Summer is a beautiful time in Northern Virginia, as it brings blue skies and warm sun, but it also brings with it a number of different pests and bugs. Although some of these bugs are useful members of your home ecosystem, others are simply pests that are not only annoying, but can even be dangerous. Here are the top five pests that you are likely to encounter in your Northern VA home, as well as some advice for how to keep them in check.

The Usual Suspects

Although every home and yard is different, there are some pests that are common in Northern Virginia. Here’s a list of the usual suspects, along with some quick advice for how to keep their populations down:

Ants: Nearly every homeowner has looked on in horror as a parade of ants made its way across their kitchen countertop. Ants are not usually dangerous but can be a nuisance and do real damage to your food supply. To keep them in check you need to control moisture around your home and use a natural bait to destroy their colonies.
Spiders: Although some spiders can be helpful in controlling other pests, you definitely don’t want an infestation of these creepy crawlers, as some have very dangerous bites. To control spiders you should get rid of any webs you see right away. You should also be sure your home is free of clutter, which is where spiders usually hide.
Termites: One of the biggest threats to a home is from termites. These creatures can destroy the foundation of a home or lower its value by ruining wood. To get rid of them you should probably call a professional, as you don’t want to mess around with termites.
Fleas: Fleas are very common in homes that have pets or carpet or both. Fleabites are not only annoying and itchy, but they can sometimes carry potentially dangerous bacteria and diseases. To keep them in check you should be sure to have your pets treated regularly for fleas. It is also important to keep the house clean, especially carpets, curtains and other areas where fleas could hide.
Mosquitoes: Mosquitoes not only rank as the most annoying of all bugs, but also the most dangerous, as they are known to carry all types of diseases. In fact, mosquitoes kill more humans worldwide than any other animal. To keep them in check you need to ensure that there is not any standing water around your house, as mosquitoes thrive in moisture. You can also find natural sprays and repellants that are effective in keeping mosquito populations down.

Enjoy the Summer without the Bugs

These pests can really ruin a Northern Virginia summer if they are left unchecked, which is why it is crucial to know how to identify and control an infestation. Remember, if things get out of hand, you can always turn to a professional for help.