Lake Insects to Watch Out For

Photo by Clément Falize on Unsplash

Summertime at the lake means a lot of things — swimming, boating, hiking, and other favorite outdoor activities. But one of the least enjoyable aspects of lake life is coexisting with outdoor creatures. We’re not talking about elk, ducks, and other wildlife you’re trying to spot — we’re talking about pesky lake insects. While it’s useful to remember bug spray and other strategies to keep insects away, it’s also helpful to identify these pesky bugs. After all, it’s hard to know which bugs to stay away from when you aren’t sure what they look like! Plus, with more skin exposure during the summer months, you may be even more vulnerable to these (often bloodthirsty) bugs. Today, we’ll be going over various types of annoying insects at the lake — and what to do if you see them!

Mosquitos

Photo courtesy of Mosquito Authority

Raise your hand if you’ve ever had a mosquito bite on the lake. That’s all of us, right? According to the CDC, mosquitos love the water because that’s where their larvae and pupae (young, developing mosquitoes) live. Not to be confused with gnats (which are generally harmless), mosquitoes are not lake insects to be messed with. Because mosquitoes thrive on blood, when they land on you, they leave painful, itchy bites. They can also spread diseases, such as the organisms that can pass heartworm disease to dogs. To keep the mosquitoes at bay, be sure to apply bug spray correctly each time you go outside, especially during the summer.

Horse Flies

Photo courtesy of uwm.edu

Like mosquitoes, horse flies are also constantly in search of blood. These fast-flying lake insects are commonly found around bodies of water such as streams, ponds, and lakes. There, they most often prey on animals, spreading animal diseases such as anthrax, trypanosomiasis, and tularemia. Although horse flies get their name from their livestock-preying reputation (especially horses, since they’re attracted to movement), they can bite humans as well. This is especially true during the summer when they require more blood during mating season. To steer clear of horse flies, be sure to keep garbage containers or other areas of animal waste sealed tightly.

Ants

Photo by Prabir Kashyap on Unsplash

Although ants are not only a lake house problem, dealing with these insects is almost synonymous with summer lake life. From the front porch to the backyard to the boat dock, ants are everywhere. Some are harmless and some can be dangerous, but because there are over 12,000 known species of ants, it’s hard to generalize. In the absence of clarity, a good rule of thumb is to let them be. For example, running around barefoot outdoors is never a good idea due to the risk of fire ants. And when picnicking by the lake, be sure to keep all your containers tightly sealed to avoid some ant visitors.

Cockroaches

Photo courtesy of Dorling Kindersley/Dorling Kindersley/Getty Images via the spruce

Although they’re definitely grotesque for those of us who are squeamish, cockroaches are typically harmless lake insects. However, in some people, they can cause allergic reactions. When in doubt, it’s best to stay away. At your lake home, the best protection against cockroaches is proper hygiene. Keep your house relatively tidy, clean up food messes, and store leftovers in the fridge. This is especially important to remember if your lake house is a second home. The last thing you want upon returning to your vacation house is a group of unwelcome guests.

Bees and Wasps

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What’s that buzzing sound? If you’re spending time outdoors at the lake, chances are, it’s a honey bee or bumble bee. In particular, these bees like to hang out by any flowering plants near the water. As most of us know, when threatened, bees can cause a painful sting. The same is true for wasps. However, these winged insects tend to be more aggressive than bees. Plus, if you’re allergic to their venom, the response can be excruciating. To get rid of wasps (and similar lake insects like hornets and yellow jackets), use a DIY or store-bought spray or hire a professional. 

When it comes to lake insects when in doubt, stay away! And of course, before running out to the lake, bring your bug spray and remember to clean up your picnic. 

Bug Off! Natural Ways To Repel Mosquitoes

mosquitoMosquitoes are things people always try to avoid, and with good reason. Not only are they a nuisance when they bite, they also leave you with an itchy sore for a few days. To repel mosquitoes there are lots of products to assist with that, but in the majority of cases, that would mean using chemicals and products harmful to them and us as well.

One of the best ways to repel mosquitoes is to use Citronella candles. They are very easy to be made, are natural, and will release a scent that will keep the mosquitoes away. Place these candles in any outdoor area that you would like to enjoy to create a barrier that will keep mosquitoes away.

An alternative to Citronella candles is lavender. It is lovely and beautiful to humans but mosquitoes hate it. Add lavender to windows and door to help repel mosquitoes.

