The Top 3 August Pests to Watch for in Central Ohio

Welcome back to the Home Guard IPM Bug Barometer, your monthly guide to the prevalent August pests in Central Ohio! As summer begins its transition into early fall, the insect landscape is shifting. While some familiar foes remain active, we're also seeing the rise of new nuisances that could be heading straight for your home. Let's dive into what August has in store!

Here is your official Bug Barometer for August 2025. Wasp activity has reached its peak, while home-invading spiders and stink bugs are on the rise. Read our full breakdown below to see what these threat levels mean for your home and yard.

The August Pest Lineup: What to Watch Out For in Central Ohio

This month, our Bug Barometer highlights three key players you need to be aware of: Wasps, Spiders, and Stink Bugs. Our readings indicate that now is the time to take proactive measures to protect your property.

🌡️ Wasp Activity: HIGH

Consider this your official stinging insect warning! Late August is primetime for wasps and especially yellow jackets in Central Ohio. Their colonies have reached their maximum size, and as their natural food sources dwindle, they become more aggressive in their search for sugary and protein-rich meals – which unfortunately often leads them to your backyard barbecues and even indoors.

• Why the High Alert? Increased colony size means more wasps, and dwindling food makes them more persistent (and prone to stinging!).

• Our Advice: Be cautious when eating outdoors, keep trash bins tightly sealed, and avoid swatting at wasps, which can provoke them. If you have a visible nest, it's best to call the professionals at Home Guard IPM for safe and effective removal.

This video shows an active bald-faced hornet nest—a common sight in August. A colony this size can contain hundreds of aggressive defenders that will swarm to protect it. NEVER attempt to remove a nest like this on your own. Professional removal is the only safe option.

🕷️ Spider Activity: MEDIUM-HIGH

Have you noticed more webs around your windows and doorways? You're not alone! August is when many spider species mature and become more visible as they build larger webs to catch prey. As the nights start to cool, these eight-legged residents may also start looking for warmer shelter inside your home.

• Why the Medium-High Reading? Increased spider activity can be unsettling for homeowners, and their webs can become a nuisance.

• Our Advice: While most spiders are harmless, their presence can indicate other pest activity. Regularly sweep away webs and consider a perimeter treatment from Home Guard IPM to help manage outdoor spider populations and prevent them from moving indoors.

Finding a wolf spider like this along your baseboards is a common sight in late summer. As they hunt for other insects, they often follow their prey right into our homes, seeking shelter in quiet, undisturbed corners.

💨 Stink Bug Activity: MEDIUM

Brace yourselves – the early signs of stink bug season are here! Late August is when the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug begins to congregate on the sunny sides of homes, searching for cracks and crevices to overwinter inside. While they don't bite or sting, their sheer numbers and unpleasant odor when disturbed make them a highly unwelcome houseguest.

• Why the Medium Reading? Activity is starting to ramp up. Getting ahead of the invasion now is crucial to prevent a major problem later this fall.

• Our Advice: Seal any potential entry points around windows, doors, and pipes. If you're seeing clusters of stink bugs on your exterior walls, contact Home Guard IPM to discuss preventative treatments that can significantly reduce their numbers before they make their way inside.

Don't be fooled by a single stink bug. Seeing one inside your home is often the first sign of a much larger problem, as they release a chemical signal that attracts others to the same location to overwinter.

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Don't Let Pests Invade Your Home!

August is a critical month for pest control. By taking action now, you can prevent potential problems from escalating as we head into fall.

Ready to safeguard your home from stinging insects, spiders, and the impending stink bug invasion?

Call a Guardian Before They INVADE YOUR HOME!

Contact Home Guard IPM today for a comprehensive pest management plan tailored to your Central Ohio property. We're here to help you enjoy a pest-free end of summer and a comfortable transition into the cooler months.

Stay vigilant, and remember, Home Guard IPM is your partner in pest prevention!