As temperatures start rising, so does the number of uninvited guests in your home and yard.
In fact, the National Pest Management Association reports that pest infestations surge by 40% in spring!
Here are 5 common pests you’ll find lurking about, and how to deal with them…
1. The Ant Parade: Unwelcome House Guests
Ants don’t just show up—they invade in full force, especially species like Argentine and carpenter ants. Carpenter ants can cause structural damage by tunneling through wood, while sugar ants swarm kitchen counters looking for food.
What to do about ants
Seal food containers, wipe down surfaces after each use, and remove moisture sources.
The best way to get rid of ants is to use ant bait stations for lasting control, as spraying only kills the ants you see while the colony thrives in the nest.
2. Mosquito Invasion: Itchy Business
Mosquitoes aren’t just annoying—they carry diseases like West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis.
These pests breed in standing water, and even a small puddle can become a mosquito nursery.
What to do about mosquitoes
Get rid of standing water in gutters, birdbaths, and plant saucers.
Use mosquito dunks that contain BTI (a bacteria that only kills mosquito larvae before they’re big enough to start biting) in water sources you can’t drain.
Wear light-colored clothing and apply repellents with DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus when outdoors.
3. Beetlemania: The Garden Wreckers
Japanese beetles and cucumber beetles can strip plants bare in a matter of days. Japanese beetles skeletonize leaves, while cucumber beetles spread bacterial wilt, which kills crops like squash and melons.
What to do about beetles
Handpick beetles in the morning when they’re sluggish, or use row covers to protect young plants.
Introducing beneficial nematodes to your soil can help reduce grub populations before they mature into adult beetles.
4. Ticks: Small but Dangerous
Ticks aren’t just a nuisance—they transmit Lyme disease and other illnesses. They thrive in tall grass, wooded areas, and even leaf litter in suburban yards.
What to do about ticks
Keep grass trimmed, clear leaf piles, and create a barrier of wood chips or gravel between wooded areas and your lawn.
Use tick repellents on skin and clothing (especially socks and shoes!), treat pets regularly, and always check yourself and pets after spending time outdoors.
5. The Mighty Termite: Silent Destroyers
Termites cause over $5 billion in property damage annually in the U.S. alone. Subterranean termites, the most destructive type, build mud tubes to access wood, often going undetected until significant damage is done.
What to do about termites
Look for signs like hollow wood, mud tubes along your foundation, or discarded wings.
Schedule an annual termite inspection and keep firewood at least 20 feet from your home to reduce risk.
Spring is a time for renewal — not for battling infestations. Stay ahead by sealing entry points, eliminating attractants, and tackling pests before they become a problem. A little prevention now means a pest-free season ahead.
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