July is peak pest season across New Jersey, and homeowners often see a surge in unwanted visitors both inside and outside the home. From biting insects to nuisance wildlife, being aware of what pests are most active can help you take timely action. Here’s a guide to the most common pests you might encounter in July:
🐜 Ants & Carpenter Ants
Ants become especially active in warm weather. Carpenter ants, in particular, can be destructive as they tunnel through wood to build their nests. Watch for sawdust-like shavings and hollow-sounding wood around your home.
🕷️ Ticks
Ticks thrive in tall grass and wooded areas, posing a risk of Lyme disease and other illnesses. Regular yard maintenance and tick treatments are essential in summer.
🛏️ Bed Bugs
Travel and overnight guests can increase the spread of bed bugs. These pests hide in mattresses, furniture, and cracks, feeding on human blood while you sleep.
🦟 Mosquitoes
July is prime mosquito season. These pests breed in standing water and can transmit diseases such as West Nile Virus. Mosquito control treatments and eliminating water sources are key to prevention.
🪰 Flies (Commercial Fly Season)
Flies are more than a nuisance—they can spread bacteria and contaminate food, especially in restaurants and food establishments. Sanitation and exclusion methods are crucial.
🕸️ Spiders
Spiders tend to follow their prey indoors. While most are harmless, their presence often indicates other pest problems.
🪳 Cockroaches: German, Oriental, American
Each species of cockroach presents unique challenges. German cockroaches often infest kitchens and bathrooms, Oriental roaches favor damp areas, and American roaches are large and typically found in basements.
🦝 Wildlife: Raccoons, Squirrels, Groundhogs
These animals can damage property, chew through wiring, and enter attics or basements seeking shelter. Professional wildlife control may be needed to relocate them humanely.
🌿 Clover Mites & Springtail Mites
These tiny pests invade homes in large numbers, usually around windows and walls, especially after rain.
🐝 Bees and Wasps
Bees, wasps, and hornets become aggressive in summer. Nests near homes can be dangerous and should be removed professionally.
🐀 Moles, Voles, Mice, and Rats
Rodents are active year-round but often increase outdoor activity during summer. Look for gnawed wires, droppings, and tunneling in lawns.
🦋 Lantern Fly
This invasive species feeds on a wide range of plants and trees. If spotted, it should be reported to your local agriculture department.
🥣 Pantry Pests: Indian Meal Moths, Grain Beetles, Weevils
Check dry goods like flour, rice, and cereals for signs of infestation. Proper food storage and cleaning are essential.
🐞 Lady Bugs (Asian Lady Beetles), Stink Bugs, Cluster Flies
While more active in fall, some overwintering pests start to appear in summer, particularly around windows.
🐝 Digger Wasps & Cicada Killers
These solitary wasps dig holes in sandy soils. Though intimidating in size, they are generally non-aggressive unless provoked.
🏠 Termites from Home Sale Certifications
Real estate transactions in summer often uncover termite issues. Ensure inspections and treatments are current if you’re buying or selling a home.
💧 Moisture Pests: Sow Bugs & Millipedes
These pests thrive in damp environments like basements and crawl spaces. Improving ventilation and moisture control can keep them away.
Keep Your Home Protected
At Action Termite and Pest Control, we understand how overwhelming summer pest activity can be. Our trained technicians use proven methods to detect, prevent, and eliminate all of July’s most common pests—keeping your home safe, clean, and comfortable all season long.
📞 Call us today for a free inspection!