Summer Flying Insects
Flying insects can be a real pain when the weather is warmer. We like to keep our windows and doors open and enjoy the longer evenings in the garden. However, doing that means we are inviting a variety of flying pests into our homes. Below we have some of the common pests you are likely to encounter in August.
Wasps
Wasps are very common during the warmer months. They are drawn to food and drink sources, which are in abundance when the weather is nice. Wasps are particularly aggressive as well, especially towards the end of summer. It is during this time of the year where they are on the look out for very sweet food sources. Rotting fruit, your ice lolly, rubbish bins etc are all very attractive to wasps. Interesting fact, if they have access to too much rotting fruit they actually get drunk and are more likely to be even more aggressive. They are able to sting you multiple times, and will not hesitate to do so if they feel threatened in any way. Wasps are actually pest controllers in their own right as they feed on smaller insects. They are great pollinators too (not a good as our bees of course).
Flies
Flies can be a real issue in the summer. We still produce the same amount of waste and when this rubbish heats up, it begins to smell. Flies love this. They eat, poop, and lay their eggs all in the same place. If the weather is very warm, it speeds up the life cycle of egg to maggot to fly as well which means a fly problem can become a big issue pretty quickly. There are lots of different types of flies to look out for; bluebottles, house flies, horse flies, and fruit flies just to name a few.
Flying Ants
It is thought to be a sign that a storm is coming when you see flying ants. It is rare to just see one or 2 flying ants, you are likely to see a lot of them all at once. This is triggered by hot and humid weather and is done so for protection, it helps protect them from predators. Flying ants are actually just black garden ants, but with wings. It is usually males and queens that you will spot flying around towards the end of summer, looking for a mate in order to start new colonies.
Moths
Like flies, increased temperatures can speed up the reproduction cycle of the moth which means they can become an issue quicker. If you can see 4 or more adult moths in a room in your home then it is likely you have an infestation. The adult moths are the insects to look for but it is actually the larvae that damage clothing. Adult moths will lay their eggs on suitable food sources like wool, other clothing fibres, cushions or curtains to name a few. Once the eggs hatch into larvae (which look like little catterpillars) they will feed on the materials until they form a silken cocoon and emerge an adult moth.
