Summer is one of the best times of year in Central Virginia. Families are spending more time outdoors, kids are playing in the yard, pets are exploring the grass, and homeowners are enjoying cookouts, gardening, and evenings on the patio.
Unfortunately, you’re not the only one enjoying the warm weather.
Mosquitoes, ticks, ants, and other pests thrive during the summer months, often turning what should be a relaxing backyard into a frustrating experience filled with bites, stings, and unwanted guests.
If pests are keeping you from enjoying your outdoor spaces, Pest Now can help. Our seasonal treatments are designed to reduce mosquito and tick activity so you can spend more time enjoying your yard and less time swatting bugs.
Why Summer Pest Activity Increases
As temperatures rise and humidity levels increase, pest populations begin to explode. Summer provides everything insects need to thrive:
- Warm temperatures
- Moisture
- Shelter
- Food sources
Mosquitoes breed rapidly in standing water, ticks hide in tall grass and shaded areas, and ants become increasingly active as they search for food.
By June, many homeowners begin noticing a significant increase in pest activity around their property.
The Biggest Backyard Pest Problems
Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are one of the most common summer pests in Central Virginia. They breed in standing water and are most active during the early morning and evening hours.
Common mosquito breeding sites include:
- Bird baths
- Plant saucers
- Children’s toys
- Gutters
- Buckets
- Low areas in the yard
Even a small amount of water can support hundreds of mosquito larvae.
Ticks
Ticks become increasingly active throughout late spring and early summer. They often hide in:
- Tall grass
- Overgrown landscaping
- Leaf litter
- Wooded edges of properties
Ticks pose risks to both people and pets and are often difficult to spot before they attach.
Ants
Summer is prime season for ant activity. Colonies grow larger, and ants become more aggressive in their search for food and water.
Stinging Insects
Wasps and hornets begin building nests throughout the summer, often under decks, eaves, sheds, and outdoor structures.
How to Make Your Yard Less Attractive to Pests
A few simple maintenance steps can help reduce pest activity around your property.
Eliminate Standing Water
Mosquitoes need water to breed. Walk your property regularly and dump any containers holding water.
Keep Grass Trimmed
Tall grass provides ideal hiding spots for ticks and other pests.
Trim Landscaping
Overgrown shrubs and bushes create shaded environments where pests thrive.
Remove Yard Debris
Leaf piles, brush piles, and clutter provide shelter for insects and rodents.
Keep Outdoor Eating Areas Clean
Food crumbs and spills attract ants, flies, and other unwanted pests.
Don’t Forget About Pets
Pets spend a lot of time outdoors during the summer, making them especially vulnerable to ticks and other pests.
Protecting your yard helps create a safer environment for:
- Dogs
- Cats
- Children
- Family gatherings
Reducing pest populations outdoors can make a significant difference in overall comfort and safety.
Why Professional Yard Treatments Work
While maintenance helps, professional mosquito and tick treatments provide a higher level of protection.
Pest Now’s outdoor treatments target pest populations where they live and breed, helping reduce activity before it becomes overwhelming.
Benefits include:
- Fewer mosquitoes
- Reduced tick activity
- More enjoyable outdoor spaces
- Protection throughout the season
- Peace of mind for families and pets
Take Back Your Backyard This Summer
Your backyard should be a place to relax, entertain, and make memories—not a place you avoid because of mosquitoes and ticks.
Contact Pest Now today to learn more about our mosquito and tick control services. We’ll help you create a more comfortable outdoor environment so you can enjoy everything summer in Central Virginia has to offer.