What are some of the common spring pest problems in Northern Virginia and Maryland that homeowners can expect this spring? What can you do to keep pests out of your home? And, how can you protect your family and home from pests this spring and summer?
The weather affects pest pressure levels. The faster it warms up, the more pest pressure will emerge sooner and more intensely. Insects will never entirely die in the Washington, D.C. area over the winter, so they are overwintering and biding their time. Ants, spiders, and stinging insects are more resistant to the cold than other pests, and they will emerge as the weather warms up.
Termites are another spring pest that is more than just an irritation to homeowners. These destructive, yet often undetectable bugs may jeopardize your home's structural integrity and cost you a lot of money in treatment and repair payments.
My Pest Pros’ 2022 Spring Pest Watch List
What pests are likely to be found in and near homes this spring? Here's a rundown of early-season standouts:
- Ants — Pavement ants, odorous house ants, and carpenter ants will be drawn to buildings in quest of food and a new home.
- Termites - On warm days following a spring shower, keep an eye out for termite swarmers buzzing near windows and doors.
- Wasps can nest within camping equipment, storage boxes, and near light fixtures, as well as in the rafters of sheds, barns, and garages.
- Mice - It's mouse mating season, so you could notice an increase in the number of these furry pests in your shed, garage, or basement.
If you notice any of these pests, it's time to call a pest control company like My Pest Pros. Our early-season pest-prevention solutions will eliminate pests before they become an issue.
Spring Pest Prevention Tips
This spring and summer, you don't have to wait until Memorial Day to have a pest-free home and yard. Taking a proactive approach to pest management can save time and money as compared to trying to repair a pest problem after it has occurred.
These basic methods can help homeowners protect their houses from pests.
Reduce What Attractants Pests
Follow these simple steps to reduce the circumstances that attract pests to your yard or house:
- Clear the yard of twigs and rubbish left behind during the winter. These things provide hiding places for pests such as ants and rats.
- Clean the gutters of leaves and trash. Pests such as ants and termites can get moisture from them.
- Keep garbage and recycling can lids tight to avoid pests such as rats, insects, and animals from getting into them.
- Clean up food spills and crumbs on the inside, keep food, especially pet food, in sealed containers, and dispose of garbage on a regular basis.
Block Pest Access Points
Examine the foundation, behind window and door frames, beneath eaves, along with utility access points, around chimneys, and along the roofline to check whether winter weather has created any gaps.
With excellent quality materials, fill holes and fix screens and vent covers.
Watch for the Signs of Pest Activity
Keep an eye out for flying or crawling pests, abandoned insect wings (from termite swarmers), pest droppings, mud tubes on cinder block exterior walls in basements and crawlspaces, and bite marks or holes in food packages. All of these signs point to the presence of pests.
Call the Pest Control Experts to Protect Your Home
If your home is being invaded by pests this spring, it may be time to call in a professional pest control expert. The pest experts at My Pest Pros are here to help protect your family and home. Call us at 703-665-4455.