Springtime Pests aka "The Awakening"
By the first day of spring, most New England residents are so excited for warmer temps that they forget about a significant seasonal setback: springtime pests. Every season presents its own specific pest issues, but spring primarily comes with three common culprits: ants, termites, and flies. Dubbed at home and abroad as “The Awakening,” springtime sees a sudden explosion of pest populations.
How can you avoid “The Awakening” and what can you do if these springtime pests pose a threat to your property?
Springtime Party Crashers
While you’re celebrating the much-anticipated return of spring with open windows, fewer layers, and al fresco dining, certain springtime pests are waiting in the wings to join the festivities. Back in the fall when temperatures began to dip below 50 degrees, ants, termites, and flies took their leave, but by mid-March, now that the warmer months are upon us, so are the pests. That means that you need to be prepared to control ants, eliminate termites, and protect against flies on your property.
But, What About Mosquitoes?
In New England, mosquitoes arrive late to the party, usually around early May, and also tend to be the last to leave. According to Mosquito Magnet, “In the Northeast, the gradual warming trend that has occurred in recent years has also produced a longer mosquito season.” So, while it might take a while for them to arrive, they tend to stick around quite a while after they get here.
Mosquitoes are more than just an annoying buzz at an outdoor picnic; these pests can pack a punch, leaving nasty bites that itch and can become infected. More than an irritating bite, mosquitoes are known to transmit diseases like West Nile Virus, Zika, malaria, and yellow fever, to name a few. It’s important to protect yourself and your property from these late springtime pests by scheduling professional mosquito control.
Attack of the Ants… All Kinds of Ants
Ants also get in on the “awakening” action. Whether the carpenter, pavement or odorous house varieties, spring sees a burst in ant behavior, including the appearance of certain swarmers…
Named for the citronella-like scent they emit when crushed, citronella ant swarmers are harmless, but often mistaken for termites. Similar to other pests, citronella ant swarmers emerge as the temperatures rise and are most commonly seen during mid to late summer, although swarms can occur in early spring and late autumn. While they don’t pose a threat to humans or even the homes they enter, the removal of citronella ant swarmers requires specially applied insecticides, so is best left to professional pest management.
Hit snooze on “The Awakening” of springtime pests by scheduling your free quote for our residential pest control solutions.
