Seasonal Pests: What You Need to Know
Whether it’s spring, summer, fall or spring, pests can be a big problem any time of the year. Depending on which season is rolling in, you may have to deal with different kinds of pests.
As each new weather pattern hits, you can arm yourself with knowledge and fortify your home against these annoying and possibly dangerous creatures no matter the temperature.
If you want to protect your property against seasonal invaders, here are the most common pests for each season.
Spring Pests
Spring is in the air! The flowers are growing, the temperature is increasing, and it’s time for the return of the bug. In the spring, insects, among other creatures, break from their long hibernation period looking for food, lodging, and breeding ground.
During the temperature climb, certain pests tend to be more active. Termites begin their swarms, mosquitoes thrive from the additional rain, and stinging insects are searching for flowers.
To prep yourself for the spring, be on a look-out for the following pests that are more active in the spring:
- Ants
- Termites
- Mosquitos
- Flies
- Spiders
- Stinging Insects
- Earwigs
With renewal in the air, take the steps to protect against these unwanted visitors. As these creatures revive, it’s important to look to your home for yearly maintenance. The harsh winter climate can often lead to unwanted cracks, holes, and other issues that can let in invaders.
Summer Pests
Summer is prime-time for insects. Warmer weather provides perfect conditions for pests to prosper. Ticks and fleas are two parasites that are plentiful during the summer months.
With more lush greenery and food readily available, these hitchhikers will latch on to humans and animals alike. Though insects tend to be the most bothersome pest during the warmest season, another possible, more difficult to deal with invader may be roosting in your attic: bats.
As you head into the dog days of summer, here are the most prominent pests of the season:
- Mosquitos
- Stinging Insects
- Ants
- Bats
- Flies
- Termites
- Ticks
The best course of action to protect you and your family from these unwanted creatures during the summer months is to maintain your property.
Keep greenery trimmed and yards free of excess grass and debris. If you suspect you may have bats, reach out to a pest control expert for bat expulsion regulations.
Fall Pests
As the warm weather and greenery begin to fade, so comes a new batch of seasonal pests. While the warmer temperatures wake up these invaders, the cold has them looking for shelter. During the fall, pests are preparing for hibernation or looking for a cozy place to past the cold weather.
Ladybugs and stinkbugs are notorious fall pests. While not particularly harmful, they can cause a problem in your home. On the furrier side of infestation, rats and mice are usually on the lookout for a place to nest during the oncoming winter months. When preparing for the fall, keep a lookout for the following creatures:
- Spiders
- Rodents
- Fleas
- Stinkbugs
Additionally, as the foliage begins to die, and bonfires start lighting, there are plenty of leaf piles and firewood stacks for pests to enjoy. Fall decorations are prime spots for unwanted houseguests to hide.
As you set up for fall and prepare for winter, be sure to double-check your home’s exterior and clean your decorations thoroughly before bringing them inside.
Winter Pests
Winter may seem like a haven from pests, but this season has its fair share of invaders too. When it is cold outside, creatures are looking for places to keep warm and to wait out the bad weather.
With winter weather comes increased moisture; when snow falls and thaws, the conditions are perfect for creatures that love damp areas. Silverfish may be lurking beneath your humidifier or in the basement.
Rodents may prefer to nest in attics or in storage to keep cozy from the cold. During the winter months, here are the top pests to prepare for:
- Rodents
- Roaches
- Ladybugs
- Stink bugs
- Silverfish
The best way to stop an invasion is to fortify your home pre-winter. Check your property for any possible openings and double-check decorations as you bring them indoors.
All Year Pests
Pests aren’t just a problem during one season; they are always around. While certain pests peak during specific seasons, these invaders can be a nuisance at any time of the year.
Bed bugs thrive in seasons that have a lot of travel, while cockroaches and ants tend to find their way into places any way possible.
The best way to protect against unwanted pests is to stop them from entering. Prepare your home for seasonal invasions! If you think you may have a pest problem, contact a pest control expert today.