Is your home rolling out the welcome mat for pests? You might be surprised! Many homeowners don’t know what attracts spring bugs—and as a result, they invite an unwanted pest problem.
Today, the pros at ScherZinger Pest Control are listing the 10 things that could be attracting spring bugs to your home. Keep reading to find out what they are and how to fix them!
Common Spring Pests
Spring has sprung…and so have the pests!
In winter, pests typically die off, go into diapause (similar to hibernation) or overwinter by finding warm shelter. When spring arrives, however, many pests return or (if they never left) become more active. Termites, for example, are active year-round, but their mating season is in the spring.
In Ohio, there are a few problematic pests that turn up every spring. (You can read more about common spring pests here.) These pests include:
- Termites
- Ants
- Stinging insects (wasps, hornets, bees, etc.)
- Fleas
- Ticks
- Mosquitoes
- Stink bugs
Fortunately, you can take steps to help prevent these spring bugs from causing a problem. You just need to know what brings them to your home.
What Attracts Spring Bugs
Here at ScherZinger, we know pests: what they like, what they dislike, and why some houses come down with infestations while others don’t. Here are ten things that could attract a variety of spring pests to your home.
#1 Cracks and crevices into your home.
Attracts: All kinds of spring bugs
Cracks and crevices that lead into your home are a big problem: they’re letting pests inside! To keep pests outside where they belong, seal up those cracks (especially around the foundation, windows, and doors). You can use caulk, spray foam, weatherstripping, etc.
#2 Leaks and standing water.
Attracts: All kinds of spring bugs
Like all creatures, pests need water to live. Many pests, including cockroaches, termites, and mosquitoes, prefer moist environments and thrive in them. For that reason, leaks and areas of standing water around your home are a neon “Welcome” sign attracting pets.
To fix this, we recommend a few things. Outside, fill in the low areas of your yard that collect rainwater, get rid of birdbaths and inflatable swimming pools (or change the water often), and make sure your gutters direct water away from your home. Inside, make sure to fix any leaky pipes.
#3 Trees and shrubs growing near your house.
Attracts: Termites
Termites are attracted to wood, their primary food source. To fix this, cut back the branches of trees and shrubs so they aren’t touching your home.
#4 Mulch and firewood touching your foundation.
Attracts: Termites and ants
Termites and ants love to hang out in wood piles. If your home is nearby, they can find it easily. To avoid this, move firewood away from your home or shed. Also, keep mulch about a foot away from your foundation.
#5 Clutter and debris inside and outside.
Attracts: All kinds of spring bugs
Clutter and debris provide a convenient and safe hiding place for pests. Outside, debris can offer shelter for overwintering pests. Inside, clutter can offer hiding places for a growing infestation.
Make sure to keep your home and yard tidy, so you don’t accidentally give pests a place to hide and grow in numbers!
#6 Untilled soil.
Attracts: Ants, stink bugs, and other pests
Some insects burrow into the soil, where it’s warmer, to survive the winter. To keep them from doing this in your garden, be sure to till the soil. Tilling while it’s still cold can help kill off the eggs and bugs in the soil.
#8 Overgrown lawns.
Attracts: Fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, stinging insects, and other pests
Tall grass is a boon to pests. Insects like fleas and ticks love to hide in tall grass. Other pests, such as mice and rats, like the shelter that overgrown lawns provide.
To avoid this issue, be sure to mow and weed your lawn and garden regularly.
#9 Crumbs, spills, and overflowing trash.
Attracts: Ants and stinging insects
Food left out is a feast for spring bugs! (That’s why pests are often found in the kitchen first.) Ants and stinging insects, in particular, are attracted to uncovered dishes, crumbs, and spills.
Your spring cleaning should focus on your kitchen: clean up crumbs and spills, clean under and around cabinets and appliances, and deep clean trash cans. On a daily basis, make sure to wipe up spills and avoid leaving dirty dishes in the sink overnight. Finally, consider making your pantry pest-proof by keeping pantry items in hard plastic containers rather than flimsy paper packaging.
#10 Flowering plants near your home.
Attracts: Stinging insects
Flowering plants attract stinging insects in two ways. First, it attracts the pollinators that feed on the flower’s pollen (bees and wasps). Second, it attracts stinging insects that feed on garden bugs like aphids.
Of course, many homeowners love their gardens, and we’re not suggesting you throw away your heirloom roses. Whenever possible, however, place flowering plants away from your house. Close to your house, you might consider planting ornamental grasses or non-flowering plants instead.
Call Us for Help with a Spring Bug Problem
Knowing what attracts spring bugs can help avoid a problem, but it’s not a guarantee. Sometimes, pest problems happen despite your best efforts.
That’s where we come in!
Scherzinger Termite and Pest Control is a trusted pest control company in the Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky areas, including Dayton, OH, and now Columbus, OH. We’ve been pioneers, engineering new standards for ways of eliminating and controlling bugs and pests. Contact us by phone at 1-877-748-9888 or via web inquiry, Facebook or Twitter.