Small Pests, Big Problems: Protect Your Farm from Summer’s Hidden Threats

As warmer temperatures set in, some of the most dangerous outdoor pests are showing up around the farm. Farm safety extends to the “micro-environment,” including outdoor pest management to prevent disease to pigs and people.

“During the warmer months, producers may be working outdoors more, so be aware of external pests like ticks, mosquitoes, bees and wasps that can cause disease or illness,” says Heather Fowler, VMD and director of producer and public health at the National Pork Board.

Here are five pests to look out for:

Ticks

Thriving in tall grass and wooded field margins, ticks (like the Blacklegged tick) transmit severe illnesses such as Lyme disease, Babesiosis and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. While easy to overlook, tick bites can have lasting impacts. In some cases, the lone star tick has been linked to Alpha-gal syndrome, which can trigger an allergy to mammalian meat and complicate both diet and livestock exposure—making prevention especially important for livestock producers.

Mosquitoes

Often found near irrigation ditches and standing water, mosquitoes are notorious vectors for dangerous viruses. They can be a source of disease for people and animals.

Venomous Spiders

Species like the Black Widow and Brown Recluse often hide in quiet, dark farm structures like barns, woodpiles and tractors. These spider bites can cause severe neurotoxic or necrotic symptoms requiring medical attention immediately.