In Pennsylvania, after the long cold winter, there is nothing better than the first signs of spring. Daffodils peek out through the last traces of snow, while a single robin appears on your lawn. The days get longer, the sun gets warmer, and there’s some hope of brighter days. As with anything good, there’s usually a drawback. With spring, comes spring pests.
Common Spring Pests
Some of the most common pest problems we face in the spring are the re-emergence of stinging insects like bees, troublesome ants, flies, mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks. They each cause their own unique set of problems but, with general prevention, you can keep enjoying warm, spring days.
Problems Spring Pests Cause
Some of the most common issues related to spring pests are bites and stings, the spread of disease, and general nuisance.
Bees
While bees pollinate our flowers and give us honey, they can also cause damage to our homes with their nests. Their stings hurt, and in some instances, they can cause allergic reactions in people leading to anaphylactic shock.
Ants
Most ants are relatively harmless. However, carpenter ants can cause structural damage to our homes. They can also attract other insects, like spiders, and they can contaminate our food.
Flies
Much like ants, flies can contaminate our food, attract pests that like to eat them, and they are simply annoying.
Mosquitoes
These pests can cause itchy bites. Worse yet, they can transmit diseases, such as West Nile Virus.
Fleas
These pests are more harmful to our pets. They cause itchy bites and infections, and may also bite humans if they are desperate for a meal.
Ticks
Ticks are dangerous to both humans and pets. They transmit diseases, such as Lyme disease, which can cause debilitating and long-lasting symptoms in people.
General Pest Prevention
There are several common-sense steps you can take to safeguard your yard and home against spring pests:
Keep moisture to a minimum, as all pests seek moisture, some even reproducing in standing water.
Trim grass often and keep it short, as pests like long grass to hide in, and taller grass holds in more moisture.
Keep landscaping to a minimum, and trim and prune it regularly.
Take out trash frequently. Close trash can lids, and store compost piles a distance away from your home.
Make your home as air-tight as possible by utilizing caulk, screens, vent guards, insulation, door sweeps, and drain covers.
Keep clutter to a minimum both inside and outside your home, including regular clean up of yard debris.
Clean up spills and messes quickly. Store food in air-tight containers, keep fruit in the refrigerator or inside closed containers, and don’t leave pet food out for extended periods.
Professional Pest Control
You can exhaust yourself trying to stay on top of all the preventative measures you should take to keep spring pests out. Instead, consider hiring a professional pest control company like M.A.D. Exterminators, Inc. We offer integrated pest management to serve our customers efficiently. We provide inspection and treatment for the pests that are bugging you, and we also treat attics, basements, and crawl spaces to prevent pests from returning. Contact us to help you get your home ready for spring.