There are four main springtime pests that are mostly dormant during the winter that re-emerge in springtime: ants, termites, flies and mosquitoes. It’s ideal to prepare now for springtime pests to prevent infestations. Ants are considered the top nuisance insect in the U.S. Termites, especially subterranean termites, are more visible during the spring because it is their mating season. Mosquitoes and flies re-emerge as soon as it is warm enough to fly. Mosquitoes lay eggs in standing water. Given the very wet winter we’ve had in coastal South Carolina, there is plenty of standing water to make this a very difficult mosquito season. Cockroaches and bedbugs are active all year round and should always be part of springtime pest control and prevention.
Preparing for Springtime Pests
There are a number of things you can do now to prepare for springtime pests and prevent infestations. Here are ways you can prepare now for springtime pests.
1. Check screens for holes or rips and repair/patch or replace the screens. This will prevent flies and mosquitoes from getting into your home through an open window.
2. Seal entry points where ants can access your home. Install door sweeps to also keep ants from marching into your home.
3. Prune bushes, shrubs and trees at least 18-24 inches away from your home to prevent giving termites and also mice and rats a quick way to access your home.
4. Move garbage cans away from your home, if possible. If you have a compactor or trash chute, make sure it is thoroughly clean and keep up with regular cleaning. You can also use a can cleaning service for garbage cans to keep them clean, disinfected and less likely to attract pests.
5. Rake leaves and mulch away from the foundation of your home. Ants and termites look for nesting areas along the foundation of your home when they reproduce. Raking away leaves and mulch removes suitable nesting areas and helps you prevent an infestation.
6. Remove areas of standing water in your yard. Avoid providing a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Fill in low lying areas with soil and sod to eliminate standing water. Empty bird baths and dump any other sources of standing water you find in your yard.
7. Keep up with your routine pest control service. Don’t let your guard down as springtime pests are starting to emerge now. If you have suspended your regular pest control service, now is the time to get it started up again.
It’s time to prepare now for springtime pests. The temperatures are beginning to warm up and pests that are more dormant during the winter are emerging and breeding. Get ahead of any potential infestations with the tips above and restart your regular pest control service. For more information on preparing for springtime pests, call The Pest Force.