Common Pests Found in Indiana in the Summer Months

It is common to hear Indiana residents talk about how much they enjoy the summer months. Summer is a time to have some fun in the sun and to spend time in outdoor living environments with family and friends. It must be pointed out, though, that the summer months is a favorite among many different types of pests, too. Many move from their secure shelters to the great outdoors when those temperatures heat up and the sun is beating down. In this pest guide, we will outline the most common pests found in the State of Indiana in the summer months.

What are the Most Common Summer Pests?

While there are many common pests that come out and increase in activity during the summer months, the following outlines the most common. In addition to outlining the pest, we will include supplemental information with each:

1. The Armyworm – These are a type of caterpillar that make themselves known early in the summer. They are known for damaging vegetable crops – such as corn – because they feed on the leaves of the cornstalks. If you have a grassy yard, fields where grass abounds, small grains or even rows of fences, you are sure to come into contact with the armyworm. Signs of infestations include – but are not limited to – brown patches on the lawn or in fields, grass tips that look ragged, and grass blades that have the top layer chewed off. Increases in the presence of birds may indicate an infestation.
2. Four-lined Plant Bug – This particular pest causes white and/or gray spots on the surfaces of leaves in many different plants. This is a common type of pest that negatively impacts gardens. In most instances, these pests are not to be worried about. If an infestation is serious, you will find that wilting occurs and new growth of plants are either slowed or completely hindered. These pests are especially troublesome to herb crops and gardens.
3. Japanese Beetle – These pests are known to destroy over 300 different species of plants. They feed on these plants and then leave behind leaves that appear to be skeletonized. These pests are known for damaging lawns, gardens, and a wide assortment of other plants. They also feed on both flowers and fruits. Common signs other than the skeletonized leaves include brown patches on the lawn and turf that has been killed.
4. Squash Vine Borer – This pest is known for causing destruction in cucurbit crops and in gardens that are small in size. These pests typically damage vegetables such as pumpkin, squash, and zucchini. They tunnel through the stems and the vines of the plants that they infest. These are a type of moth that has clear wings. They are orange and grey and resemble that of wasps.
5. Scale Insects – These pests include over 60 different types. They are known for causing damage to a wide assortment of trees and various types of shrubs. They also feed on the juices of many plant types. Not only do they destroy various types of plant life, but they also attract other types of pests and they may cause mold growth.
6. Colorado Potato Beetles – These pests infest certain crops to include potato and tomatoes. Additionally, they also infest and damage eggplant. These insects have yellow and black stripes. The larvae are various tints of red and typically have spots that are black-colored. These insects engaging in overwintering as adults in the soil. They then emerge in the spring months to start laying eggs. Those eggs are typically found on the underside of the leaves of the plants that they infest.
7. White Grubs – These pests are scarab beetles in the larval stage. They feed on the roots of grass and are known for damaging the lawns where the grass is located where they are feeding. They are c-shaped and creamy white in color with a brown head and a total of six legs. If an infestation is severe, patches of dead grass will be found throughout the property. They attract other pests. Examples include skunks, raccoons, and birds that find the white grubs appetizing.
8. Cabbage Worms – These are caterpillars that are capable of damaging vegetables that are considered to be “cruciferous”. Examples include kale, broccoli, and cabbage. These are typically green in color and are in the larval stage of turning into butterflies that are white with wings that have black tips. They feed on the leaves of said plants and leave behind holes in the leaves. They are also known for contaminating the plants that they consume with fecal droppings.
9. Ticks – These creatures are typically located in tall blades of grass and in areas that are wooded. These are not insects as many believe, but they are arachnids and are actually in close relation to both spider and mites. Ticks have eight legs and are widely known for their unique ability to transmit diseases though bites. They also feed upon the blood of humans and other animals. In most instances, ticks are nor harmful, but they are capable of causing allergic reactions and/or serious illnesses.
10. Aphids – These pests engage in sucking and result in damage to the plants that they infest. The most common signs of an aphid infestation include stunted growth and secretions of honeydew-based secretions. These are small, pear-shaped, that suck out the juices of plants. These are not typically considered to be a danger to people, but they are a nuisance pest and can negatively impact crop yields in a negative manner.
11. Mosquitoes – These are insects that are considered to be highly troublesome in areas that they frequent. They are parasites that consume blood from a host they have found. These insects are known for transmitting diseases.

What Types of Pests Hide Under Homes?

There are several types of pests that are known for hiding under the physical structure that you refer to as your home. These include the following:

1. Ants – These pests are attracted to moisture that is often found within the crawl space or the basement area of the home.
2. Crickets – These pests are searching for heat sources and for light sources.
3. Mice – Mice commonly hide under homes because it is dark and moist.
4. Snakes – These pests are highly attracted to spaces that are confined and dark and protect them from those summer storms.
5. Wasps and Bees – These pests are known for constructing their nests along the foundation of homes.

What Other Pests Abound in the Summer Months

While this particular list is already quite long, there are other pests that you may find are a nuisance during the warmer months of the year. These include but are not limited to the following:

1. Hornets – These insects are considered to be the largest species of eusocial-based wasps. They favor yellowjackets, with whom they share a relation. The venom from a hornet may be deadly to some. This is due to the size of the creature. In most instances, humans are not affected by the venom, but it could be harmful. These pests have brown and yellow strips on them.
2. Silverfish – This small insect does not have wings. These do not bite and are typically not considered to be harmful to humans. If you see this insect, it may indicate problems and potential damage within the home. They are known for causing damage to books, wallpaper, stored food, and even clothing. They prefer area that are dark, moist, and include items that they may feed on.
3. Centipedes – These pests are arthropods. If they bite, they will inject venom into their prey. The venom poses no serious degree of harm to people. There may be swelling and a bit of irritation if bitten, though. These creatures typically hide out in woodpiles, and underneath stones and other objects outdoors. While it is possible to have an indoor infestation, it is not common.
4. Moles – These pests are small mammals that are known for burrowing underground. These pests have poor eyesight and due to their tunneling activity, they are likely to cause damage to lawns and gardens. They use their sense of smell and their sense of touch to navigate spaces and to engage in hunting activities.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are many pests that may be troublesome during the summer months within the State of Indiana. If you live in the state, we highly recommend that you contact us here at All Pest today for a home inspection to determine if you have any type of pest infestation. If we find that you do, we will outline a customized treatment plan that will eliminate the infestation and prevent future infestations from occurring.

In addition to home inspections, we also offer pest control services, pre-inspections, customized treatment plans, and more! We are licensed, insured, and pride ourselves in putting each and every customer first. If you would like to learn more or would like one or more of our services, please call us now at: 765-965-2171