Carpenter Ant: Carpenter ants are large black or reddish ants that tunnel into wood to build their nests. In August, they are especially active because the warm, humid weather encourages them to expand their colonies and search for food. You might see them indoors or outdoors, especially near damp or decaying wood. Their presence can be a sign of moisture problems in your home, and they can cause structural damage over time by hollowing out wood for their nests.

Black Rat: Black rats, also known as roof rats, are agile rodents with long tails and pointed noses. They are more likely to be seen in late summer as they search for food and shelter before cooler weather arrives. These rats often enter homes through roofs or attics and are attracted to fruit trees, gardens, and stored food. Their activity increases in August because natural food sources are abundant, and they start looking for safe places to nest for the fall.

Yellowjacket Wasp: Yellowjackets are aggressive, black-and-yellow striped wasps that become highly active in August. Their colonies are at their largest during this time, and they are searching for sugary foods and proteins to feed their young. You’ll often see them around outdoor gatherings, trash cans, and gardens. Their stings can be painful and dangerous, especially for people with allergies, and their numbers peak in late summer.

Boxelder Bug: Boxelder bugs are black insects with red or orange markings. In August, they start gathering in large numbers on sunny sides of buildings and trees as they prepare to move indoors for the cooler months. They feed on seeds and leaves of boxelder and maple trees, and their activity increases as they look for warm places to hide. While they don’t cause structural damage, they can become a nuisance when they enter homes in large groups.

Earwig: Earwigs are small, dark brown insects with pincers on their tails. They are most active in warm, humid weather, which makes August a peak time for them. Earwigs hide in moist, dark places during the day and come out at night to feed on plants, decaying matter, and other insects. Their numbers rise in late summer because the conditions are ideal for breeding and feeding, and they may enter homes seeking moisture.

Cluster Fly: Cluster flies are larger than houseflies and move more slowly. In August, they begin to gather in large numbers on the sunny sides of buildings as they prepare to overwinter inside. These flies are attracted to warmth and will look for cracks and gaps to enter homes. Their activity increases in late summer as they seek shelter, and while they don’t spread disease, they can be a nuisance when they cluster indoors.

Stink Bug: Stink bugs are shield-shaped insects that release a foul odor when disturbed. In August, they become more noticeable as they start searching for places to spend the winter. They feed on fruits and vegetables, which are plentiful at this time of year, and their populations can grow quickly. As the weather begins to cool, they gather on buildings and may enter homes in large numbers, causing annoyance with their smell and presence.