Another way to prevent mosquitoes is to make sure that there is no standing water on your property. This is where mosquitoes breed, so emptying any pots or buckets around your house will reduce their numbers.

You can also buy or create a mosquito trap. This trap will attract mosquitoes by using CO2. The trap is built in a way that bugs and mosquitoes can enter it but cannot leave it.

Follow these given natural repellants and it is guaranteed mosquitoes will not even think about crossing you or your property!

Tips on How to Deal with Bugs & Insects on the Lake

Woman applying mosquito repellent bug spray next to lake
Photo courtesy of Mamavation.

There are a huge number of advantages to living in a lake house. From the scenic views to the ability to go fishing or swimming whenever you want. However, like every other place in the world, there are always a few drawbacks – even if they are small ones. For example, living on a freshwater lake means that you may have to deal with a few bugs now and again, whether they’re harmless mayflies or those pesky mosquitoes. The following are a few tips on how to deal with bugs and insects (the pesky variety) so that they don’t take away from the amazing lake living experience:

Mosquitoes

Mosquito spray bug repellent

Mosquitoes are easily one of the most irritating bugs to deal with. Odds are you’ve been bitten by a mosquito at least once or twice in your lifetime.

Mosquitoes breed and thrive in an environment that combines standing water, heat, and humidity. These conditions are optimal for them to breed. This means that when summer comes around, odds are you’ll see your share of mosquitoes around the lake.

The following are a few tips to help you deal with those mosquitoes so that they don’t ruin your summer. After all, you’ll want to enjoy those sunsets without swatting at mosquitoes every second.

  • Install ceiling fans – Mosquitoes do not take kindly to breezy environments. If your lake home doesn’t already have ceiling fans, you should consider installing them. Not only will they keep mosquitoes away – they’ll also improve the comfort of your home! If you have a porch or a deck that you enjoy using during the spring or summer seasons, you may want to consider installing a ceiling fan or two out there as well.
  • Install screens – We all like to leave our doors and windows open during the warmer days of the year in order to allow fresh air to circulate throughout the house. However, this is an open invitation to mosquitoes. Install screens so that you can open your home up without letting any mosquitoes or other flying bugs in. You may even want to screen your porch in if you haven’t done so already.
  • Avoid standing water – Yes, your lake home is technically sitting on a huge area of standing water. However, prevent mosquitoes from laying eggs even closer to your home by making sure you don’t leave any form of standing water out in your yard.
  • Add citronella plants to your yard – Mosquitoes can’t stand citronella. You can use citronella candles to help keep mosquitoes at bay as well as put citronella oil on your skin to keep from being bitten. You may even want to plant a few citronella plants in your yard around your home. Even potted citronella plants on your porch can help prevent a mosquito invasion.

Mayflies

Bug spray Young child near flying insects
Photo courtesy of Mamavation.

Okay, so mayflies aren’t nearly as annoying as mosquitoes – mostly because they don’t bite. But, that doesn’t mean that they aren’t a huge nuisance.  After all, nobody wants a cloud of mayflies surrounding their head as they try to enjoy the outdoors.

  • Replace lights – Mayflies are attracted to certain colored-lights. Light bulbs that produce a yellowish color won’t attract mayflies as much. Neither will sodium vapor bulbs. Consider replacing your outdoor light bulbs and turn all outdoor lights off when you turn in for the night. If you prefer to leave lights on for security reasons, consider installing motion-detecting lights that only turn on when motion is detected.
  • Keep the yard clean – Keep the area around your yard clean, keeping the grass trimmed and rid of dead organic matter. This includes leaves and branches which can attract mayflies.

Roaches and Ants

Roaches and ants can be a problem no matter where you live, whether it’s on the lake or in the city. Keep the following tips in mind to help prevent roach or ant infestations:

  • Don’t leave food out – Never leave food out, in or outside your home. This is sure to attract roaches or ants. Always throw away your leftover food in a sealed garbage can, garbage disposal, or put it away in your refrigerator.
  • Seal gaps – Go through your lake home and make sure there are no gaps in your window and door openings. Caulk your windows and add weatherstripping to your doors to eliminate entry points.
  • Keep the area around your home clear – You should have at least a foot of space between your lake home’s exterior and any shrubs, mulch, or trees to help protect against easy entry into your home by insects.

Living on a lake can be an absolutely amazing experience so don’t let the thought of bugs put you off. Following these tips can certainly help to keep your lake home bug-free. For more tips and advice on enjoying your time at the lake, read here.