Spring is a time of increased activity for most of species of animals and insects, and pests are no exception. As the weather warms, many types of pests emerge from dormancy, ready to reproduce and wreak havoc on your home or yard. That is, if you let them. Luckily, just knowing what to look for can go a long way in damage control when it comes to spring pests. Here are five common springs pests to be on the lookout for.

A single termite is tiny, but a colony can do some serious damage to a building. Termites feed on the cellulose found in wooden items, and their presence in your home could lead to some major issues.

Although termites remain active year-round, most above-ground termite activity is seen during the spring months, when a colony sends out swarmers (termites with wings) to find new areas to inhabit. Since termites are responsible for a huge amount of property damage (an estimated $5 billion annually in the US), it is paramount to have your home inspected and treated early enough in the season to prevent damage.

Carpenter bees are another common spring pest, and most activity is seen during May and June. A carpenter bee is large, hairless, and shiny with a black abdomen.

Unlike termites, carpenter bees do not feed on wood, but they make their nests inside of it. They burrow holes into rough, unfinished wood, causing serious damage to valuable wooden structures. Not only will carpenter bees damage your home, but they can be aggressive as well. Female carpenter bees are known to sting people when they are disturbed or feel threatened.

The most common household pest in Southern Indiana, carpenter ants are the largest pest ant in the United States. Carpenter ants tunnel through wooden structures to form galleries and “roads” leading to their nests. Although they are not necessarily dangerous to humans, they can certainly damage your home.

Carpenter ants are most often noticeable to homeowners during the spring months when they, like termites, send out swarmers (ants with wings) to reproduce and begin a satellite colony. Although carpenter ants are not responsible for nearly as much damage as termites, you certainly don’t want to allow them to go untreated.

Spring is also when fleas become active again. Fleas are parasitic insects which suck blood from their hosts, usually dogs and cats, but they can make a meal of humans as well.

Fleas can cause uncomfortable itching, and they can also spread disease and cause tapeworms. A flea infestation in the home can be frustrating because they reproduce extremely quickly and can be difficult to control and eliminate on your own. If you notice fleas in your home, it’s often not enough to just treat your pets – you need to treat your home as well.

Moles are insect-eating rodents that have large, paddle-like front feet that make them very efficient diggers. They are rarely seen, as they live underground, however homeowners can spot signs of mole activity pretty easily in their yards. The two most common signs of moles are raised ridged areas in lawns, and the traditional molehill.

While moles aren’t necessarily dangerous, they can be a nuisance to homeowners, destroying lawns and landscaping, and disturbing plants. Moles are most active during the spring and summer months, and are often first noticed in early spring, especially after a mild winter.

So, what should you do if you see signs of these spring pests? Or what if you just want peace of mind that your home is protected? Easy! Call YES Pest Pros. We’ve been in the business since 1983, and we’ve got the tools and experience to get the job done quickly and efficiently. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

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