As the temperature rises, the number of insects increases. We asked experts how to get rid of common spring pests.
April showers bring May flowers, but unfortunately they also attract pesky insects. With the arrival of warmer weather comes ants, termites, mosquitoes, ticks, and spiders.
No one likes pests. This is especially true of pests that sneak into your kitchen uninvited. To find out which bugs are most common in the spring (and how to get rid of them), I interviewed a panel of pest control experts, including entomologists and exterminators.
Reasons why pests appear in early spring
Tom Mascari, an entomologist with the S.C. Johnson Insect Science Center, told USA TODAY there are many reasons why pests appear early in the spring. Rising temperatures, longer daylight hours and increased humidity are key conditions for insect reproduction. (SC Johnson manufactures OFF! insect repellent.)
“Spring conditions provide important resources such as food and breeding habitat such as standing water,” Mascari says. “What we observe as the sudden emergence of insects is actually an asynchronous resumption of development in many species in response to the same environmental signals.”
The first pest to appear each spring
Insects follow predictable patterns, Mascari said. Mosquitoes are often most active at dusk and dawn, he said, while bees and butterflies emerge during the day because they need sunlight. Moths are nocturnal and take advantage of cool temperatures.
“Everything from bees and butterflies to dragonflies, fireflies and ladybugs are common in spring and summer,” Mascari says. “Many of these play important roles in the ecosystem, including pollination, decomposition, and natural pest control.”
Public health officials primarily focus on two groups: mosquitoes and ticks. Both species raise concerns because they transmit harmful diseases such as malaria and Lyme disease.
“Mosquitoes are strongly associated with warm temperatures, humid environments, and standing water, which provide important breeding habitat,” Mascari said. “As such, ticks are commonly found in backyards, parks, and near bodies of water. Ticks are typically found in grassy, wooded, or grassy areas, waiting to attach to a passing host. It is a common misconception that ticks are only found in the woods.”
mosquito
region: Mosquitoes are worst in Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina.
“This mosquito season is expected to be especially bad because of the warm winter, long snowfall, and early spring across the country,” said Teresa Smith, senior vice president of Natural Lawn of America.
Mosquitoes are common anywhere in humid and warm environments. She recommends using OFF!’s Mosquito Forecast to receive a seven-day forecast of mosquito levels in your area.
To prevent these frequent visitors from invading your property, you need to mow the grass and trim back overgrown plants. Smith warns that it’s especially important to remove standing water.
Although it is impossible to completely eliminate mosquitoes, homeowners can reduce their impact by planting mosquito repellent plants such as basil, Actinidia, and lavender.
“Don’t forget to check your window and door screens to ensure they have adequate ventilation while keeping mosquitoes and other insects out,” Smith adds.
tick
region: Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Upper Midwest
Ticks can be found almost everywhere in the United States. But tick numbers are especially high this year in New York, California, Florida, Texas and Pennsylvania. Smith said the increase in ticks is due to a snowy winter that protects the ticks from cold air.
“These conditions also have the potential to expand the tick range, meaning more disease-carrying pests will be present in areas where ticks have not previously been a problem,” Smith says.
The best way to remove ticks from your property is through general yard maintenance, especially around bushes that are frequently brushed by pets. Remove old leaves, furniture, and equipment that may harbor mites.
“Add tick-repellent plants to your garden,” says Smith. “Lavender, rosemary and marigolds can be planted near areas where family and pets spend time, or at the edges of your property. You can also add natural barriers such as gravel or wood chips to keep them away.”
Ali
region:Anywhere
There’s no doubt that ants will invade your home this spring. These creatures are the most active pests in the spring. When the temperature rises, they quickly come out and look for food. Their colonies can number in the millions, said Terminix technical services manager and board-certified entomologist Macy Ruiz.
Lewis said ants are most commonly found in kitchens, pantries and other areas where food is stored. He recommends reducing access to food, shelter, and water resources. To that end, Lewis suggests:
- Avoid leaving bread crumbs in your pantry or kitchen
- Refrigerate fruits and vegetables if possible
- Quickly wipe spills on floors and surfaces
- Store all foods in closed, airtight containers
- Address plumbing issues quickly and eliminate other sources of moisture.
“While many over-the-counter medications and DIY solutions are widely available, they often provide only temporary symptom relief,” Ruiz says. “Persistent infestations are best dealt with with the help of a pest control professional, as ant behavior varies by species and it is difficult to completely eliminate colonies.”
termites
region: Swarm occurrences vary, but can occur year-round in places like Florida.
The termite infestation season runs from February to June. According to Lewis, swarming is “an important step in the termite life cycle that distinguishes termites from normal covert activity.”
During termite swarm season, winged termites appear, indicating an existing or impending invasion.
Although termites tend to live in secluded areas, they can cause significant damage to wooden structures. According to Terminix’s latest report, termite damage to homes is over $5 billion.
Lewis said some of the initial home damage included:
- Feathers discarded near windows and doors
- mud pipe on the exterior wall
- A tree that makes a hollow sound when tapped
- Visible damage to wooden structures
- Presence of frass (termite droppings)
Here are some ways to prevent termites:
- Minimize contact between wood and ground
- Remove mulch, plants, and leaves from around your home.
- manage moisture issues
- Schedule an annual termite inspection by a professional
spider
region: anywhere, even indoors
Spiders appear year-round, but they often appear indoors in search of food, shelter, warmth, and moisture. To reduce spider activity, Lewis recommends vacuuming and dusting frequently. Homeowners should pay attention to corners, furniture, and other undisturbed areas. Other maintenance tips include cleaning up crumbs, spills, and other food debris.
DIY solutions to reduce spiders, such as essential oils and soapy water, provide short-term results. Plants such as mint, lavender, and lemongrass reduce overall indoor insect activity.
“The only way to deter spiders is to minimize insect activity around your home, so keeping your home pest-free is your biggest deterrent for spider control,” Lewis says. “If spider activity continues, homeowners should consult a pest control professional for a more targeted and customized approach.”
Consult an expert
- Dr. Tom Mascari, entomologist at the SC Johnson Insect Science Center
- Teresa Smith, Senior Vice President, NaturaLawn of America
- Macy Ruiz, Terminix Technical Services Manager and Board Certified Entomologist
