Spring Pest Control Preview for the East Coast

While it’s not quite time to open windows, put away extra blankets and put the extra firewood in storage, warmer weather is on the horizon. 

Catseye Pest Control wants to make sure you are prepared for the critters and pests that will start being active in your area.

What bugs should I be looking for? 

Bed bugs: Throughout the year, bed bugs always remain an issue. As people begin to travel more during warmer spring weather, watch for bed bugs to be spread by visitors in your hometown.

Bees: Have a bees nest in your yard? Swarms will be getting busy in April, and that activity won’t slow down all summer!

Box Elder Bugs: They’ve been inactive all winter, but they’ll start becoming more mobile as the weather warms up. If they’ve been hibernating in your walls or attic, they’ll move into your home or businesses’ warmer rooms. You’ll notice them inside on your floor, walls or windowsills as they try to escape to the outdoors.

Carpenter Ants: These common house pests become extremely active during the spring, which is the peak for reproduction in ant colonies. Residing inside and outside, Carpenter Ants build nests in dead and decaying wood.

Termites: Spring is the peak time of year for termite activity, which causes billions of dollars in damage across the United States every year. Termites attack the wooden structures of homes and businesses, and because they hide behind your walls, are difficult to immediately notice. Moisture problems, especially during warm spring days, make your property an attractive target.

Do we have to worry about nuisance wildlife this spring?

Yes! As hibernation comes to a close, many species will be waking, hungry and eager to explore your property.

Rodents: Always a problem for homeowners throughout the year, the number of reported rodent problems will spike significantly in April and May, and stay high throughout the rest of the year, as warm temperatures increase the activity of rodents both indoors and outdoors.

Squirrels: Squirrel issues will remain high for another couple months before lessening slightly during the summer.

Bats: Busiest during the summer, you may notice quite an increase in bat activity as temperatures warm up.

What can I do now to prevent pest problems?

Spring cleaning applies to pest management, too! Here are a few ways you can minimize the amount of potential pest problems you might have to deal with this spring.

• Dry up excess moisture indoors and outdoors. Damp areas are breeding grounds for a number of common household pests.
• Clean out closets, attics, basements and other storage space to expose existing nests and to remove debris that could contribute to pest and rodent nesting.
• As soon as the snow thaws, stay on top of mowing your lawn and keeping your landscape neatly trimmed. Make sure snow melting off the roof does not get stuck in any clogged gutters.
• Install screens in all windows and doors. As the weather warms and you begin leaving your main doors or windows open for a nice breeze, unscreened openings will provide nice entryways for pests.

Most importantly, monitor for pest presences vigilantly. Pest problems can occur quickly, and where there wasn’t an infestation a week ago, there could be one today! Keep an eye out for webs, droppings, habitats or other signs of pest entry. Quick action will prevent those problems from getting out of control.