It’s Summer In Montana. Here Come The Creepy Crawly Pests. Beware

Summer in Montana is absolutely amazing unless you are not a fan of the seasonal creepy-crawly bugs and animals that come with it. Here's a list of them that you are bound to encounter.

As a kid, I didn't mind them so much. My friends and I used to spend summer days catching snakes, frogs, turtles, and pretty much anything else that would scare our mothers into a blind rage. As I've gotten older they are more of a nuisance, but alas, they are in Montana to stay.

Box Elders:

A lot of people often refer to these little critters as "stink bugs" but that's a common misconception. These little guys will find any way into your home, but you can usually catch them before they get in. You'll see them on your sidewalk, steps or even herded on or around large electrical boxes. They aren't harmful to humans but can cause havoc on your plants. TIP: Try using a mixture of laundry detergent and water to pour around your house where they are spotted. It works like a charm.

Snakes:

We have a ton of species in Montana ranging from very poisonous to nearly/not harmful. If you plan on any outdoor activities it's a good idea to know which is which. TIP: If you're out on a hike/camping with your dog, pay attention to them. They will usually spot a snake before you will.

Spiders:

The same goes with spiders as snakes (except the dog part). I absolutely hate spiders, but getting them completely out of your home is impossible. Again, some are dangerous, and some are just plain gross and scary. 

Ticks:

While these little bloodsuckers are very small, they can be very dangerous. Who else remembers getting "tick checked" when you returned from camping? If you plan on hitting up the great outdoors, it's a good idea to wear a hat or some sort of head covering. They can carry diseases like Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.

Mosquitos:

Oh, how we hate Mosquitos in Montana. As soon as the heat hits, and the rivers, ponds, lakes, and streams start to dry up and become stagnant, we're in for it. While malaria isn't super common in Montana, it's still a danger. Let's not forget about the bites that will itch for days.

Of course, there are many other little (and big) pests in Montana, but these seem to be the most frequent bothersome. I hate to say it, but it's best to just learn to live with them and do your best to keep yourself safe while enjoying the outdoors.