It’s no coincidence that pests appear right as you’re trying to enjoy your summer. Longer days mean more open doors, backyard meals, and yes, more uninvited guests in your kitchen or bathroom.
During hot Maryland summers, pests don’t just wander in, they’re actively looking for food, water, and shelter inside your home. But don’t worry, keeping your home pest-free doesn’t have to be complicated. This is where professional pest control in Maryland comes in.
Here’s how to take control of the situation with simple, practical steps, and how Womack Pest Control can help you enjoy your summer, pest-free.
Why Summer Is Prime Time for Pests
Hot, humid weather doesn’t just make people uncomfortable; it also prompts bugs to seek better conditions. When it gets too warm or dry outside, pests such as ants, roaches, and spiders look for cooler, more comfortable spots indoors.
They’re usually after three things:
- Shelter from the heat
- Food crumbs and spills
- Moisture from sinks, pipes, or leaky spots
That’s why you’ll often spot ants in your kitchen or roaches hiding out in a damp basement, those spots offer food, water, and relief from the heat. As PestWorld.org notes, homes see a surge in pest activity due to environmental stressors, during summer. And once these pests settle in, getting rid of them can be more difficult than most expect.
Step 1: Block Their Way In
Truth is, if there’s even the tiniest opening, pests will find it. The first step to protecting your home is making sure it’s sealed tight.
What to Look For:
- Tiny cracks near windows and doors
- Gaps around utility lines or AC units
- Holes in screens or missing door sweeps
Simple Fixes:
- Use caulk to seal small gaps
- Replace torn screens
- Install weather stripping and door sweeps
The EPA also recommends checking for signs of water damage or rot near entry points, as these areas often attract pests.
Step 2: Clean Up What’s Luring Them In
Most pests aren’t just showing up for fun, they’re following the scent of something.
Kitchen Tips:
- Wipe counters and sweep floors after meals
- Take the trash out regularly (don’t let it overflow)
- Store food, especially sweets, in sealed containers
- Rinse recyclables before putting them in the bin
Moisture Matters:
- Fix any leaking pipes under sinks or in basements
- Don’t leave standing water in pet bowls overnight
- Use a dehumidifier if your basement or laundry room is damp
BetterHealth.gov points out that reducing food sources and moisture is just as important as sealing entry points when it comes to managing infestations proactively.
Step 3: Tidy Up Outside, Too
Sometimes, the pest problem starts before they even reach your door, right outside in your yard and work their way in.
Yard Tips:
- Trim bushes and trees so they don’t touch the house
- Don’t stack firewood or mulch right up against your foundation
- Keep gutters clean and remove standing water
- Shake out patio furniture before bringing it inside
Spiders often nest near doors and windows, and ants can build colonies along your foundation without you realizing it, until they’re inside.
Common Pests You’ll See This Summer
Ants
Ants are drawn to sweet or damp spots, and when one finds a way inside, more are sure to follow.
What helps: Clean surfaces, store food properly, and use baits, not sprays. Sprays scatter ants and make things worse.
Roaches
They show up in dark, damp places and often at night. If you see one, there are probably more.
What helps: Eliminate food sources, reduce moisture, and don’t leave clutter around, especially cardboard.
Spiders
Spiders usually show up to feed on other insects. Not usually dangerous, but nobody wants them inside. If your home offers the right conditions, they might stick around.
What helps: Knockdown webs regularly and seal baseboards and vents. Reducing other bugs will also reduce spiders.
How Womack Pest Control Keeps Homes Protected
Even with the best prevention, pests can still sneak in when you least expect it.
At Womack Pest Control, we know what Maryland homeowners deal with during the summer months. Our residential pest control plans are designed to:
- Catch problems early
- Treat active infestations safely and effectively
- Seal off future entry points
- Provide long-term protection that adapts to the seasons
We’re local, experienced, and always ready to help, whether you’re dealing with ants in the kitchen or just want peace of mind before the pests show up.
Need help now? Contact us or call 301-881-5181 to schedule a service or get advice from a real technician.