They’re Back.
- valleyandridgemag
- Jun 11
- 2 min read
Updated: Jul 2

Get to know the pests that come out every summer so you can prevent them from becoming a problem
Let’s be honest—pests are a pain. And when the weather warms up, things get busy not just for us, but for carpenter ants, mosquitoes, ticks, hornets, and wasps. Some cause damage, others spread disease, and all of them are looking for ways into your home and yard. Fortunately, a few smart habits can make a big difference.
Carpenter Ants
Carpenter ants don’t eat wood like termites do, but they hollow it out to build nests—especially in moist or rotting wood. That means your porch posts, window frames, and even attic beams are fair game.
Did you know? A mature colony can excavate over six feet of wood in a year if left untreated.
Check for small piles of sawdust (frass), rustling sounds in walls, or ant trails near baseboards. Basements and attics are key areas to monitor.
Ticks & Mosquitoes
Ticks lurk in overgrown grass and shady patches, waiting for a warm-blooded host. Mosquitoes breed in standing water—even tiny amounts like in flower pot trays or clogged gutters.
Did you know? Only female mosquitoes bite. Males are the ones buzzing—but harmless.
Keep grass trimmed and remove leaf litter. Drain anything that collects rainwater, and walk your property after storms to spot new breeding grounds.
Hornets & Wasps
These stingers build nests under eaves, in attics, behind shutters, or even underground. While they can help with other pests, they’re territorial and dangerous when disturbed.
Check soffits, vents, and shed overhangs regularly. If you find a nest, don’t spray blindly—consider calling a professional, especially if it’s large or hard to reach.
Prevention is Key
Russ from NJ Pest Control stresses the need for early detection and prevention, he says, “9 times out of 10 people could avoid costly remediation with early detection and prevention. But YOU HAVE TO know what’s going on in your home and yard if you’re going to catch these problems early.”




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