Preparing Your Home for Summer: Pest Control Tips for Arkansas Residents

Why Are Pest Control Tips So Important in the Summer?

Summer creates the perfect environment for pests to breed, feed, and invade homes. Arkansas’s climate – hot, humid, and often rainy – contributes to rapid population growth among insects and rodents. When temperatures rise, pests seek water, shelter, and food. That often leads them straight into homes, garages, attics, and outdoor living areas. 

More importantly, many of these pests pose health risks or structural concerns. For example, mosquitoes can carry West Nile virus, termites can cause thousands of dollars in damage, and cockroaches can trigger allergies and asthma. That’s why these summer pest control tips aren’t just about convenience – it’s a critical aspect of home maintenance. 

Inspect and Seal Entry Points Early 

The first and most effective step in preventing a summer pest invasion is to inspect your home for vulnerabilities. 

Check for cracks and gaps around windows, doors, utility lines, vents, and your foundation. Many pests – especially ants, spiders, and roaches – only need a small space to sneak inside. Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal up any openings. Pay special attention to the garage and attic, as these areas are common entry points that are often overlooked. 

Replacing torn window screens is another smart move. Insects like mosquitoes and flies are drawn to light and can easily enter through ripped screens or windows that don’t fully close. 

Manage Moisture to Discourage Infestations 

Moisture is one of the biggest attractants for summer pests in Arkansas. From leaking faucets to poor yard drainage, even small water sources can attract everything from termites to mosquitoes. 

Start by fixing any leaks in plumbing fixtures, especially under sinks, around the foundation, or in crawl spaces. Ensure that gutters are clean and downspouts are directing water away from your home. If your yard tends to hold water after a rain, consider adding gravel or improving your landscaping for better drainage. 

Keep Your Yard Trimmed and Tidy 

Outdoor maintenance is critical during the summer months. Overgrown vegetation provides shelter for pests, while excess yard waste can attract rodents and ants. 

Trim shrubs and tree branches away from your home’s siding and roof. Not only does this reduce pest hiding spots, but it also prevents insects and rodents from using vegetation as a “bridge” to access your house. Keep the lawn mowed and clear leaves, brush, and wood piles away from the foundation. 

Also, make sure your trash cans are sealed and stored away from entrances. Pests like flies, raccoons, and rodents are drawn to the smell of food and garbage. Cleaning your outdoor bins and using tight-fitting lids can reduce these risks. 

Eliminate Standing Water to Control Mosquitoes 

Mosquitoes are one of the most common and frustrating summer pests in Arkansas. They breed in standing water and can turn even the smallest puddle into a breeding ground. 

To control mosquitoes, walk your property and empty or treat any water-holding containers. This includes flowerpot trays, birdbaths, kiddie pools, tires, clogged gutters, grill covers, and pet bowls. If you must store water outside, consider adding mosquito dunks (a larvicide) or regularly changing the water. 

For additional protection, install outdoor fans and consider planting mosquito-repelling greenery like citronella, lavender, or lemongrass near patios and windows. 

Schedule a Termite Inspection 

Subterranean termites are particularly active in the summer and thrive in Arkansas’s hot and moist environment. Unfortunately, by the time you notice visible damage, it is often too late to prevent costly repairs. 

That’s why proactive inspection is key. A licensed pest control professional can check for mud tubes, damaged wood, moisture buildup, and signs of swarming. If termites are found, they can recommend effective treatments to eliminate the colony. 

Prevention also includes removing any wood-to-soil contact around the home, storing firewood away from the house, and reducing wood mulch near your foundation. 

Don’t Ignore Your Attic, Basement, and Garage

These spaces are often the first areas to be infiltrated by summer pests, yet they’re usually the last places homeowners check. Pests like spiders, rodents, roaches, and even snakes seek out quiet, cluttered environments for shelter. 

To protect these spaces, start by decluttering and organizing storage bins. Keep items off the floor and away from walls to reduce hiding spots. Install door sweeps on garage doors and seal attic vents with fine mesh. Check for signs of droppings, nesting materials, or dead insects regularly. 

Use Safe and Strategic Pest Treatments 

While DIY sprays and traps may offer temporary relief, professional pest control solutions are safer, more targeted, and long-lasting. Pest control companies can apply barrier treatments around your home’s perimeter, treat common nesting zones, and safely manage aggressive pests like wasps or carpenter ants. 

In Arkansas, localized knowledge is important. Experienced technicians know how to handle pests specific to the region’s summer climate and can tailor a treatment plan that keeps your home protected all season long. 

West Termites & Pest: Your Local Pest Control Experts 

Summer pests in Arkansas can become more than just an annoyance – they can put your health, home, and family at risk. But with the right prevention plan in place, you can enjoy a comfortable, pest-free season. From sealing cracks to managing yard debris, every small step contributes to a safer home environment. 

Need expert help? West Termites & Pest serves Arkansas and Oklahoma with trusted pest control, termite inspections, and lawn care and treatment services. Our team understands the specific pest threats that come  with an Arkansas summer, and we provide customized solutions to protect your property. Best of all, we offer free consultations to assess your home’s needs and recommend the best course of action. Call us today to schedule your summer pest inspection and keep your home protected all season long.