Top Spring Pests and How to Prevent Them

Ants

Ants are one of the most common pests that emerge in the spring. They enter homes searching for food and water, particularly during dry or warm periods. Ant colonies can grow rapidly, so you must act quickly if you spot ant trails.

Prevention Tips:

• Seal entry points such as cracks and crevices in doorways, windowsills, and foundation walls.
• Keep kitchen counters and floors clean and free of food crumbs and sticky residues.
• Manage moisture by fixing leaky pipes and ensuring proper drainage around your home.

Spring is prime time for termite swarms when new colonies are established. Termites can cause severe damage to wooden structures, often going unnoticed until significant damage has occurred.

Prevention Tips:

• Schedule regular termite inspections, especially if you live in areas prone to termite activity.
• Remove or reduce moisture in and around the home, as termites attract moisture.
• Keep firewood, mulch, and wood debris away from the home’s foundation.

Mosquitoes

With spring rains come mosquitoes. These pests are annoying and pose health risks as they can carry diseases such as West Nile and Zika.

Prevention Tips:

• Eliminate standing water in areas like bird baths, clogged gutters, and old tires, which are perfect breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
• Use window and door screens to prevent mosquitoes from entering the home.
• Consider using mosquito repellents and wearing protective clothing during peak mosquito hours (dusk and dawn).

Rodents

Mice and rats begin to forage for new food sources in the spring. They can enter homes through tiny openings and cause extensive damage by chewing through materials and wiring, risking electrical fires.

Prevention Tips:

• Seal up holes or gaps larger than a quarter-inch around your home.
• Keep food in sealed containers and dispose of garbage regularly.
• Remove clutter and debris from around the home to reduce nesting sites.

Stinging Insects

Bees, wasps, and hornets become more active in spring, often building nests in or around homes. These pests can be dangerous, especially to those with allergies to stings.

Prevention Tips:

• Inspect for nests early in the season and remove them before colonies grow.
• Keep outdoor eating areas clean and cover food and sugary drinks.
• Avoid wearing strong perfumes or colognes outdoors, which can attract stinging insects.

Fleas

Fleas become active in warm weather and can infest pets and homes. Their bites are a nuisance, and they can spread diseases.

Prevention Tips:

• Regularly wash pet bedding and vacuum frequently.
• Treat pets with veterinarian-approved flea treatments.
• Maintain your yard by mowing periodically and removing tall grass where fleas can hide.

You can enjoy a pest-free spring by being proactive and following these prevention tips. Don’t let pests take over your spring—contact us today for a consultation and take the first step towards a pest-free home.