What You Need To Know About Springtime Pests

Spring showers might bring May flowers — but they also bring mosquitoes, mice, and carpenter ants. As the winter snow turns into spring rain, take a look at what you need to know about springtime pests.

What Pests Are Springtime Problems?

Warm, weather-loving pests tend to make themselves more noticeable was the winter cold leaves for the season. Mosquitoes, some ants, mice, ticks, flies, bees, and wasps are some of the top warm weather or springtime pests.

Even though these pests often become springtime problems, it doesn't mean they weren't in your home (or around it) for weeks or even months before the weather warmed. According to the National Pest Management Association's (NPMA) Pest World website, spiders, rats, raccoons, cockroaches, and mice often enter homes during the winter months to find food and warmth.

Where Can You Find Springtime Pests?

Along with the pests that have already invaded your home over the winter months, you can also find spring pests in several other places. These often include:

• Puddles. The standing rainwater outside your home is a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Aside from an area for mosquitoes to multiply, spring rain puddles are also inviting to thirsty pests or other water bugs.
• Woodpiles. The leftover woodpile from your winter home heating fires is the perfect nesting space for some ants. Add moisture from rainwater and the area becomes even more interesting to these pests as well as termites.
• Yard debris. Fall leaves once hidden under the winter snow are now on the surface of your yard. These, along with other yard waste, mulch, or tree stumps, can become springtime food sources for termites, ants, and rodents.
• Gutters. If you forgot to clean your gutters in the fall, leaves and other natural debris can cause clogs. The winter thaw and spring rains can make these areas prime breeding grounds for mosquitoes and other water insects.
  

Now that you know where to find springtime pests, do something about them.

What Can You Do About Springtime Pests?

You don't have to live with mosquitoes, ants, ticks, rodents, and other yard or home invaders. To reduce the risks and rid your home of a pest problem:

• Call a professional. You have no substitute for expert extermination. Get the best chance of a pest-free home this spring with professional extermination services. Along with extermination, the pest control pro can help to reduce the likelihood of a re-infestation.
• Remove standing water. While you can't dry every puddle after a spring rain, you can stop water from ponding in other places. Remove empty planter pots, children's toys, or buckets from the outdoor area.
• Clean the gutters. Clear all leaf and plant debris from the gutters. This allows water to move freely and will reduce the likelihood your gutters will turn into pest pools.
• Remove woodpiles. Move woodpiles as far away from your home (or any structure on your property) as possible.
• Remove yard debris. Rake leaves and remove weeds or other plant life left over from last summer.
• Seal cracks. If the winter weather left cracks or holes in your home's exterior, windowpanes, or screens, seal them completely. Breaks in your home's exterior provide an easy entry for pests.
• Clean indoors. Along with your yard, make your home uninviting to pests with an interior spring cleaning. Vacuum regularly, clean crumbs from countertops and floors, and store food in airtight containers.
  

Continue pest protection through the spring and into the rest of the year. Discuss ongoing prevention methods with the pest control technician and schedule regular maintenance services.

Do you need pest protection services? Contact American Pest Professionals for more information.