Summary: Summer is almost here, so it’s important to prepare for an influx in pest activity. This blog breaks down 12 easy ways to prevent summer pests in the Pacific Northwest. It also describes the 5 worst PNW summer pests and the problems that they cause. Pointe Pest Control provides reliable services throughout the year.
Summer is less than a month away, so it’s time to prepare for the increase in pest activity. Between the higher temperatures and the abundant time people spend outside, PNW pests love this season. No matter what activities you enjoy, there are easy ways to prevent summer pests from bugging (literally) you and your family. All it takes is a bit of preparation and awareness of local pests.
We’re excited to share with you the most efficient ways to prevent pests from ruining your summer. But first, let’s briefly discuss a handful of the worst PNW summer pests!
Pacific Northwest Summer Pests

Thanks to our varied climates and abundant water sources, the Pacific Northwest is a pretty appealing place for pests as well. The temperatures don’t get unbearably high, so summer pests benefit without being overheated. Cold-blooded pests (insects and spiders) are energized by warmth and are therefore more active in the summer.
Five of the most common PNW summer pests are:
- Ants — These pests are now more desperate for food and water than in any other season. Ants lead their fellow workers to each food source by leaving a trail of scent chemicals, or pheromones. Odorous house ants and carpenter ants are typical invaders.
- Spiders — Where there are insects, there are sure to be spiders. They don’t live far from their food sources. Spiders hide in cool, dark, and quiet areas for safety purposes. Black widows are a common summer pest, so use caution near this venomous spider.
- Bed Bugs — This might seem like an unexpected addition to the list, but bed bugs are one of the most common summer pests. The heat gives them more energy to breed and feed on our blood. Summer is also a big travel season, so bed bugs are able to invade more spaces.
- Mosquitoes — Since mosquitoes thrive in the heat and use still water as egg-laying sites, we see a lot of these bloodsuckers every summer. They’re most active at dusk and dawn. In addition to giving us itchy welts, mosquitoes can also transmit diseases through their bites.
- Stinging Insects — Wasps, hornets, and yellow jackets are frustrating invaders that only get worse as the season goes on. They spend the summer expanding their nests and foraging for food. When food (insects and nectar) becomes scarce, stinging insects get more aggressive.
Of course, there are many other pests that you might see this summer. Crickets, ticks, and rodents are also extremely common in our region. That’s why it’s important to prioritize pest prevention. So, let’s dive into the most efficient ways to prevent summer pests from ruining your fun!
Seal Entry Points

Sealing entry points is the best way to prevent pests. Inspect your home often for new cracks and gaps. The most impacted areas include the foundation, window/door screens, weather seals, and spaces near external openings (vents, chimneys, etc.). Seal cracks with caulk, and replace any torn seals and screens. Also, consider using vent screens and chimney covers to really block pests out.
Eliminate Excess Water

We previously mentioned that mosquitoes use water as an egg-laying site. That’s why removing extra water from your house and yard is essential to prevent pests, especially mosquitoes. Repair any leaks in the house ASAP. Make sure rooms are well ventilated and not humid, and use a dehumidifier when necessary. As for the exterior, remove clogs in the gutters and downspouts to ensure the water flows away from the house’s foundation.
Check for Stinging Insect Nests

Since these pests are so territorial, it’s best to stay one step ahead of them by finding and removing their nests. Look around your yard and house for any nests. If you see a group of stinging insects in one area, it’s a good (or worrisome) sign that a nest is nearby. Many species keep their nests elevated in trees or under eaves, but yellow jackets often nest in the ground. If you find any stinging insect nests, contact your local pest control for immediate removal.
Store Food Properly

Pests are very food-motivated creatures, and our food is irresistible to them. Store your food in airtight containers to keep them safe, as many pests can chew into cardboard and plastic. We recommend storing cereal, baking ingredients, oats, grains, and nuts in these containers. Don’t forget about your pet’s dry food; roaches and rodents love it! Use a lidded plastic tub or a new trash can to store the large bag of dog or cat food.
Use Proper Trash Management

