Spring Is Here! And So Are The Pests!
Welcome to the first day of Spring!
The days are getting longer, the temperatures are rising, and nature is waking up. Flowers are starting to bloom, trees are budding, and unfortunately, pests are coming out to play. As the season changes, so do the types of pests that can cause problems around your home.
So, what are some of the most common spring time pests to watch out for in the coming weeks? There are two big categories to be on the lookout for: Wood-Destroying Insects and Nuisance Pests!
Wood-Destroying Insects
Termite Swarmers
Spring is prime termite season, particularly here in South Carolina. Termite swarmers are reproductive termites that leave their colonies to start new ones. They are often confused with flying ants because of their shape. If you see small, winged insects gathering near windows, doors, or light sources, take it as a warning sign that there may be an established colony nearby. Discarded wings near entry points are another indicator that termites are nearby. If you want to learn more about telling the difference between winged ants and termite swarmers, read this!
What to Do:
If you spot swarmers, don’t wait! A professional termite inspection can help determine if there’s an active infestation and what steps are needed to protect your home.
Carpenter Bees
Unlike termites, carpenter bees don’t eat wood, but they do drill holes into it to create nests. If you start noticing perfectly round holes in decks, siding, or wooden furniture, carpenter bees may be the culprit. Males can be aggressive, buzzing around intruders, but the real damage comes from females boring into wood, weakening structures over time. While it can be hard to tell the difference between carpenter bees and bumble bees, this guide may help you differentiate the two.
What to Do:
Regularly inspect wooden surfaces around your home for signs of activity. Preventative treatments and sealing exposed wood can help keep these bees at bay.
Nuisance Pests
Fire Ants
As the temperatures warm up, fire ant mounds will start popping up in yards, driveways, and even near sidewalks. These aggressive ants are known for their painful stings, and their colonies grow rapidly in the spring. If you see free mounds in your yard, avoid disturbing them unless you like getting bitten! If you want to learn more about fire ants, this guide covers them in depth.
What to Do:
Keeping your lawn maintained and treating mounds early can help prevent a full blown infestation. While there are a variety of treatments, professionals often have access to more effective restricted use chemicals that can eradicate the problem.
Mosquitoes
Mosquito season begins as soon as temperatures stay consistently above 50°F, and they thrive in warm, humid conditions. Standing water is their breeding ground so birdbaths, clogged gutters, flower pot saucers, and even water bowls for pets can become mosquito nurseries. Curious about how mosquitoes thrive in our area? This article breaks down their lifecycle in detail.
What to Do:
Since standing water is a priority for mosquitoes, take some time to walk around your property and look for any areas that could hold standing water. Eliminating any standing water is one of the best things you can do to reduce mosquito activity. If mosquito problems persist, mosquito treatments are a good way to reduce the population and make your outdoor space more enjoyable.
Final Thoughts
Spring brings plenty of sunshine and warmth, but it also signals the return of seasonal pests. While these are some of the most common ones to watch for, they’re certainly not the only ones that might show up around your home. Being proactive now can save you a headache later!
If you need help dealing with any of these pests, don’t wait! Our team is always available and ready to help keep your home pest free.
