Here, we will be looking at common springtime pests and how to control them.
As the spring season sets in, it comes with potential problems in the form of pest infestations.
At this time, most pests are emerging from hibernation and overwintering. A lot of the pest issues faced by homeowners begin in spring.
Pest Control Spring
You’ll need to act as fast as you can to resolve any pest issue before it gets out of hand.
This is why comprehensive pest control in spring is crucial. Spring is heralded by temperature fluctuations that result in rainfall, plant growth, and warmer weather conditions.
All of these are ideal for conditions for a lot of creatures including pests. This is a time you’ll need to be extra vigilant by looking out for any developing pest issues.
Pest Issues You Could Encounter in Spring
When spring sets in, certain pest issues tend to be common.
These include mosquitoes, termites, rodents, spiders, and carpenter ants. These are just a few of several possible pest problems you might face.
Let’s take a look at how these above-mentioned problems emerge.
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Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are among pests that emerge in spring.
These cause all sorts of problems as the females need to feed to reproduce. The problem is, these pests can spread a whole lot of diseases through their bites.
As spring sets in, it creates all sorts of ideal conditions that encourage mosquito presence. These include rainfall that results in standing water, as well as taller grasses and shrubs.
As a preventive measure, you’ll need to dump out all standing water within your surroundings and trim all overgrown shrubs.
Another mosquito control strategy to implement in spring is to keep your lawn mowed and also clear any debris that may be lying around your yard.
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Termites
One of the most damaging pest problems homeowners deal with is termite infestation. When spring season sets in, termites begin their swarm after the first rains.
Their voracious appetite for cellulose-containing items results in a lot of damage to the wooden components of your structure.
You’ll need to be more alert in spring to signs of termite infestation.
Common signs include sagging ceilings & floors, crumbling wooden structures or components, distorted or cracked paint on wooden surfaces, as well as termite mounds seen around your home’s environment.
What more? You’re likely to find bits of debris around infested areas, as well as mud tubes on exterior walls.
Tapping on wood could reveal hollowness. Hollow-sounding wood is simply a sign that termites are already within the wood and have done significant damage.
Early spring is the peak season for termite activity.
This begins between late February and early March. As a preventive measure, you’ll need to look out for signs of termite presence and carry out the necessary treatment.
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Rodents
Rat activity isn’t restricted by climatic conditions.
However, these rodents breed in spring between April to June.
There are lots of disadvantages to having these rodents around your home. From damage caused to property and their potential to spread diseases, these pests are problematic to have around.
As a control strategy, ensure your garbage cans are covered at all times. You might also want to want to closely inspect for gaps or holes around your home. These are entry points exploited by rats.
You’ll need to have these sealed up immediately.
The spaces or gaps beneath outside doors are possible entry points for rats. If you think your door has enough opening for rats to exploit, consider having metal weatherstripping installed beneath such doors.
This effectively locks them out of your home.
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Spiders
Bites from certain spider species like the black widow and brown recluse spiders can be deadly.
There are lots of other spider species that may not be poisonous, but create a mess from the webs they weave. Spring is the time of year when these arachnids emerge to take up positions around your home.
Basic control measures to take as a preventive measure include fixing moisture or water leaks and clearing clogged drains.
Other preventive actions include sealing all cracks and points where utility lines pass into your home. Also, consider frequent trash disposal and ensure these are placed in tight containers.
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Carpenter Ants
Like termites, carpenter ants also target wooden sections of your home for damage. The only difference is that termites feed on such wood while carpenter ants tunnel through to establish nesting grounds.
As spring season sets in, you’ll need to be more observant of carpenter ant presence.
Look out for wood shavings and rustling sounds in woodwork. You may also want to pay close attention to possible entryways that include electrical wires, piping, telephone lines, foundations, and attic vents.
Also, the cracks along your walls or foundation could serve as entryways.
Calling For Professional Spring Pest Control
Whether you suspect pest activity or have noticed their presence around your home, it’s important to call for immediate help. Your efforts at prevention may not be enough as these pests might have infested your home long before spring season began.
Whatever the case is, professional help goes a long way in resolving the problem. You get comprehensive treatment for the particular pest issue with the possibility of other developing problems being noticed.
For pest control in spring to be more effective, it’s best to agree to scheduled inspections.
With routine inspections in place, your home or property is inspected as spring begins to set in. This is a more comprehensive approach because the problem is identified and addressed professionally.
Spring Pest Control Tips
Certain control measures must be implemented to prevent pests from overrunning your property.
This includes improving the hygienic condition of your home and its surroundings, controlling moisture, as well as entering into an all-year-round maintenance agreement with a pest control company.
What more? Proper storage and disposal of food waste go a long way to keep pests at bay. You might also want to inspect your home’s perimeter in addition to sealing up all possible entryways.
With pest presence noticed, the first action to take should be to call a professional pest control service.
Pest control in spring includes all of the above details. As these pests prepare to emerge from hibernation or overwintering, it’s necessary to have measures in place that fully regulate their activity.