Summer in New England brings warm weather, backyard barbecues—and unfortunately, a surge in pest activity. As temperatures rise, so does the presence of ants, wasps, and stinging insects around homes and yards. Knowing what you’re up against is the first step in protecting your property.
At Cornerstone Pest Control, we help homeowners spot and manage the most common summer pests in New England before they become a bigger problem. Here’s a guide to what you might see—and what you should do if they appear.
Common Summer Ants in New England
Carpenter Ants
Carpenter ants are large (typically black) and known for nesting inside wood, especially if it’s moist or rotting. They don’t eat wood like termites but tunnel through it to create their colonies—leading to potential structural damage over time. You may notice piles of sawdust or rustling sounds in your walls as signs of their activity.- Sugar Ants
Often mistaken for pavement ants, sugar ants are tiny and typically brown or black. They’re more of a nuisance than a threat and are attracted to sugary foods left out in kitchens or pantries. If you’re seeing lines of tiny ants marching across your countertops, these are likely sugar ants. - Pavement Ants
Pavement ants are small, dark brown to black, and commonly found nesting under driveways, patios, and sidewalks. While not structurally damaging, they can invade homes in search of food and form unsightly mounds in pavement cracks.
Bees and Stinging Insects to Watch For
- Carpenter Bees
Carpenter bees resemble bumblebees but with smooth, shiny abdomens. They bore holes into wood—especially decks, fences, and eaves—to lay their eggs. While they don’t live in large colonies or swarm, repeated damage from nesting can weaken wooden structures. - Wasps
Wasps are more aggressive than bees and can sting multiple times. They build paper-like nests under eaves, in shrubs, or even inside wall voids. If you see increased wasp activity, it’s time to take action before the nest gets too large. - Hornets
Hornets are a type of wasp but usually larger and more territorial. Their nests are often seen hanging from trees or buildings and resemble a gray paper football. Hornet stings can be very painful and dangerous for those with allergies. - Honey Bees
While honey bees are valuable pollinators, they can occasionally set up hives in unwanted locations. At Cornerstone, we do not remove or harm honey bees. Instead, we refer customers to trusted, certified professionals who specialize in safe and humane honey bee relocation. If you spot a honey bee hive, give us a call—we’ll help connect you with the right people.
When to Call the Pros
If you’re unsure what kind of pest you’re dealing with, it’s best not to guess. Ants and stinging insects can quickly multiply and turn a minor annoyance into a major infestation. At Cornerstone Pest Control, we offer expert identification and treatment tailored to the specific pest species and situation.
Protect Your Summer from Common Pests
Enjoy your yard and home in peace this season. Whether it’s ants invading your kitchen or hornets buzzing near your deck, Cornerstone Pest Control has your back. Reach out today for a professional assessment and peace of mind all summer long. Call 603-395-9200 or message us to schedule a service or inspection today!
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