Spring: Pest's Awake From Their Winter Slumber

Expect a Very Buggy Spring and Summer

Thus far 2017 has been warmer than usual. Warm weather wakes hibernating pests from their winter hiding spots. Due to pests and insect species being able to survive the warm winter weather, they may appear earlier and more abundantly. When you mix the warmer weather with the amount of rain, expect to see more pest in the next few weeks, especially snakes, spiders and mosquitoes.

There are some things you can do to reduce the presence and the negative impacts of pests. One of the best control plans is to get an early start on control. If you wait until summer, you might lose the battle and have a heavy infestation.

• Check for debris around your house.

• Remove any firewood stored near the home.

• Remove leaf piles (perfect places for snakes to hide) and keep yard well landscaped.

• Cracks by doors and walls should be covered, and wooden boxes should be checked closely.

• You can disrupt the breeding of mosquitoes by eliminating areas of standing water (anything from flower pots, clogged gutters, birdbaths and old tires).

• To prevent ants, earwigs and other invasive pests from entering your home this spring, make sure your house is properly sealed, with window screens in good condition and weather stripping around the doors.