Container Gardens
Common Spring Pests and How to Get Rid of Them
Wednesday, May 2nd, 2012
Our homes and businesses are meant to shelter us from nature and all of her undesirable elements. One such undesirable element that we hope to be shielded from is pests. Whether these pests are mice, ants, spiders, roaches or any others, we often find our homes a target for pests. In particular, spring is the time of year when pests become more active. This is because they’re seeking out homes for food and nesting areas. Let’s take a closer look at some of the more common spring pests: carpenter bees, ants, and spiders.
Carpenter bees
Carpenter bees are a spring favorite in the pest control world. This is because they are one of nature’s most voracious wood consumers and are often tough to get rid of. As spring blooms, these bees can be seen hovering around anything wooden. As they hover around, they are scouting for a good place to raise young and live safely, just as you and I. The problem comes when your structure becomes chosen by the bees and they begin making sawdust of your wooden structure, tunneling through the wood to make boroughs.
As one can imagine, these tunnels in your wood aren’t too good for structural purposes. Consequently, the springtime battle between homeowners and the carpenter bee ensues. Short of calling an exterminator, the homeowner can thwart off this pest by painting or applying urethane to all external wood surfaces. This deters the bees. Additionally, any existing holes can be caulked shut with an exterior sealant. There are also pest management products on the market that can be used to treat the wooden areas where the bees seem most interested.
Ants
Ants are another common springtime intruder. This small but widespread insect can quickly infest any area of your home. Depending on the type of ant, they may concentrate in certain areas or exhibit specific behaviors. Common house ants or picnic ants may solely travel in lines and focus mainly on finding food crumbs, soda spills, and any matter to sustain the colony. However, carpenter ants may enter looking for wood to devour. The fire ant can decide to move in because it has found plant bulbs in the garden or any other convenient food sources near your home. Your home could also simply be a great shelter in which some ant colony wishes to reside.
Fortunately for us, there are many ways to stop an ant infestation. Sealing the home is one great method. Try caulking gaps and cracks inside and outside of your home to close off entry points. Another great tactic is the use of herbs, as many herbs repel ants. These include mint, cinnamon, and chili pepper. Remove food sources that may be drawing the ants. Killing the main colony is yet another option but sometimes requires the knowledge and tools of a professional pest control company.
Spiders
Of course, the infamous spider is another springtime arrival. Spiders can come in many shapes and sizes and are generally after food. If there are other insects around, the spiders will be after them. For the most part, spiders do not cause damage to your home. Remember though, some spiders are poisonous and can cause an immediate threat to humans if bitten. Webs are a good indication of their presence and could be found anywhere inside or out. Small white or tan colored egg sacks are also a clear indicator. Again, sealing gaps around the home and eliminating their food source, other insects, is adequate pest management here.
With little doubt, the pests come calling every spring. We do have the power to deter them from the comfort of our homes though. If you are unable fight the pests yourself, contact your local exterminator and stand up to those pesky springtime menaces.
