On the first of September, you might be breaking out the pumpkin pie spice and the fall-scented candles, but in Arkansas, summer typically sticks around until mid-October.
Just as stubborn as the season, warm weather pests often stick around long after the autumn equinox. At the same time, shorter days and the first hints of cooler weather prompt changes in pest activity, which makes September an important month for pest control.
At Alder Pest Control, we see firsthand how pest activity changes with the seasons. Here are five bugs Arkansas homeowners should keep an eye on this September:
5 Common September Pests in Arkansas
1. Mosquitoes
It's not quite time to put away the mosquito repellent! Mosquitoes love warm weather, and typically stay active in Arkansas through September.
While the summer weather lasts, it's a good idea to routinely check your yard for standing water, especially after a storm. Here are some of the most common mosquito breeding areas we've found around Arkansas homes:
- Bird baths
- Clogged gutters
- Buckets and containers
- Flower pot saucers
- Children's outdoor toys
- Tarps that collect rainwater
- Low spots in your yard
Football season, nights by the fire, and evenings enjoying cooler nights on the patio bring your family outside when mosquito activity is at its peak. Eliminating standing water around your home is one of the simplest ways to keep your outdoor evenings comfortable.
2. Wasps And Yellowjackets
September is a peak month for wasp activity in Arkansas. After a whole spring and summer of development, wasp and yellowjacket colonies are large and can be pretty active.
You might encounter wasps and yellowjackets around your deck or porch and even in or around your shed. These pests are also the first to show up at backyard barbecues, and unfortunately there isn't much you can do about their buzzing without risking their retribution.
3. Ants
Ants don't typically slow down in the fall. After months of warm, humid weather, colonies can remain pretty active as the weather changes. And that busyness can send them straight through your front door and into your pantry.
The most common late-summer ant invaders we've encountered are fire ants, odorous house ants, carpenter ants, and pavement ants.
4. Spiders
As insects around your home become more active due to the changing season, spiders follow suit. Spiders are pretty predictable; where there is a wide variety of food (insects), spiders go.
Luckily, most Arkansas spiders are harmless. Still, it's important to stay aware. Brown recluse spiders and black widows are common in the area and can be dangerous if handled. Knowing what kind of spider you're dealing with can save you a lot of worry.
5. Ticks
Tick season in Arkansas lasts into late summer. So if your end-of-summer plans include prepping your yard for fall and winter, then you'll want to be on the lookout for ticks. If hiking, hunting, or camping is on the to-do list, be sure to check yourself and your gear for ticks.
Most often, our team has found ticks around:
- Tall grass
- Brush
- Wooded property edges
- Leaf litter
- Areas frequented by wildlife
- Yards where pets spend time
Arkansas is home to a few different tick species, including the lone star tick, American dog tick, and blacklegged tick.
Why September Is A Pest Transition Month In Arkansas
September sits right between two pest seasons.
In September, summer pests are still around, but changing temperatures and shorter days influence where these pests go. During warm stretches, mosquitoes, ants, wasps, ticks, and other insects remain active outside. And as nights get cooler, other pests (like rodents and spiders) take advantage of your home's shelter.
September is the perfect time to look at what's happening in your yard and how well your house is sealed for fall and winter. Addressing problems now can go a long way in protecting your home throughout the rest of summer and into fall and winter.
Simple September Pest Prevention Tips
September is a good month to combine late-summer pest prevention with a little fall preparation:
- Dump standing water after rain
- Clean gutters and make sure water drains away from your home
- Keep grass cut and vegetation maintained
- Trim branches and shrubs away from the house
- Keep outdoor trash cans closed
- Clean up food and drinks after outdoor gatherings
- Check screens for tears
- Inspect weatherstripping and door sweeps
- Seal obvious exterior cracks and gaps
- Reduce clutter in garages, sheds, and storage areas
- Check yourself and pets for ticks after outdoor activities
Arkansas Pest Season Isn't Over When Summer Ends
September brings cooler mornings and the first signs of fall, but pest activity doesn't change overnight.
As an Arkansas company, we understand the rhythms of pest activity here. We know that our seasons don't always follow the calendar, and that effective pest management accounts for what's actually happening around your home.
Our approach focuses on identifying the source of pest activity, treating the areas that matter, and building long-term protection. If you're noticing pest activity around your Arkansas home this September, Alder Pest Control can help you stay ahead of it!
