April showers bring May flowers—and a whole lot of pests. Warm, wet weather in the spring creates perfect conditions for the season’s most common and problematic pests, and the board-certified entomologists at the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) are urging homeowners and businesses to take action before these pests take over.
“Spring marks a major shift in pest behavior,” said Dr. Jim Fredericks, SVP of public affairs at the NPMA. “As temperatures rise and moisture increases, pests become more active and begin searching for places to live and reproduce.”
According to the NPMA, here’s what homeowners and businesses should be watching for this warm, rainy season:
Ants: When the ground gets saturated during spring rain, ants have nowhere to go but up, and often, that means inside your home or facility. Depending on the species, ants can damage wood structures, contaminate food and surfaces, or deliver painful stings. Seal cracks around your foundation, windows, and doors, and keep an eye on entry points throughout the season to keep them from getting in.
Mosquitoes: Mosquitoes only need half an inch of water to breed, and spring rain filling gutters, flowerpots, birdbaths, and forgotten containers around your yard gives them the perfect opportunity to lay eggs. Regularly empty these containers, and clean out gutters to limit standing water and protect yourself from mosquito-borne diseases like West Nile virus and Eastern equine encephalitis.
Termites: Termites cause an estimated $6.8 billion in damage each year, and warmer temperatures and spring moisture are exactly what they need to start swarming. Keep an eye out for common signs of termites, including discarded wings, shelter tubes, and small, pellet-shaped droppings, to keep your structure safe from these silent destroyers.
Ticks: Ticks are becoming active earlier than ever, and warm, moist spring conditions are largely to blame. These tiny parasites can transmit serious illnesses, including Lyme disease and alpha-gal syndrome, so vigilance is key. Protect yourself by conducting a thorough tick check after spending time outdoors.
“Don’t wait for these pests to make themselves known,” added Fredericks. “Taking a few proactive steps now, like contacting a pest control professional, can make a significant difference in keeping your home and family protected from pest risks all season long.”
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