Speaking of food, ants and rodents are just two of the many pests that use our food trash as food sources. Take out the trash before it overflows, and use strong trash bags to prevent leakage. Keep the lids to the outdoor trash cans closed at all times. If you can, store the cans away from the house. Storing them right against the house can allow invasive pests to jump ship from the cans to your home.
Clean the Floors

You probably do this as a standard chore, but it’s worth mentioning here. Cleaning the floors eliminates food sources and hiding spots of inconspicuous pests. Hair, pet dander, and dead skin are tasty meals for dust mites and carpet beetles. Use your preferred methods (mopping, sweeping, vacuuming, etc.) to regularly clean the floors. If you host a lot of dinners or parties, clean the floor after each one.
Trim the Yard

Ticks, rodents, and spiders hide in unruly greenery for protection. To eliminate their hiding spots, keep the yard trimmed throughout the warm months. Remove leaf litter and natural debris that clutter the soil and lawn. On a regular basis, prune bushes, trim plants, and pull weeds. A general rule of thumb is to keep all plants and tree branches cut back at least one foot from the house. Otherwise, they can act as pest highways!
Reduce Clutter

We know this is the definition of “easier said than done.” But it’s truly worthwhile to clean up your storage and keep a tidy home, especially when it comes to preventing hidden pests. Only use plastic storage bins with good lids for stored items. Cardboard boxes and paper bags are both food sources and shelter for many pests. Check storage areas (garage, basement, attic, etc.) often for hidden pest problems.
Use Bug Spray

Our region has a wonderful array of outdoor activities to enjoy throughout the summer. But before you go fishing, hiking, picnicking, or backpacking, spritz on that bug spray! Bug repellents with DEETs or picaridin are the most effective. If you want a natural option, look for sprays that have lemon eucalyptus oil for maximum effect. No matter what spray you choose, make sure the label specifies it repels bloodsucking pests, like mosquitoes and ticks.
Maintain the Lawn

An overgrown lawn is a pest’s playground. Chinch bugs, mole crickets, and ants hide in long grass and can damage a lawn over time. In the summer, mow your lawn once a week to keep it at a manageable height. You can also use this time to check for any signs of pest activity, like nesting or digging. Water the lawn regularly — at least 3 days a week — and make sure it drains properly. As needed, use fertilizer and aeration to keep a healthy lawn.
Clean Your Luggage

Once you get home from a summer trip, it’s tempting to leave your unpacked luggage in the corner of the bedroom for the next two months. In the interest of preventing bed bugs, we strongly advise against this practice. Check the crevices and folds of your luggage for bed bugs. Wipe the bags down with an antibacterial wipe or spray to ensure there aren’t tiny hitchhikers. Before storing them, fully close all compartments and pockets.
Receive Regular Pest Control Services

Every season brings its own pest problems, so general pest control services are the most efficient way to keep your home pest-free all year long. The trained technicians will provide inspections, maintenance, and preventative measures that are tailored to your needs. They can also give you recommendations on preventing pests in between services. Between these preventative tasks and the professional treatments, pests don’t stand a chance!
Make a Splash with Pointe Pest Control!
All of these tasks are easy ways to protect your home from invasive pests, but we want to focus on the last one. Never underestimate the importance of general pest control!
It’s a great benefit to your home to have a trained technician monitoring your property for pest activity, especially in the summer. At Pointe Pest Control, we provide long-term solutions by targeting the root of each pest issue with a customized combination of our professional-grade treatments. Our goal is to protect your family and home from PNW summer pests.
The peace of mind that comes with consistent pest protection is indescribable. Keep the pests out of your summer, and contact us for a free quote today!
Citations
Allen, H. (2016, October 6). Pest control in the Pacific Northwest. Pest Control Technology. Available at https://www.pctonline.com/article/pest-control-in-the–pacific-northwest/ (Accessed on May 21, 2025).
Common summer pests in the Pacific Northwest. (2022, June 21). United Pest Solutions. Retrieved May 21, 2025, from https://www.unitedpestsolutions.com/blog/2022/june/common-summer-pests-in-the-pacific-northwest/
Pests you will see in your home this year. (n.d.). Insight Pest Solutions. Retrieved May 21, 2025, from https://insightpestnorthwest.com/pests-you-will-see-in-your-home-this-year/