Keeping Your Family Protected From Summer Pests

Summer is upon us! It’s time for barbeques, pool days and making memories with your kids. But those pesky summer pests can put a real damper on the good times. Mosquitoes constantly buzz around the ears, ants are always after your picnic treats — it’s enough to drive anyone crazy.

As a dad myself, I know the struggle. Keeping your house and family safe from bugs is a top priority.

Common Summer Pests

Summer brings sunshine, warm breezes and insects — lots of them. Experts predict there will be more pests this summer all over the United States. Common culprits are:

Mosquitoes: These tiny terrors are responsible for itchy bites that spread various diseases, including Zika, dengue and West Nile.
Ticks: Found in grassy or wooded areas, ticks have been known to carry Lyme disease.
Wasps: More aggressive in late summer, these insects can sting multiple times. Some people get severe allergic reactions to wasp stings.
Flies: These annoying, flying insects can contaminate food and surfaces with bacteria, compromising your family’s health.
Fleas: These pests infest pets and spread into homes, leading to itchy bites.

But why are there more bugs in summer? The answer lies in their biology. Insects are cold-blooded creatures, so they rely on outside heat to regulate their body temperatures. Summer’s warm weather creates ideal conditions for them to thrive. Mosquitoes, for instance, begin to become inactive at 60° F and grow more lethargic as temperatures drop.

Bugs’ bodies become more active in summertime, allowing them to move faster, search for food with increased energy and reproduce more readily. The longer daylight hours also give them more time to engage in these activities, fueling their growth. This surge in pest reproduction and activity makes it vital to take steps to protect yourself and your family.

Building Your Defenses

Knowing the bugs that come out in summer makes it easier to implement effective pest-control strategies. Here’s the thing, though — there’s no one-size-fits-all-families approach. You need to adapt your methods depending on the ages of your kids.

Young children are more susceptible to bites and stings than teens. This is because older kids understand the implications of danger and are thus more independent with their protection. Here are some practical summer pest control hacks you can customize to your family.

1. Insect Repelling Products

Repellents containing ingredients like DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus are effective in warding off numerous insects. Most varieties are approved by the Environmental Protection Agency and deemed safe to apply to exposed skin and clothes. They’re available in multiple forms, from topical creams and lotions to sprays to suit different needs.

Young children — especially those under 2 — are very sensitive to chemicals. Use repellants made from organic ingredients that repel insects, such as garlic, cinnamon, castor oil and cloves. Essential oils from herbs like rosemary, peppermint and thyme are excellent eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic insect repellants.

When choosing a repellant for your kids, opt for those that come as unpressurized sprays, lotions or stick-form. Adhere to the instructions on the label carefully and avoid using insect repellents on irritated or broken skin. If you notice an adverse reaction to the product, stop use immediately and consult a health care professional for advice.

2. Protective Clothing

If you’re an outdoorsy dad, you understand the role protective clothing plays in bug protection. Long pants, long-sleeved shirts and socks provide a physical barrier against bites and stings. While these clothes might not be ideal on scorching summer days, they’re handy for evenings spent outside cooking on the fire pit or stargazing.

Protective clothes are necessary if you want to introduce your kids to hiking or camping. The best strategy is to have them dress in layers of breathable clothing. This way, if they overheat, they can just take off a windbreaker and be left with a T-shirt.

3. Home Protection Measures

Ensure your home is a haven from bugs that come out in the summertime. Install screens on windows and doors and repair any holes or tears on them. Remember to seal cracks and gaps using weather stripping and door sweeps to keep insects from sneaking in.

Also, dispose of garbage regularly and store food in airtight containers. Maintaining a clean indoors will eliminate possible food sources for pests.

Don’t forget the yard. Overgrown grass and stagnant pools of water are breeding grounds for pests like ticks, mosquitoes and even rats. So, mow the lawn regularly and trim overgrown bushes. Remove standing water and containers that accumulate water.

Last summer, we were constantly battling mosquitoes. Every outdoor activity was accompanied by heavy swatting. It wasn’t until my son and I cleared out a forgotten birdbath that we noticed a significant reduction in bites.

If you have a garden, consider planting insect-repelling plants like citronella and marigolds. These natural deterrents add beauty to your space while keeping bugs at bay. Little changes like these can make a big difference in keeping your family safe from summertime bugs.

4. Educate Your Family

Teach your children about pest safety. Show them how to recognize dangerous insects and what to do if they get bitten or stung. A backyard camp is a fantastic way for your little ones to spend time with their dad in nature learning about different critters. Guide them as they identify bugs on the ground, tree trunks and nearby water bodies so they know which ones to be cautious of.

Don’t lose your cool if you find yourself repeating instructions and cautions, particularly if you’re dealing with toddlers and pre-teens. I cannot tell you how many times I’ve had to remind my son not to swat at bees or wasps and to stay away from areas where these insects are active. I’ll still find him curiously tracking these flying insects all over the garden.

Make it a family affair to maintain a pest-free environment. Encourage your child to help with yard maintenance — older kids can mow, while younger ones help pick up empty containers and trash.