Common Spring Pests
As the temperature gets warmer, many of us will start making our way outside more to enjoy the spring weather. One thing to remember, though, are the common spring pests that will be joining us outdoors. Here’s a comprehensive list of those common spring pests and what to expect with their arrival.
Flies
Many different types of flies start to appear in early spring. You’ll often first notice fruit flies flying around your kitchen near ripened fruit and other open food sources. Although flies aren’t known to directly harm humans, they’re annoying and can quickly turn into a bothersome infestation if you don’t remove their easy access to sources of food within your home. Avoid keeping food out in the open or on your counters for too long. Keep shelf-stable food products sealed in containers within your pantry to prevent flies from getting easy access to a quick meal.
Carpenter Ants
As it gets warmer, carpenter ants will waste no time in building. The problem with their constructions is that carpenter ants often use pieces of your own home as building material! If left untreated, carpenter ants can severely damage the structural integrity of your home.
Mosquitoes
In Ohio, our humid, rainy climate tends to attract mosquitoes earlier in the year so you may see these pests out in the spring. Not only are mosquitoes an annoying pest, they’re actually quite dangerous given they can spread harmful diseases like West Nile Virus. Prevention of mosquitoes usually means removing sources of standing water from around your home, which can be breeding grounds for swarms of mosquitoes. Clean your gutters regularly to ensure proper water flow during spring storms and eliminate areas where water may pool in your yard (such as non-draining holes or tarps that may collect and store rainwater).
Stinging Insects
Wasps, hornets, yellow jackets, and other stinging insects often start buzzing about when the weather starts to warm up. Beyond being a nuisance, these pests can be deadly to those that are allergic to their venomous bites and stings. Signs of infestation typically include finding a visible paper-mache looking nest and seeing a lot of flying insects around your home. Stinging insects can be particularly dangerous in large swarms so be sure to call a professional if you need help removing nests from around your home!
Termites
A homeowners biggest nightmare, termites thrive in the warm, humid temperatures of spring. These silent home destroyers are known to chew through wood and cellulose-based plant materials around houses. Left untreated, termites can cause costly, significant structural damage to your home. Signs of termites often include visible mud tubes, hollow sounding wood, and discarded wings.
Need help with pests around your home, call go2-pros extermination! Our pest control experts are knowledgeable on how to tackle all types of common spring pests around your home, safely and effectively.
