Not Invited: Be Independent of Pests This July 4

ATLANTA -- Summer has finally arrived, and as the grills fire up and trees come into full bloom, the season also welcomes some less desirable guests, stinging insects, fire ants, mosquitoes, flies, and ants are among the top pests that can quickly crash your backyard oasis.

“Stinging insects send more than 500,000 people to the emergency room every year,” said Stark Pest Expert, Scot Hodges. “These pests are not just a nuisance. In addition to their painful stings, they can pose a real danger to those who suffer from allergic reactions.”

Stark Exterminators has put together information on these summer pests, and tips for homeowners to stop them from ruining the summer fun.

1.   Stinging Insects: This category includes wasps, yellow jackets, and hornets—some of the most aggressive pests of summer. They insects should be avoided, as they are known to sting unprovoked and are considered social stingers, meaning if one feels threatened, others in the colony may quickly join in. A perceived threat to their nest can result in multiple, painful stings, making them especially dangerous
around homes and outdoor gatherings.

2.   Red Imported Fire Ants: These aggressive pests are easy to spot by their tall, dome-shaped mounds, commonly found in landscaped areas or near the foundation of a home. When their nest is disturbed, fire ants respond quickly and aggressively, delivering multiple painful stings in just seconds. Their stings often result in red, itchy welts that can be especially dangerous for those with allergic reactions.

3.   Mosquitoes: One of the most notorious pests of summer, mosquitoes are best known for the itchy, red bumps they leave behind after biting. But these tiny pests are more than just an annoyance - they can also pose serious health risks. Mosquitoes are capable of transmitting dangerous diseases such as Zika virus, West Nile virus, and encephalitis, making it especially important to take precautions during outdoor activities.

4.   House Flies: Often seen as just a nuisance, house flies can actually pose a greater risk than many realize. As they move from surface to surface, they can transmit bacteria and other pathogens from one food source to another, potentially contaminating what we eat and increasing the risk of foodborne illness.

5.   Ants: During the summer months, common ant species like Argentine ants, carpenter ants, and odorous house ants are frequently found in and around homes. Constantly on the hunt for food, these tiny invaders are especially drawn to outdoor barbecues, where crumbs, spills, and sweet treats make for an irresistible buffet.

Tips to keep uninvited guests away and to take back your yard this summer:
•     Serve sugary drinks in covered pitchers and keep desserts in tightly sealed containers.
•     Make sure all outdoor trash cans have a secure lid that is kept in place.
•     Inspect your yard for telltale fire ant mounds.
•     Remove sources of standing water where mosquitoes can breed, such as old tires, children’s wading pools, birdbaths, and saucers of flowerpots.
•     Cut back or get rid of unnecessary vegetation around the home.
•     Seal all cracks around the foundation of the home and ensure all screens are in good repair.
•     Contact a licensed pest professional if you discover an infestation of any of these summer pests in or around your home.

Stark protects homes from pests with the STEPS Total Protection System, an industry-leading approach that utilizes Integrated Pest Management (IPM). It includes a full property evaluation to pinpoint pest issues; identification of not only the pest, but the true cause of the problem; and treatment in the most environmentally responsible way to alleviate current issues and to help prevent future recurrences.

Consumers interested in scheduling a free pest inspection can contact Stark at www.starkexterminators.com or call 855-782-7566.