Summers in St. Louis are all about high heat and humidity, coupled with heavy rainfall in between. Homeowners across areas and neighborhoods experience different pest problems. In South City, Downtown West, Midtown, and dense brick neighborhoods, urban heat ensures high nighttime temperatures, which allows insects to survive. On the other hand, areas close to the Mississippi River and the River Des Peres have moisture-induced pest problems.
If you are assuming that DIY sprays and other online remedies will resolve pest concerns, you are mistaken. You need a professional service like Pointe Pest Control that can handle local infestations unique to St. Louis. The Pointe team is located here, and technicians know what to expect in each season. In this post, we will talk about common summer pests in the region and what you can expect.
- Mosquitoes: From June to September, mosquitoes are at their peak, also because of erratic rains. Low-lying areas in St. Louis, like those near River Des Peres and the Mississippi floodplain, have breeding zones where these blood-suckers thrive. Residential zones that have tree-lined areas also experience regular mosquito presence. The problem is more persistent in backyards that have poor grading, too many water sources like pools for kids, planters, and birdbaths.
- Ants: Three different species of ants are found outdoors – Odorous house ants, pavement ants, and carpenter ants. Pavement ants mostly live outdoors, close to patios and sidewalks, especially in older neighborhoods. If your home has foundation cracks and gaps, these ants can enter easily. Odorous house ants are also seen inside homes, often during the dry days between storms. You will find them inside the house, often in the kitchen. Carpenter ants, on the contrary, are mostly found in homes that have moisture-impacted wood and areas with older trees.
- Cockroaches: German and American cockroaches are both summer invaders in St. Louis. German cockroaches usually thrive in areas that have multi-unit buildings, and the activity inside homes increases significantly due to higher humidity in summer. American and Oriental cockroaches are often found in floor drains, sewers, and basements. These are more of a problem in South City, where underground infrastructure is aging. Given how busy some zones are in the St. Louis metro area, roaches are more than just a summer nuisance.
- Wasps, Hornets, and Bees: From July to early September, you will find these stinging insects in your yard. Common nesting locations include porches, roof eaves, and garages. If your home has excessive vegetation, especially bigger trees, these pests can easily find sites to build nests. Late summer is when most species become defensive as colonies increase in size, increasing the risk of stings.
- Fleas: It is during warm, humid periods that fleas increase in numbers, and if you have cats or dogs at home, you have to be extra cautious. Fleas often infest older residential areas that have excessive vegetation, although neighborhoods on the county edge also witness more activity during summer. As pets move between the yard and home, they bring fleas inside homes, and eggs can be found on carpets and furniture.
- Termites: Eastern subterranean termites are most active during spring, but activity continues throughout summer owing to higher soil moisture. This species is known for tunneling deep into the soil, and because the soil in the region is clay-heavy, problems persist even in summer. Homes where there is contact between wooden structures and soil are at risk. The worst part is that infestations aren’t detected soon due to the lack of inspections, and as a result, the damage is often extensive when detected.
If you aren’t sure how to detect termites, find mosquito breeding spots, or treat roaches, consider calling a pest control company in St. Louis today for an assessment.
