The Downside to Spring- Pests

Spring is an exciting time for many, but for those of us who have to deal with pests, this time of year can be a little daunting. Here are some things you need to know about Spring Pests – what they are, where they come from and how to prevent the invasion taking over your home!

Understanding the Importance of Pests

Pests are a problem for many homeowners, especially during the springtime. While most pests are relatively harmless, some can cause serious damage to your home and property. It’s important to be aware of the types of pests that are common in your area, and to take steps to prevent them from taking up residence in your home.

There are a few key things you can do to prevent pests from becoming a problem in your home:

Keep your yard clean and free of debris. This will discourage rodents and other animals from making their way into your yard, and potentially into your home.
Seal any cracks or openings in the exterior of your home. This will help keep out insects, rats, and other pests.
Remove any sources of food or water that might attract pests. Keep food in sealed containers and repair any leaks in your plumbing to eliminate potential sources of water for pests.

The Downside to Spring – Is your home being invaded by pests?

Identifying Signs of Pests

As the weather gets warmer and springtime approaches, pests become more active. For homeowners, this means an increased risk of infestation. To help you prevent pests from taking over your home, here are some signs to look out for:

1. Unusual droppings: If you see small, dark pellets around your house, they could be mouse droppings. Other pests leave behind different types of droppings, so it’s important to know what’s normal for your area.

2. Destruction: Pests like mice and rats will gnaw on wires and wood to create nesting materials. This can damage your home and create a fire hazard.

3. Unexplained illness: If you or your family members start experiencing mysterious flu-like symptoms, it could be caused by an infestation of cockroaches or other pests. These illnesses are usually mild, but they can be serious for people with weakened immune systems.

4. Strange noises: scratching sounds coming from walls or floors could indicate a mouse infestation. You might also hear buzzing if you have flies or other insects in your home.

5. Bad smells: A musty smell could mean you have termites

Common Types of Pests

As the weather gets warmer, pests come out of hiding and become a nuisance. Some common types of pests include:

Cockroaches	Cockroaches are one of the most common household pests. They can infest homes and buildings and are difficult to control once they get established. Cockroaches are attracted to food and water, so they can be found in kitchens and bathrooms.
Ants	Ants are another common type of pest. They can be found in homes, gardens, and businesses. Ants are attracted to food and sweets, so they can be a nuisance in kitchens.
Termites	Termites are a type of pest that can cause serious damage to homes and other structures. They feed on wood, paper, and other materials, and can quickly destroy a structure if left unchecked.
Bedbugs	Bedbugs are small insects that feed on blood. They can be found in homes, hotels, and other places where people sleep. Bedbugs are difficult to control because they hide in small cracks and crevices.
Mosquitoes	Mosquitoes are pests that can carry diseases like Zika virus and West Nile virus. Mosquitoes are attracted to standing water, and breed in puddles of rainwater.
Spiders	Spiders can be found in homes all over the United States. They typically eat insects, but they also like to feed on other small arachnids, including scorpions and centipedes
Wasps	Wasps are a type of pest that can sting people. They build nests made of paper, wood or mud, which can be very large in some cases. If a wasp nest is disturbed or knocked down by wind or heavy rain, it can release hundreds of angry wasps who will attack anything nearby.

Preventing Pests

Springtime is a beautiful season, but it can also be a time when pests come out in full force. By taking some simple precautions, you can prevent pests from taking over your home and ruining your springtime fun.

One of the best ways to prevent pests is to keep your home clean and clutter-free. Vacuum regularly, dust surfaces, and wash dishes and laundry promptly. Don’t leave food out or dirty dishes in the sink. Store food in airtight containers and keep garbage cans clean and covered.

In addition to keeping your home clean, there are several home remedies that can help discourage pests. Cedar chips or oil can help repel ants, while cloves or bay leaves can keep cockroaches at bay. Lavender oil can also be used as a natural insecticide.

If you have a serious pest problem, however, it’s best to call a professional exterminator. They will be able to identify the type of pest you’re dealing with and recommend the best course of action to get rid of them for good.

Conclusion

Although spring brings warmer weather and longer days, it also brings a host of pests that can ruin your outdoor plans. From mosquitoes and ticks to ants and bees, there are many pests that come out in force once the temperatures start to rise. But don’t let these critters stop you from enjoying the season — just be sure to take the necessary precautions to keep them at bay.