Spring is in the air – a time when humans begin to venture outdoors to enjoy the warmer weather, and insects come out of hibernation to enjoy the bounties of your home. Here are three pests you’re likely to begin seeing in Fairfax this spring, and some tips for what to do if you discover they’re invading your home.
1. Ants
Spring rain is a threat to ant colonies, often driving them to the shelter of your home. These tiny pests enter through tiny cracks and gaps in your foundation, windows, and doors, searching for food and nesting grounds. Certain types of ants, like pharaoh ants, spread disease, while others, like the carpenter ant, burrow into wood and cause structural damage.
Block off ant entrances with caulk or salt, vacuum up ant trails, and prevent further problems by keeping your home – especially your kitchen – as spotless as possible.
2. Cockroaches
Known as the “extreme survivors” of the insect world, cockroach populations have no problem living through long, cold winters, and even less of a problem reproducing rapidly come springtime. Not only are they unpleasant to look at, cockroaches are a serious health hazard. They carry allergens that affect most people with asthma, and they bring dangerous pathogens and bacteria straight from the sewers to your kitchen.
Just like ants, roaches thrive in untidy kitchens. The more you clean, sanitize, and seal up your food containers, the more you deplete their food source and drive them away. This includes removing garbage daily and sealing up pet food at night.
3. Termites
Of all the spring insects, termites are the greatest threat of all, with the ability to single-handedly destroy the very foundation of your largest investment. In the spring, the warm temperatures draw termites out in swarms to breed. This is the time when your home is the most at risk. The melting snow creates moisture in your woodwork, and termites simply can’t resist sinking their teeth into damp wood. Fortunately, spring is the easiest time to notice signs of a termite infestation. The swarms leave their wings in piles around your house, and you may also find mud tubes and cracked paint on wood surfaces.
Even if you don’t see the signs, it’s recommended that you get your home inspected for termites every one to three years. Also, make sure that your gutters are properly installed so that water flows away from your home and not into your woodwork.
If you suspect an infestation of any of these three springtime pests, call Green Pest Services for a consultation. We can also help you prepare for the warmer months by pest-proofing your home.