Summertime in Massachusetts isn’t just about sunny days, beach visits, and cookouts. It’s also the season when many bugs come alive and make their presence known. While some insects are harmless and even beneficial, others can become pesky nuisances or even health concerns. Identifying and understanding these bugs can help you coexist with nature or take the necessary steps to manage them.
This guide will detail the most common bugs found during the summertime in Massachusetts, how to identify them, their impact, and tips to keep them at bay.
The Most Common Summertime Bugs in Massachusetts
Mosquitoes
What to Look For
Mosquitoes are a hallmark of summer evenings in the Northeast. These small flying insects have slender bodies, long legs, and a sharp proboscis for sucking blood. Their buzzing sound serves as a warning of their approach.
Why They Are a Concern
Beyond being irritating with their itchy bites, mosquitoes can also carry diseases, such as West Nile virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). Massachusetts sees occasional warnings about these diseases during mosquito season, making prevention efforts even more critical.
How to Protect Yourself
- Use EPA-approved insect repellents containing DEET or picaridin.
- Eliminate standing water around your property where mosquitoes breed.
- Install window screens to keep them out of indoor spaces.
Ticks
What to Look For
Ticks are small arachnids that can usually be found outdoors in wooded areas, grassy fields, or even gardens. Black-legged ticks, commonly referred to as deer ticks, are particularly prevalent in Massachusetts.
Why They Are a Concern
Ticks are notorious for spreading Lyme disease, which is quite common in the state. Symptoms of Lyme disease can range from fever and fatigue to joint pain and, in severe cases, neurological issues.
How to Protect Yourself
- Wear long sleeves and pants when hiking or walking through grassy areas.
- Perform thorough tick checks after spending time outdoors.
- Treat your clothing with permethrin and use insect repellents on exposed skin.
Ants
What to Look For
Ants are everywhere during the summer, from pavement ants scurrying along sidewalks to carpenter ants invading wooden structures. Carpenter ants, in particular, can grow fairly large (up to ½ inch) and often have black or reddish bodies.
Why They Are a Concern
While most ants, like pavement ants, are simply an annoyance when they appear indoors, carpenter ants can cause real damage by tunneling through wood to build nests inside homes.
How to Protect Yourself
- Keep your counters and floors free of crumbs and spills, especially sweet substances.
- Check for and seal cracks or crevices that could serve as entry points.
- Consider professional pest control if you suspect carpenter ants in wooden structures.
Wasps and Hornets
What to Look For
Wasps and hornets are stinging insects that become particularly active during the summer while building nests. Unlike bees, their bodies are smoother and sleeker, and they can sting multiple times without losing their stinger.
Why They Are a Concern
Their stings can be painful and, in some cases, trigger allergic reactions or anaphylaxis. Wasps can also be aggressive when defending their nests, making it critical to avoid disturbing them.
How to Protect Yourself
- Keep outdoor food covered to avoid attracting wasps.
- Be cautious around known nesting sites (look for small paper-like nests under eaves or in shrubs).
- Contact a pest control professional if you need to remove a nest.
Flies
What to Look For
House flies, horse flies, and fruit flies are among the most common types found in Massachusetts during the summer. Depending on the species, they range in size from a couple of millimeters to an inch in length.
Why They Are a Concern
While they might seem harmless, flies can carry bacteria and other pathogens, leading to food contamination. Horse flies, in particular, have painful bites and can be especially annoying.
How to Protect Yourself
- Keep garbage cans covered and clean to eliminate breeding grounds.
- Install fly screens on windows and doors.
- Use sticky traps or electric fly zappers to reduce indoor infestations.
Spiders
What to Look For
Massachusetts is home to a variety of spiders, including harmless orb-weavers and daddy longlegs, as well as the occasional black widow or brown recluse (though these venomous species are much rarer in the state).
Why They Are a Concern
Most spiders are harmless and even beneficial for controlling pest populations. However, spider bites can be a concern, especially if you’re bitten by a species like the black widow or brown recluse.
How to Protect Yourself
- Clean dark corners and crevices where spiders might hide.
- Shake out clothes or shoes before wearing them if stored in basements or garages.
- Seal gaps or cracks in your home’s exterior walls.
Japanese Beetles
What to Look For
Japanese beetles are small, metallic green insects with copper-colored wings. They’re easy to spot on leaves, especially plants such as roses and fruit trees.
Why They Are a Concern
These beetles can cause significant damage to gardens and ornamental plants by skeletonizing leaves and flowers.
How to Protect Yourself
- Hand-pick beetles off plants and submerge them in soapy water.
- Use row covers to shield plants from beetles.
- Introduce beneficial nematodes or milky spore powder into your garden to target beetle larvae.
Managing Common Summertime Bugs
While some bugs can be managed with simple measures, others may require professional intervention if an infestation occurs. Here’s how to create a bug-free space this summer:
- Maintain Clean Spaces: Regularly clean your indoor and outdoor spaces, removing food debris, trash, and overgrown vegetation.
- Secure Your Home: Seal cracks and install tight-fitting window and door screens to prevent bugs from entering.
Celebrate Summer Without the Bugs
Massachusetts summers are beautiful, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. By staying informed about common summertime bugs and how to handle them, you can make the most of the season without the distractions of bites or infestations.
Remember, staying proactive is key. A few simple precautions can go a long way in ensuring that you enjoy an itch-free, bite-free summer.