Wet Springs and Humid Summers - Here Come the Pests — What You Need to Know
If you've noticed a spike in creepy crawlers or itchy bites lately, you're not imagining things. Wet spring weather and humid summer months create the perfect storm for pest activity across Southern Ontario. From buzzing mosquitoes to elusive earwigs, from crawling centipedes to wood-boring carpenter ants, these pests are more than just a seasonal nuisance — they can cause property damage, health risks, and general discomfort if not addressed early.
Let's break down why these pests thrive in damp conditions, what you can expect from each type this season, and how you can protect your home and yard before things get out of control.
A wet spring doesn't just mean greener lawns — it also means standing water, moist soil, and cool shaded areas, all of which attract insects looking to feed, breed, and shelter. When summer arrives, warm temperatures accelerate pest reproduction cycles, so if you're not proactive, you may find yourself outnumbered in no time.
Additionally, moisture weakens the structure of wood and soil around your property, making it easier for pests like carpenter ants and earwigs to move in undetected.
Seasonal Pests to Watch
1. Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes thrive in areas with stagnant water, including puddles, clogged gutters, bird baths, and even plant pots. Female mosquitoes lay hundreds of eggs at a time, which hatch in as little as 48 hours under the right conditions.
Risks:
- Itchy bites
- Allergic reactions
- Potential transmission of diseases like West Nile Virus
Prevention Tips:
- Eliminate standing water daily
- Clean out gutters and drains to ensure water isn’t pooling
- Use outdoor fans to disrupt mosquito flight patterns
- Plant mosquito-repelling plants like citronella, basil, and lavender
2. Earwigs
Often misunderstood (and no, they don't crawl into your ears!), earwigs are small, dark, pincer-equipped insects that hide in damp, dark places during the day and come out at night.
They're mostly scavengers, feeding on decaying plants and sometimes soft fruit or seedlings. In large numbers, they can become a real nuisance in gardens.
Risks:
- Damage to seedlings and soft garden plants
- Unwelcome indoor guests when humidity is high
Prevention Tips:
- Keep mulch, leaves, and firewood away from your home's foundation
- Fix leaking taps or downspouts
- Run a dehumidifier to make your home a less than ideal habitat
3. Centipedes
House centipedes are fast-moving, many-legged arthropods that make their way indoors when outdoor conditions become too moist or too dry. Unlike most pests, centipedes are beneficial predators that feed on spiders, cockroaches, and other insects. However, that doesn't make them welcome guests.
Risks:
- Fright factor — their speed and appearance startle most people
- Rare but possible mild bite (non-dangerous to humans)
Prevention Tips:
- Seal cracks and crevices in your home's foundation
- Use a dehumidifier in basements or crawl spaces
- Eliminate other insect pests they may be hunting
4. Carpenter Ants –
Among the most damaging pests of the season, carpenter ants don't eat wood like termites, but they burrow into it to build nests. They're especially active after heavy rains, targeting moist, rotting, or weakened wood around your home.
You may see large black ants inside your kitchen, around your deck, or trailing along exterior walls. That's your sign to act fast.
Risks:
- Structural damage to your home
- Colonies can split and multiply if left untreated
Prevention Tips:
- Replace water-damaged wood
- Keep tree limbs and shrubs trimmed away from the house
- Store firewood off the ground and away from the foundation
Barrier Pest is your local pest control expert, serving communities like Aurora, Newmarket, King City, Vaughan, Maple, Nobleton, Kleinburg, Schomberg, and Tottenham.
Whether you're battling mosquitoes around your patio, carpenter ants in your walls, or earwigs and centipedes creeping in through the basement, Barrier Pest's expert technicians know exactly what to look for — and how to stop it.
A wet spring and warm summer don't have to mean surrendering your home to seasonal pests. With proactive steps, smart maintenance, and professional help from Barrier Pest, you can enjoy the outdoors — and the indoors — without the bugs.
Contact Barrier Pest at 905-252-7378 or visit barrierpest.ca to book your seasonal inspection today.