Waterfront homes might be the epitome of New England summer living, but they present their own issues when it comes to pests.
Pests common in waterfront and lakeside homes in New England can range from mayflies and mosquitoes to giant water bugs and lots of other species in between. You don’t want these annoying creatures to compromise your relaxed lake life experience, and Modern Pest can help!
Giant Water Bug
Consider the giant water bug your new neighbor when you move to a lakeside house in New England. The giant water bug is an aptly name insect commonly found in marshes, ponds, and on the edges of lakes and slow-moving streams.
As is evident by the name, it is considerably large with adult males measuring up to 4 inches long. Sometimes also referred to as ‘water roaches’ and ‘toe biters,’ these insects can fly and linger around your house. They are particularly attracted to lights, so expect to see them near garden and porch lights.
Giant water bugs are generally not dangerous, but they do inflict a very painful bite especially when disturbed. The bite can swell and itch for hours or even days. However, their bites are not venomous.
Water roaches usually don’t invade houses. But if they do find a way indoors, that’s probably because they smell food and garbage. Pay attention to proper waste disposal and clean food spills immediately to prevent the water bugs from coming into your house.
Call Modern Pest today at 1-800-323-7378 and enjoy your waterfront home pest free all summer!
Termites
While there are many different types of termites, those found in New England are eastern subterranean termites.
Subterranean termites live in colonies. They reproduce prolifically and can be extremely destructive as they enter buildings through wood and feed on cellulose fiber, which can lead to major damages in things like furniture, beams, books, and foundations.
Check for small cylindrical tunnels near the foundation of your home. If you spot them, call the pros at Modern Pest! Our Homecare Termite Control program starts with an in-home termite inspection conducted by a trained termite specialist. If you are buying a waterfront house, hire a termite inspector for a thorough property check. This will save you major costs on repair and insurance down the lane.
At Modern, we offer a comprehensive termite treatment program using the Sentricon® Termite Colony Elimination System with Always Active™ technology to help detect termite attacks, stop termite activity and protect your home 24/7 from persistent termite threats and problems.
Mosquitoes
New England is somewhat notorious for these irritating, bloodthirsty insects. In fact, Maine humorist Tim Sample refers to mosquitoes as the unofficial state ‘bird’ of Maine.
Mosquito bites aren’t just itchy and annoying, they can also be very detrimental to your health.
Mosquitoes pose a serious health threat because they are vectors of potentially lethal diseases such as the West Nile virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis, and the Zika virus.
Though you are likely to notice swarms of mosquitoes all across New England states, the problem is often more severe for those living near the water.
Using mosquito repellants, netting your doors and windows, and other similar measures can significantly reduce the risk of being bitten by these annoying creatures. However, since water bodies are a breeding ground for their larvae, scheduling Modern’s Homecare Mosquito, Flea, and Tick service can make all the difference in not being swarmed this summer. And while we won’t apply materials too close to the water, we can still treat many lakeside properties. Call for more info!
Mayflies
Mayflies aren’t as annoying as mosquitoes – probably because they don’t bite. However, they can still be a huge nuisance especially due to their large numbers and the fact that they love to buzz around anyone who sets foot outside.
This can be the biggest buzzkill (pun intended) every time you step out of your lakeside house to admire the view.
The good news is that getting rid of mayflies is quite easy. These insects are repelled by certain colored lights. Installing yellowish lights on your porch and other entryways can keep mayflies at bay. Similarly, clean and well-maintained yards that are free of dead organic matter can also help prevent mayflies from hovering over your property.
Pests bugging you at the lake? Modern can help! Call us at 1-800-323-7378 to learn what services are right for you.
Drain Flies
Drain flies, also known as moth flies, have small hairy wings and a short, round body. They look pretty much like a cross between houseflies and moths, hence, the name moth flies. Drain flies are one of the over 55 common household pests covered by Modern’s Homecare Green service.
Although they are typically harmless and not known to bite or transmit any diseases, drain flies are invasive in nature. Their larvae are aquatic to semi-terrestrial which means they can easily thrive indoors. Also, they can trigger bronchial asthma in susceptibly individuals.
The most disgusting thing about drain flies is that they usually come from well, drains. You are likely to find them in your bathroom and kitchen drains especially when the place is not used for a certain period of time. Look out for drain flies in your basement too because these insects prefer dark and humid areas.
The Modern Solution
Living in a home near water means you will probably encounter pests like mosquitoes, giant water bugs, drain flies, and lots of other pests common to waterfront homes.
Nothing should rob you of the comfort and enjoyment of your home, least of all these tiny creatures. Call Modern Pest today at 1-800-323-7378 to learn how we can help you enjoy every moment of summer weather at your waterfront home.