Late spring, early summer through early fall they say are the best temperature times and here is how it plays out:
No sooner is ground dry after spring thaw and it begins. Tick season. Hard shelled lime disease things that only a lighter will kill and they can be found well into the thick of summer. Budding blossoms of mosquitos are to follow. Vampires of all sizes and temperaments eager to drain your blood lurk everywhere and even follow you inside. They wait until your asleep and buzz around to find that fresh blood. As flowering begins in earnest, bees arrive but generally stick to the benign task of pollinating unless threatened and so it continues.
Summer begins – no see ‘ems and moths suddenly are everywhere. Mosquitos remain but if dryer conditions prevail it may become tolerable. Just as the weather is nice enough to enjoy, black flies appear. Few at first but then hordes landing on your head, back, arms, face, hands or whatever else they often piggy back into the home to further aggravate. Meanwhile, garden bugs, potato beetles, green worms, little black bugs, spiders, and lady bugs compete for attention. It almost seems like the best days are windy days where the bugs are kept away but if the weather is cooler that doesn’t work out for enjoyment yet it keeps the flies away.
Its not quite August and flesh eating horse flies now attack going for the head and limbs. It feels like they are ripping chunks of flesh as they go. Blending in with the increase in black flies they are no fun. This all may be punctuated by grasshoppers, hornets, and more green worms. An then the crickets pop up with yet another round of black flies. Soon the Dog Days will be gone but not before the wasp attack. Buzzing in your ear as they make swiping passes at your head they seem to compete for body parts with the flies. Gnats and no see ‘ems abound with the wasps and flies.
It’s September now and the maple bugs that were quietly readying themselves are visible. Hordes may be found hanging on south facing wood of all kinds. Houses with older siding and wood don’t stand a chance as these pests try and find their way in. If successful the orange staining buggers will have to swatted into submission at the cost of a few curtains and rugs perhaps.
As temperatures begin to fall, the odd day of grace appears (when its not cold, cloudy, windy, or still smokey). With Jack Frost nipping, no bugs – finally. Walks now require layering up against the stiff North breeze that has started to come. This is it – the free time just before the snow comes where outdoors can almost be enjoyed bug free.
Tip: Wasp eliminator that works
- Empty margarine tub
- 1/2 Cup Apply Cider Vinegar
- 1/2 White Sugar
- 1/2 Water
- 1-2 Drops of dish soap
Empty and refresh daily