Sunny skies, blossoming foliage, and more daylight–spring may be one of the most beautiful seasons of the year, but it unfortunately comes with an increase in pest problems. While not all pests grow more active in the spring season, countless pests spike in both population and activity levels. However, some spring pests are more common to spot than others, and can spell big trouble if they invade your home. Learn all about these common springtime pests, plus how to keep them out of your home, here!
Most Common Bugs in the Spring
Springtime brings an overall increase in pest activity, as food and water sources become increasingly available. As homeowners, it’s important to be able to recognize any signs of pest activity occurring around your property and be prepared to take immediate action to stop the pest problems in their tracks.
Silverfish: Silverfish infestations can severely damage your property, and also spread disease and illness. On top of contaminating food products, especially meat and flour, silverfish infestations can also cause allergic reactions and respiratory issues due to a unique protein they shed. These nocturnal pests prefer humid places, like basements and laundry rooms, but can be found in almost any location around the house.
Ants: The tiniest crack in a door, wall, or window can quickly lead to an ant infestation. All it takes is one ant on the hunt for food and resources to lead the whole colony crawling in as back-up. Ant infestations can cause damage to the structure of your home, and bite if they feel threatened. While not too painful, untreated bites can cause infection.
Crickets: A chorus of noisy crickets is never a good sign for homeowners. Cricket infestations can destroy a lot of household fabric and objects, plus spread disease and keep you up at night. They thrive in moisture and can often be found in basements or bathrooms.
Spiders: Even though they’re everybody’s least favorite creepy-crawling spring pest, a spider or two around the house isn’t always a bad sign. However, a spider infestation is another story entirely. During the spring, spiders are gearing up for their summer reproductive season, so it's best to stop a spider problem before there are more spiders in the making. Some spiders, such as black widows or brown recluses, have a dangerous, venomous bite. But, even non-venomous spider bites can hurt, and be carefully treated to avoid harm.
Why are pests more active in spring?
Spring brings about the right combination of temperature and moisture. As plants bloom and grow, more food sources become available, enticing pests to increase activity. Pests that migrated indoors for shelter might venture outdoors once more, and pests that hibernated or slowed outdoor activity might start seeking out nesting areas and resources. Some pests that might have been lying low in your home already can increase activity, giving off the impression of a new infestation. Spring is also mating season for a variety of pests, which dramatically boosts their activity levels.
How to prevent pest infestations in the spring and get rid of them
There are ways that homeowners can take preventative action against springtime pests and ensure that their home remains clean, comfortable, and pest-free. Preventative pest control techniques, such as cleaning up any food spills or scraps, sealing entry holes, and mopping up water left on the floor can help ensure you keep spring bugs–like crickets, ants, spiders, earwigs, and silverfish– out of your home.
If there are already cricket infestations, or any other type of pest getting cozy in your home, you can try to get rid of them using DIY methods. The best DIY method for each spring bug infestation varies by species, but products like Neem oil, fly paper, insect traps, and natural repellents like peppermint oil can help repel pests invading your property.
- For pincher bug infestations, mixtures like rubbing alcohol and water sprayed around the home can send pincher bugs scurrying. Bug traps and pesticides can also help get rid of pincher bugs.
- For silverfish infestations, spreading boric acid around affected areas and vacuuming it up the next morning can reduce the population. This may need to be repeated multiple times.
- For ant infestations, clean all surfaces and spills, remove nests, and seal up all entry holes into the home.
- For cricket infestations, applying bug spray along window seals and bug traps around the home is highly effective.
- For spider infestations, removing webs, setting spider traps, and using natural deterrents like vinegar or peppermint oil can help get rid of spiders from your house.
When to call a professional
Of course, nothing is better for removing pests than the help of a certified pest control company. For effective pest infestation removal–whether your home is overcome by a silverfish infestation, invaded by ants, or any range of pest problems–AIPM provides comprehensive solutions. Our residential pest control professionals service homes plagued by pests all over Southern California, including Simi Valley, Santa Clarita, Oxnard, Sherman Oaks, Malibu, and Woodland Hills. For expert assistance and effective solutions, reach out to us anytime.
Conclusion
Ants, silverfish, pincher bugs, crickets, and spiders are all commonly active during the spring season. However, just because they might invade your home in search of shelter and resources, or a good place to nest during the mating season, doesn't mean you’re helpless. By taking preventative action and prepping your home against these spring pests, homeowners can keep pests out and focus on the beauty of the season. Plus, you can rest easy with the assurance that AIPM is here to provide immediate assistance removing any infestation that occurs!
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