Top 5 Pests to Watch Out for This Spring and How to Keep Them Away

Spring is a season of renewal, but it also brings a surge of pest activity as warmer temperatures awaken insects and rodents from their winter dormancy. Common spring pests like ants, mosquitos, and termites can invade homes and yards, causing damage and posing health risks. Being proactive is essential to protect your home and family. In this guide, we will identify the top 5 pests to watch out for this spring and share practical tips to keep them away.

1. Ants

Ants are among the most common spring pests. As temperatures rise, ants emerge from their nests in search of food and water. While some ants are merely a nuisance, carpenter ants can cause significant damage by burrowing into wooden structures to build their colonies.

Why Ants Invade in Spring

As the weather warms up, ants leave their colonies to forage for food. They are attracted to crumbs, sugary substances, and unsealed food containers. Ant colonies are highly organized, and once a scout ant finds food, it leaves a pheromone trail for others to follow.

Signs of an Ant Problem:

• Trails of ants leading to food sources.
• Small piles of wood shavings near wooden structures (indicative of carpenter ants).
• Nests in soil, walls, or other hidden areas.

How to Keep Ants Away:

• Inspect your home for cracks or gaps around windows, doors, and foundations, sealing them with caulk or weather stripping.
• Clean up food crumbs and spills immediately.
• Remove outdoor sources of food, like fallen fruit or pet food.
• Use natural deterrents like citrus peels or essential oils, which can disrupt ant trails.

2. Mosquitos

Mosquitos are not only irritating but also pose health risks as carriers of diseases like West Nile virus and Zika. Mosquito infestations can quickly escalate if left unchecked.

Common Breeding Grounds

Mosquitos breed in stagnant water, which can accumulate in flower pots, birdbaths, clogged gutters, and even old tires. Each female mosquito can lay hundreds of eggs at a time, making it vital to eliminate breeding grounds early.

Signs of Mosquito Breeding Grounds:

• Standing water in birdbaths, gutters, and flower pots.
• An increase in bites or visible mosquitos during dusk and dawn.

How to Keep Mosquitos Away:

• Remove standing water weekly, including in small, overlooked areas like plant saucers or clogged gutters.
• Use mosquito-repellent sprays, candles, or plants like citronella and marigolds in outdoor areas.
• Install outdoor fans, as mosquitos are weak fliers and avoid strong air currents.

3. Termites

Spring marks the beginning of termite swarming season, when colonies send out winged termites to establish new nests. Termites cause billions of dollars in damage annually by feeding on wood structures, often going unnoticed until significant damage has been done.

Why Termites Are a Serious Threat

Termites are silent destroyers that feed on wood from the inside out. They are particularly drawn to moisture and decaying wood, making homes with leaky pipes, damp basements, or unmaintained wooden structures vulnerable.

Signs of Termites:

• Discarded wings near window sills or door frames.
• Mud tubes on foundation walls or wooden structures.
• Hollow-sounding wood when tapped.

How to Keep Termites Away:

• Reduce wood-to-soil contact around your home’s foundation.
• Repair leaky pipes or drainage issues to prevent excess moisture.
• Schedule regular termite inspections with a professional pest control company.

4. Spiders

Spiders become more visible in spring as they build webs in search of food. While most species are harmless, venomous spiders like the black widow and brown recluse can be dangerous if disturbed.

Signs of a Spider Problem:

• Webs in corners, basements, or outdoor spaces.
• Egg sacs in hidden areas.
• Increased sightings of spiders around your home.

How to Keep Spiders Away:

• Reduce clutter in storage areas like attics and basements.
• Sweep away webs and egg sacs regularly.
• Use caulk or weather stripping to seal gaps around windows and doors.

5. Rodents

Rodents, such as mice and rats, are common spring pests as they search for food and nesting materials. They are known to damage property, contaminate food, and spread diseases.

Dangers Posed by Rodents

Rodents chew through electrical wiring, which can lead to fire hazards. They also carry diseases such as hantavirus and salmonella, posing significant health risks. Rodents reproduce quickly, making early detection and prevention essential.

Signs of a Rodent Infestation:

• Droppings near food storage or hidden areas.
• Chewed wires, insulation, or furniture.
• Noises such as scratching or scurrying, especially at night.

How to Keep Rodents Away:

• Store food, including pet food, in sealed containers to limit access.
• Check your home for gaps or holes in the foundation, walls, or roof, and seal them using steel wool or mesh.
• Remove debris and trim overgrown shrubs or vegetation near your home’s exterior to reduce hiding spots.

General Tips to Prevent Spring Pests

Taking preventative measures can help reduce pest activity this spring. Start by keeping your home and yard clean, as clutter attracts pests looking for shelter. Regularly inspect your property for signs of pest activity, such as droppings, gnawed materials, or damage to wood or food containers. When prevention isn’t enough, hiring a professional pest control service ensures that infestations are handled thoroughly and effectively.

The Role of Professional Pest Control

Professional pest control experts can provide a tailored approach to your pest problems. They have access to specialized tools and treatments that address infestations at their source, offering peace of mind and long-term protection.

Why Choose Hopper Termite & Pest

Hopper Termite & Pest is your trusted partner for pest control services, offering effective solutions to protect your home from spring pests. Whether you’re dealing with ants, termites, mosquitos, rodents, or spiders, our experienced team is here to help. With tailored treatments and preventative measures, we ensure your home stays pest-free throughout the season.

Contact Hopper Termite & Pest today at our Springdale office at (479) 750-4070 or our Mountain Home office at (870) 425-4122 to schedule an inspection or learn more about our services. Don’t let spring pests take over your home – act now for reliable and professional pest control solutions!

CALL HOPPER

Hopper has over 60 years of experience in the pest control business. We know what to do, when to do it, with treatment plans that practically any budget can afford. We are also trained to operate in such a way so as not to compromise the environment or your health. Let us put our expertise and experience to work for you – using the best technology and equipment in the industry to bring your pest control problems under control.