If you’re anything like most Maryland homeowners, you’re probably joyously anticipating the arrival of spring after the long, cold winter we’ve had this year. The melting snow and resurgence of flowers and greenery signal that warmer days are ahead.
However, with the arrival of spring also comes the return of many spring pests. Cockroaches, ants, and other bothersome pests often invade homes during the spring, leaving homeowners scrambling to figure out what to do next.
If you’re looking for ways to protect your Maryland home from pests this spring, here are nine practical tips that can help you avoid pests and an added pest control bill.
The Importance of Spring Pest Control
Pest control is important year-round, especially during the spring months when the weather transitions from cold to warm. Maryland’s spring is a naturally moist season, inviting water-loving pests such as termites, cockroaches, and ants to properties.
Spring is also the breeding season for many pests, as termite swarmers and carpenter ants begin establishing new colonies.
Many Maryland homeowners overlook the reemergence of pests, such as spiders and ants, that have gone dormant inside their homes since last fall.
Finally, most pest control professionals agree that spring is the best time to perform pest control services. Pest populations are typically at an all-time low, making pest control more effective. This time of year allows pest control professionals to target and kill nests and colonies before they become bigger and out of control.
Common Spring Pests in Maryland
As temperatures rise in the spring, many pests become more active, emerging from their winter hiding spots in search of food, water, and shelter. Some of the most common spring pests found in Maryland include:
Cockroaches
Cockroaches thrive in warm, damp environments and can be found in kitchens, basements, and bathrooms. They are known to spread bacteria and allergens, which can trigger asthma and other respiratory issues. These pests are particularly resilient, making them difficult to eliminate without professional pest control.
Ants
Maryland is home to several species of ants, including pavement ants, carpenter ants, and odorous house ants. While most ants are more of a nuisance than a danger, carpenter ants can cause structural damage by burrowing through wood. Ants typically invade homes in search of food, often forming long trails to and from their nests.
Termites
Spring marks the start of termite swarming season, when reproductive termites (swarmers) leave their colonies to establish new ones. Termites are one of the most destructive pests in Maryland, as they silently eat through wooden structures, often going unnoticed until significant damage has occurred. Homeowners should watch for signs of termites, such as discarded wings, mud tubes, and wood damage.
Rodents
Deer mice and field mice are extremely common in Maryland and remain active throughout the year. Their populations can remain steady in the spring as they search for food and nesting sites. Rodents are known for contaminating food, spreading diseases, and chewing through electrical wiring, which can create fire hazards. Proper sealing of entry points and maintaining cleanliness can help deter infestations.
Spiders
Although most spiders in Maryland are harmless, species like the black widow and brown recluse can deliver venomous bites. Warmer weather encourages spiders to become more active, and they often enter homes in search of food (other insects) or a place to lay eggs. Seeing an increase in spiders indoors may indicate a larger pest issue, as they tend to follow their prey.
Bed Bugs
Bed bugs can be a year-round issue, but increased travel and warmer temperatures in the spring contribute to their spread. These tiny, blood-feeding pests hide in mattresses, furniture, and cracks in walls, emerging at night to feed on humans. Bed bug infestations can be challenging to control and often require professional treatment.
It is important to note that while these pests tend to be more active during the spring, they can still be found at any time of year. Proactive pest control measures can help protect your home throughout the seasons.
9 Spring Pest Control Tips for a Pest-Free Home
Keep your home and yard pest-free this spring with these nine expert pest control tips devised for Maryland homeowners.
1. Seal Entry Points
Pests like ants and even mice can squeeze through cracks the size of quarters, so sealing these entry points is essential. You can do this using store-bought caulk or sealant or by stuffing holes with steel wool.
2. Keep Your Yard Maintained
Keeping a neat and well-manicured yard is essential for preventing pests, as overgrown grass and foliage provide more hiding spots for them. Get in the habit of cutting your grass before it gets too high, and be sure to trim any trees or shrubbery on your property.
3. Eliminate Standing Water
Certain pests, such as mosquitoes, cockroaches, and drain flies are attracted to standing water. Bird baths, clogged gutters, and leaking pipes can all attract pests to your home, so eliminating any standing water can significantly reduce your chances of a pest infestation.
4. Store Food Properly
Pests are attracted to places where they can access food and water, so if you aren’t storing your food or beverages properly, you are more likely to experience an infestation. To prevent pests from invading your pantry, be sure to properly seal and store all food and drinks, and avoid leaving dirty dishes in the sink or food on the counter.
5. Use Natural Repellents
Certain essential oils, such as peppermint, citrus, and lavender oils, are known to repel many different types of pests. Many homeowners prefer to take a more natural approach to pest control and have found success using these oils.
6. Schedule Regular Inspections
Scheduling regular pest control inspections can be extremely beneficial to homeowners, especially those who have been affected by pest problems in the past. Having a professional exterminator perform routine inspections ensures that you will be able to catch the signs of a pest problem before it gets out of control.
7. Maintain Proper Waste Disposal
As mentioned earlier, pests are attracted to food and water sources. They are typically able to find these resources in areas where trash is kept, which is why homeowners must maintain proper waste disposal in and around their homes.
8. Inspect Outdoor Structures
Outdoor structures like decks and sheds, especially those made of wood, can easily be infested by pests. Termites are known to cause damage to wooden structures, often gnawing on the wood over a long period of time before homeowners notice. Ensure you’re regularly inspecting your outdoor structures to prevent this from happening.
9. Consider Professional Pest Control Services
Hiring a professional exterminator to perform routine inspections on your home is your best defense against pests. If an infestation is discovered, an exterminator can get rid of it safely and effectively without harming you and your family.
Pest Czar offers safe and effective monthly pest control plans designed to thwart over a dozen common species of pests in Maryland. Contact us today for a free quote and to get your home pest-free this spring!
FAQs
What natural remedies work best for keeping pests away?
Certain essential oils, such as peppermint, citrus, and lavender, can repel pests. You can also plant pest-repellent herbs like mint, basil, and citronella. While these measures may be mildly effective for prevention, we do not suggest relying on DIY pest control for active infestations.
How do I know if I have a termite problem?
Damaged wood, mud tubes, termite droppings, buckling wood, and a strange, moldy smell can all indicate a termite problem.
What outdoor areas should I focus on for pest prevention?
It is important to treat the outside of your home as well to prevent pests from invading it. Trimming any trees with branches near your house can effectively prevent pests like squirrels from making their way into your attic and roof, and keeping your grass neatly trimmed will give pests fewer places to hide on your property.
Are DIY pest control methods effective?
Certain DIY pest control methods may effectively treat minor infestations, but it is always wise to trust a professional exterminator to ensure the infestation is dealt with safely and effectively.
What are the risks of using chemical pesticides?
Using chemical pesticides may put homeowners at risk for certain cancers and skin irritation, especially if they apply them themselves. It is always best to leave the handling of chemical pesticides to a trusted pest control professional.
How often should I inspect my home for pests?
It is recommended that homeowners have pest control inspections performed quarterly. This gives homeowners the best chance of preventing pest infestations and catching them in their early stages before they get out of control.