The Capital City is full of summer fun, but the summer heat also brings the bugs out to play. A number of these bugs either bite or sting, which isn’t fun for anyone. Here are a few of the area’s bugs to watch out for:

Bald-faced Hornets

These hornets are easy to recognize because of their color pattern. They are black and white striped with smoky wings, and are usually found in parks, gardens, forests, and meadows. They are very protective of their nests and will sting repeatedly if they feel threatened. In some cases they can repeatedly inject a venomous liquid under the skin of their victim.

Horse and Deer Flies

These bloodsucking insects don’t just plague horses and cattle—they also commonly bite humans. Horse flies are ¾ to 1¼ inches long with clear or solid-colored wings and bright eyes. Deer flies are smaller with dark bands across their wings. It doesn’t take very many of these extremely persistent flies to make outdoor recreation and work miserable, especially during summer months. Repellants such as Deet can help protect you from these pests.

Bumblebees

These large, black and yellow striped stingers are typically peaceful insects that only sting when their hive is disturbed. Because it has a smooth stinger, it can repeatedly sting, and its venom has a direct effect on the blood vessels in its victim’s skin. Painful swelling, redness, and itching are typical results of a sting, but allergic reactions can make them much more dangerous.

Chiggers

These critters which are technically arachnids, in the same family as spiders as ticks, like moist, grassy areas. They’re so small you’ll need a magnifying glass to see them, and though they aren’t dangerous, their bites leave you with a very itchy rash. Adult chiggers don’t bite, but the larvae, which are less than 0.3 millimeters long, sure will.

Fleas

Fleas don’t just aggravate dogs or other household pets, they can also go after humans. Your legs and feet are easy targets for them. Watch for red spots surrounded by reddened haloes. The extreme itch and discomfort will be hard to miss.

Don’t let bugs ruin your summer fun. Call one of the professionals at Green Pest Control today.