Summer in Idaho brings warm temperatures, longer days, and more time spent outdoors. It also brings an increase in pest activity. Many insects wait out the cold winter months and become active again once temperatures rise. Warm weather accelerates their movement, reproduction, and foraging behavior, which is why homeowners notice more pests both outside and inside during the summer.
Common warm season pests in the Treasure Valley include ants, wasps, flies, spiders, crickets, beetles, and occasional invaders that wander indoors while seeking food or water. Understanding why these pests move inside during summer can help prevent unwanted activity in your home.
Why Bugs Come Indoors During Summer
Heat, dry conditions, and food availability drive pest behavior. During Idaho summers, several factors contribute to increased indoor activity:
1. Food Sources Inside the Home
Many pests follow scent trails directly to kitchens, pantries, garbage areas, and pet feeding zones. Even small crumbs or spills invite ants, flies, cockroaches, and other foraging insects. When outdoor food sources dry up in the heat, the steady supply of indoor food becomes even more appealing.
2. Access to Moisture
Hot, dry weather reduces moisture outdoors. Insects begin searching for reliable water sources such as:
- Leaky faucets
- Dripping hoses
- Pet water bowls
- Condensation around appliances
- Damp bathrooms or laundry rooms
Any consistent moisture source can attract pests inside.
3. Easy Entry Points
As homes expand and contract with temperature changes, gaps and openings may form around:
- Doors
- Windows
- Siding
- Utility lines
- Foundation edges
Pests only need a small opening to enter. Open doors and unscreened windows also allow insects to wander inside during summer.
Tips to Keep Bugs Out of Your House This Summer
Here are steps every Idaho homeowner can take to reduce summer pest activity.
1. Remove Food Sources
Do not Feed the Pests
- Clean counters and tables regularly
- Sweep up crumbs and food debris
- Keep fruit covered or refrigerated
- Store pantry items in sealed containers
- Take out garbage often
- Seal trash bags before putting them in outdoor bins
- Keep outdoor garbage lids tightly closed
This reduces food odors that attract insects to your home.
2. Eliminate Water Sources
Do not Leave Water Out for Pests
- Fix leaking sinks, hoses, or faucets
- Empty standing water from buckets or containers
- Keep pet water bowls clean and refreshed
- Check crawl spaces and basements for dampness
Consistent moisture is one of the top reasons pests stay inside.
3. Seal Entry Points
Inspect your home for gaps around:
- Window frames
- Door jambs
- Rooflines
- Siding joints
- Utility penetrations
Use caulk or fresh weatherstripping to keep pests from slipping through small openings. This is especially effective for ants, spiders, and beetles that only need a tiny gap.
Summer Flea Prevention for Cats and Dogs
Fleas are more active during warm months. If you have pets, prevention is essential.
Spot On Treatments
These topical liquids provide a month of protection and are most effective when used consistently before fleas become active.
Flea Collars
Modern collars can provide up to eight months of control and are easy to attach to your pet’s existing collar.
Shampoos and Sprays
These help eliminate adult fleas but do not offer long term protection. Follow up with a monthly treatment for full control.
Treating Bedding and Indoor Areas
Wash bedding in hot water and use approved products to treat carpets, rugs, and pet resting spots to prevent reinfestation.
Professional Pest Control Services
Routine pest control treatments create a protective barrier around your home during peak summer activity. This helps prevent ants, spiders, wasps, beetles, and other warm season pests from entering.
Pestcom Pest Management provides customized seasonal protection programs for homes throughout the Treasure Valley.
Call today to schedule a summer service and keep bugs where they belong outside.