Summer on Long Island means beach days, backyard barbecues, and warm evenings, but it also marks a major uptick in pest activity. The combination of heat, humidity, and outdoor gatherings creates ideal conditions for everything from ants in your kitchen to wasps hovering near your grill. So, now is the time to make sure your home is ready for the summer pest season!

At Knockout Pest Control, we know exactly what pests to expect as the weather heats up…and how to keep them out of your home. Whether you’re protecting your beach house from sand-loving insects or preparing your year-round residence for a busy summer, these pest-proofing tips will make a solid line of defense.

Why Summer Pests Are a Problem on Long Island

The warm weather draws pests out of hiding. Insects like ants, cockroaches, and stinging pests become more active, while rodents search for food left behind after outdoor meals. Beach towns and waterfront homes may also face an increase in moisture-loving pests like termites and silverfish.

Pests aren’t just annoying—they can damage your property, trigger allergies, and contaminate your food. Taking a few steps now can help you avoid a season full of unwanted guests.

1. Block Off Entry Points

Pests often sneak into your home through tiny cracks and gaps around windows, doors, and your home’s foundation. Walk around your home and look for areas where pests could squeeze in:

Seal cracks in siding or brick
Install weatherstripping around doors
Repair torn screens
Check utility lines and dryer vents for gaps

This is especially important if you live near the water or wooded areas, where pest populations tend to be higher.

2. Keep the Kitchen (and Grill Area) Clean

Summer is peak season for ants and cockroaches. Long Island’s humidity can drive these pests indoors in search of food and shelter. To keep them out:

Wipe down counters and sweep floors daily
Store food in sealed containers
Take out the trash regularly
Rinse out recyclables
Clean up spills and crumbs around your grill or patio area

Outdoors, be cautious with sugary drinks and food left out during cookouts. Even a small spill can invite a line of ants or a swarm of stinging pests.

3. Maintain Your Yard

Your landscaping plays a big role in how vulnerable your home is to pests. Overgrown shrubs, tall grass, and piles of leaves provide shelter for pests like ticks, fleas, and rodents.

Trim back bushes and branches that touch your home
Keep your lawn mowed
Remove yard waste and wood piles
Use mulch sparingly and keep it away from your foundation

If you live close to the beach, keep an eye out for sandy, moist areas where insects and small animals like to burrow.

4. Manage Moisture

Moisture is a magnet for many common summer pests like termites and silverfish. Take these steps to manage water around your property:

Fix leaking hoses or outdoor faucets
Ensure gutters and downspouts drain away from your foundation
Use a dehumidifier in damp basements or crawl spaces
Avoid overwatering your lawn or garden

Even air conditioning condensation can contribute to excess moisture, so check those drainage lines too.

5. Check Your Beach Gear

Heading to the beach is a favorite summer tradition, but don’t bring beach bugs back home with you. Sand and salty gear can attract ants, and leaving beach bags or towels in warm areas may invite beach pests.

Shake out beach towels and chairs before bringing them inside
Rinse gear and let it dry fully
Avoid storing beach items in garages or sheds where pests can nest

6. Be Cautious with Summer Storage

Whether you’re pulling out patio furniture or beach umbrellas, check stored items for signs of pest activity. Rodents, spiders, and ants often nest in storage bins or sheds during the off-season.

Inspect for droppings or chewed fabric
Shake out cushions and rugs
Keep items stored in sealed containers off the ground

7. Schedule a Preventive Pest Control Service

The best way to stay ahead of pest problems this summer is with a professional inspection. At Knockout Pest Control, we create custom pest protection plans for Long Island homeowners—tailored to your specific property.

We offer a protective perimeter treatment that knocks pests out before they enter, plus ongoing support throughout the season. Our team knows how to treat Long Island’s toughest summer pests—whether you’re in Nassau, Suffolk, or anywhere in between.

The Knockout Advantage

Knockout Pest Control has been protecting Long Island homes for over 50 years, with a focus on safe, effective pest solutions. Our licensed technicians are experts in Integrated Pest Management, using smart, eco-conscious methods to treat and prevent infestations.

Whether you’re battling ants in the kitchen, carpenter bees on the deck, or roaches in the basement, we’ve seen it all—and knocked it out.

Don’t Let Pests Ruin Your Summer

Summer should be about enjoying your home—not fighting pests inside it. With the right Long Island exterminator, you can keep your home protected from the outside in.

Call Knockout at (800) 244-PEST or request your inspection online today.

(800) 244-7378

Pest-Proof Your Home for Summer on Long Island