What attracts spiders and how to discourage them
Week of 2026-06-01
Why am I seeing more spiders around my home this summer? Spiders settle where they can find insect prey and shelter, making garages, porch corners and undisturbed storage areas worth checking. We're seeing more homeowner questions about spiders in Tampa Bay, including Lakeland, Lutz and Wimauma; spider inquiries are up 167% over the past two weeks. A spider sighting is a reason to look at nearby hiding places and food sources, not assume the whole house needs treatment.
Look for webs returning in the same corners, spiders appearing repeatedly near doors or windows, and activity around stored belongings. Not all spiders build capture webs, so the absence of a web doesn't rule out a wandering spider. A clear photo taken without handling the spider can help with identification.
Start with four practical steps: vacuum accessible webs, reduce clutter along garage walls, repair damaged window screens, and seal gaps around doors and utility openings. These steps remove hiding places and make entry harder. Keep track of where sightings repeat so you can focus your efforts rather than treating every room.
If spiders keep returning after cleanup and exclusion, or you need help identifying what you're seeing, we're happy to help. Learn about Anti-Pesto Bug Killers' home pest control options at https://www.antipesto.com/home-pest-control and ask us about the areas you've noticed.
What to Watch for Around Your Yard in the Coming Weeks
Week of 2026-06-22
We're seeing more interest in mosquito help across Tampa Bay, including Saint Petersburg, with mosquito inquiries rising over the past two weeks. As summer continues, make standing-water checks part of your yard routine. Mosquitoes develop in water before emerging as flying adults, so overlooked containers can keep providing breeding opportunities through the coming weeks.
Look for water collected in flowerpot saucers, buckets, toys and folds in outdoor covers. Small, wriggling larvae in still water are another sign to watch for. Notice where mosquitoes repeatedly interrupt time outdoors, but remember that the spot where you encounter adults isn't necessarily where they developed.
Empty and scrub water-holding containers regularly. Store unused buckets and toys upside down or under cover. Clear debris from gutters so water can drain, and refresh birdbath water frequently rather than simply topping it off. These habits address breeding opportunities that are easy to overlook during ordinary yard care.
We're also seeing increased activity involving ants, fleas and spiders. Keep food spills cleaned up, vacuum pet resting areas and reduce clutter around doors and storage spaces as part of your summer prevention routine.
If mosquitoes keep disrupting your yard despite regular cleanup, we can help assess the next steps. Learn about Anti-Pesto Bug Killers' mosquito control service at https://www.antipesto.com/mosquito-control.
Look for the Mouthpart, Then Check Standing Water
Week of 2026-06-29
A small flying insect near your patio isn't always a mosquito. We're seeing more mosquito inquiries in Seminole over the past two weeks, making identification a useful first step for Tampa Bay homeowners. In summer, standing water around homes provides places for young mosquitoes to develop, including small containers that are easy to overlook.
Mosquitoes and nonbiting midges both have slender bodies and long legs. The clearest visual clue is the mosquito's long, needlelike mouthpart projecting from its head; nonbiting midges lack that prominent projection. Size alone isn't a reliable way to tell them apart. If you can safely get a clear close-up photo, it can help with identification without handling the insect.
Empty and scrub plant saucers, buckets and other water-holding containers weekly. Clear gutters so water can drain, and repair damaged window or patio screens. Check these spots even if the yard looks dry: a small pocket of water can be easy to miss.
We're also seeing increased interest in help with spiders, fleas and ants. Keep those concerns separate when describing what you're noticing around the house.
If mosquitoes keep interrupting outdoor time after you've addressed standing water, Anti-Pesto Bug Killers can help assess the next steps. Learn about our mosquito control service at https://www.antipesto.com/mosquito-control.
What to Watch for Before Treating Stinging Insects
Week of 2026-07-13
We're seeing more Tampa Bay homeowners seeking help with stinging insects: inquiries are up 350% over the past two weeks. With summer outdoor activities bringing people onto patios and into yards, this is a useful time to pay attention to insect activity around shared spaces. The practical first step is to give suspected nests space rather than attempt treatment before identification.
From a comfortable distance, look for repeated insect traffic to the same spot or a visible nest near an area you regularly use. Note the location so you can describe it to a professional without approaching. An insect passing through the yard is different from repeated activity at one location.
Keep outdoor food and drink containers covered, close trash lids securely, and clear away leftovers after outdoor meals. Avoid disturbing a suspected nest while trimming plants or moving outdoor furniture. Don't climb up to inspect one or block an opening where insects are coming and going.
We're also seeing increased interest in help with bed bugs, ants, and wood destroying insects. Those concerns deserve separate identification rather than assuming one treatment fits every pest.
If activity keeps returning near a doorway, walkway, or gathering area, Anti-Pesto Bug Killers can help assess the next step. Learn about our home pest control services to arrange an inspection.
