For those of us who call North Carolina home, tropical storms and hurricanes are the cost of doing business in one of the most beautiful spots on Earth. We know what to do: we stock up on essentials. We board up windows. We check on our neighbors.
We keep up with the weather forecasts. We prepare to hunker down or evacuate as needed. But one thing we do not typically think of as pests. That’s right: when severe weather storms roll in, they can bring a spike in pest populations. Why? And what do you do to guard against infestations in your home?
Mosquitoes. They’re the surefire way to ruin a summer evening. Like your Uncle Al who uses your sofa like a (free) Airbnb or the neighbor who only shows up when you’re grilling up something juicy, mosquitoes are not exactly welcome, and they quickly become a big, buzzing nuisance. How can you protect yourself from bites - and mosquito-borne disease - and have a much more enjoyable summer?
A wasp here or there isn’t going to pose a problem. On the other hand, a whole colony can be unsafe, especially if a member of your household is allergic or you have small children or pets. They are among the most common summer pests and can pose a problem from February to winter.
Ophidiophobia is the fear of snakes, and it’s estimated that approximately one-third of us suffers from it. Here in North Carolina, we wouldn’t call it a phobia, necessarily; rather, most of us have a healthy fear for these reptiles and understand the importance of keeping a safe distance. Venomous snakes can inflict painful damage and can trigger life-threatening emergencies. Knowing how to identify the venomous snakes in our own backyard (or hiking trails, fishing spots, etc.) is essential.
Summer brings a lot of lovely things with it: warm weather, rain, flowers. It can also bring some less appealing things. Pests start to run rampant in summer. Part of it's the warm weather. They start to become more active. Part of it's the wet weather. Animals that might be fine even in winter's cold look for shelter when their habitat is saturated. There are 7 common pests to watch out for, in the home and out of it. Some are nuisances, some are dangerous, some cause damage. Here's what you need to know about them: