer inspection and customized treatment plan.
