Top 8 Bugs in Summer and Effective Solutions to Keep Them Away

Do you feel like more insects show up the moment the summer sun hits? Well, you’re not imagining it.

A recent YouGov poll found that almost 80% of Americans say they encounter the most insects during the summer. Warmer weather creates the perfect storm: more humidity, longer days, and prime conditions for infestations.

As enjoyable as summer is, it’s also peak season for bugs in summer. They’re not just annoying. Many bring health risks, allergies, and property damage.

So how can you enjoy your yard without battling mosquitoes or swatting flies all evening? Let’s explore the top common summer pests to watch out for and the most effective pest control methods to stop them from turning your home into theirs.

1. Mosquitoes

These buzzing pests are more than a nuisance. They are one of the deadliest insects on Earth due to their ability to transmit diseases like:

• West Nile Virus
• Zika Virus
• Dengue Fever

Female mosquitoes seek out blood to nourish their eggs, and summer provides the ideal warm, humid environment for rapid breeding. Even small puddles can become mosquito nurseries within days.

This makes it critical for homeowners to take preventive action early in the season. Mosquitoes thrive in warm, damp conditions and are most active during dawn and dusk.

Here’s what attracts them:

• Standing water
• Dense shrubbery
• Carbon dioxide from humans and pets

Get rid of them by doing the following:

• Remove standing water from gutters, buckets, and planters
• Use citronella candles and natural bug repellents
• Install window screens and repair tears

Preventing bug bites starts with mosquito control.

2. Ants

Seattle homeowners often notice ants forming long trails through kitchens, patios, and baseboards. Odorous house ants and pavement ants are common nuisances, but carpenter ants are particularly worrisome due to their ability to tunnel through wooden structures and weaken support beams. Their presence signals an infestation and may also point to underlying moisture issues or structural vulnerabilities.

Here’s what attracts them:

• Food crumbs
• Moisture
• Open trash bins

Solutions:

• Seal entry points
• Clean up food spills right away
• Use bait traps or professional treatment

Eastside Exterminators provides specialized ant control for Western Washington homes.

3. Wasps and Hornets

Few bugs in summer cause as much fear as wasps. Their painful stings are dangerous for those allergic.

Here’s where they typically nest:

• Under leaves
• Tree branches
• Garden furniture

What works: 

• Keep food and drinks covered outdoors
• Avoid wearing strong perfumes
• Call a licensed exterminator to remove active nests safely

For stinging insects, rely on proven pest control methods, not DIY attempts.

4. Ticks

Ticks may be tiny, but they pose serious threats like Lyme disease. Tall grass and wooded areas are their favorite hiding spots.

Here’s how they spread:

• Cling to pets and humans
• Thrive in tall grass and leaf piles

Prevention tips to follow:

• Mow lawns regularly
• Keep pets treated with tick-prevention products
• Wear long sleeves when hiking

Natural bug repellents with lemon eucalyptus can help deter them.

5. Spiders

While most spiders are not too dangerous, some species like the hobo or black widow spider are venomous and tend to be more active in summer. These spiders prefer dark, undisturbed areas and can deliver bites that need medical attention. Sightings typically increase during warmer months when they seek shelter indoors to escape the heat.

Where they hide:

• Basements
• Crawl spaces
• Woodpiles

Control measures to consider:

• Declutter indoor and outdoor spaces
• Shake out clothing and shoes before wearing
• Consider targeted spider control services

Eastside Exterminators’ spider experts offer localized solutions specific to Seattle’s spider species.

6. Flies

Houseflies, fruit flies, and gnats multiply fast, especially in warm, humid environments like kitchens, bathrooms, and garbage areas. They’re notorious for contaminating food with bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli, which can lead to foodborne illnesses.

Fruit flies often breed in overripe fruits or sugary spills, while gnats thrive in damp drains and potted plants. Because of their short life cycles, even a small number can turn into an infestation within days if not properly addressed.

Common entry points include:

• Open doors or windows
• Torn screens
• Drains and trash cans

Effective solutions include the following:

• Clean drains with baking soda and vinegar
• Take the trash out daily
• Use fly traps and citrus-scented deterrents

Flies are among the most frustrating common summer pests but also the easiest to prevent.

7. Termites

Summer warmth accelerates termite colony growth by increasing their activity levels and reproductive cycles. As temperatures rise, subterranean termites in particular become more aggressive in foraging and expanding their colonies.

Left untreated, termites can silently destroy a home’s foundation by:

• Weakening support beams
• Damaging wooden floors
• Compromising overall structural safety

Homeowners often miss early warning signs, making regular inspections critical during the summer months when termites are most active. The warning signs are:

• Mud tubes on walls
• Discarded wings
• Hollow-sounding wood

What to do:

• Schedule a home inspection
• Fix leaky pipes
• Use professional-grade termite bait systems

Invest in pest control methods before irreversible damage occurs.

8. Earwigs

Often mistaken for dangerous insects, earwigs are more of a creepy nuisance than a real threat. But their presence indoors can be unsettling.

They are attracted by:

• Moisture
• Mulch beds
• Leaky faucets

Repel them naturally by doing the following:

• Remove damp mulch
• Fix plumbing issues
• Use diatomaceous earth along baseboards

Earwigs are part of the broader summer insect invasion that no one wants.

Expert Advice: How to Win the War Against Bugs in Summer

Professional services are your best bet when infestations become unmanageable. While natural bug repellents and traps can help, larger colonies require professional-grade intervention.

Preventive measures that work include the following:

• Seal all cracks and openings
• Schedule seasonal inspections
• Keep your yard trimmed and free of debris
• Install weatherstripping around doors

If in the greater Seattle area, Eastside Exterminators offers fast, eco-friendly relief from the most stubborn bugs in summer.

Stay Bug-Free All Season Long with Eastside Exterminators

Eastside Exterminators has been the most trusted name in pest control methods in Seattle and the surrounding communities since 1969. Our experienced team offers specialized services for ants, spiders, wasps, and other common summer pests using proven techniques and eco-conscious solutions to eliminate bugs in summer and protect your home all season long.

Schedule your professional pest inspection today and stop the summer insect invasion before it begins!