ProGuard Your Property: Van Wert’s Flying Insect Shield

1. The Usual Suspects in Northwest Ohio

Northwest Ohio, including the Van Wert area, is host to a variety of flying insects—some harmless, others nuisances. Familiarizing yourself with them is the first defense.

• MayfliesEvery summer, swarms of mayflies emerge during their short mating phase. Though they don’t bite, their sheer numbers can be overwhelming.

• Winged Ants (Carpenter Ant Swarmers)These are reproductive ants with wings that emerge in spring or early summer. While harmless by themselves, they can indicate a nearby nest.

• Boxelder and Leaf-Footed BugsThese true bugs sometimes invade buildings in large numbers, especially during warm weather.

• Wasps & Bees (Paper Wasps, Carpenter Bees, Sweat Bees, Blue-Winged Wasps)Van Wert’s parks and green spaces attract a wide range: social wasps, solitary bees, and beneficial insects like the Blue-Winged Wasp that controls lawn grubs.Camp JoyOhiolinecompletepestsolution.com

• CicadasWhile not permanently airborne pests, the emergence of periodical cicadas can be intense enough to cause disturbances—even surprising drivers.

2. Van Wert Favorites: Where You See Them

Flying insects are especially noticeable around parks with water, greenery, and wooded spots:

• Brumback Library (near towne creek): Mayflies and bees often swarm here.

• Smiley Park and Jubilee Park: Flower beds and shaded areas are magnets for bees and wasps.

• Downtown streets like Main Street and Washington: Street trees and lights can attract mayflies and other night-active insects.

3. How to Prevent Insect Intrusions

Take action before things get buggy.

• Seal access points: Ensure windows, doors, eaves, and vents are secure.

• Landscape smartly: Trim foliage away from your structure, reduce standing water, and avoid dense plantings right up against walls.

• Switch to warm/low-UV lighting: Cool, bright lights draw more insects—especially mayflies and moths.

• Maintain cleanliness: Regular trash removal and covering garbage helps reduce bug attractants.

4. Dealing with an Insect Party at Your Door

Even with precautions, bugs can still make an appearance. Here’s how to address them:

• Mayfly swarms: Keep lights off near entries, use fans at outdoor seating to disperse them, and gently sweep them away.

• Winged ant swarms: Trace potential nests and consult a professional if swarms persist indoors.

• Boxelder and leaf-footed bugs: Vacuum them up and seal entry points with weather stripping or caulk.

• Wasps & bees:

  • Non-aggressive, solitary types (like some carpenter or sweat bees): Leave them alone or invite in friendly pest control if necessary.

  • Aggressive or nesting wasps: Hire a professional to remove them safely.

• Cicada season: Keep car windows closed, and cautiously wipe windshields—rushing cicadas can startle drivers.

5. Why Some Bugs Deserve a Second Look

Not all flying insects are threats—some are beneficial:

• Blue-winged Wasps (e.g., Scolia dubia) hunt lawn grubs and support ecological balance.FacebookCamp Joy

• Solitary bees and sweat bees are excellent pollinators for gardens and local florals.

Final Thoughts

With a little ProGuard know-how, Van Wert residents and business owners can enjoy the outdoors without being bugged. Embrace smart prevention, respect beneficial species, and act fast to rein in unwanted visitors. A balanced approach keeps your property—and its ecosystems—thriving all season long.