Spring is in the air, and so are Southern Indiana pests! As the weather gets warmer and the flowers are in bloom, we are bound to see more pests than we did in winter.
In spring, insects and other pests wake up from hibernation and start looking for food, places to live, and breeding spots. Here are some of the most common pests you will see this season.
1. Ants
During spring, ants search for food and places to start new colonies. Ants are typically known for being annoying. However, some people are unaware that some ants can bite people and others might even cause damage to your home.
The two types of ants you should keep an eye out for this spring are carpenter ants and pavement ants.
The main difference between them is that carpenter ants look for places inside and outside your home to start colonies, especially in the walls. Meanwhile, pavement ants usually stay outside to develop and expand their colonies.
2. Stink Bugs
These smelly spring insects are easily identifiable by their brown shield-shaped bodies and the powerful odor they emit when they feel threatened.
They feed on plants such as soybeans and weeds, and fruits such as apples, peaches, and figs. As a result, they can be harmful to outdoor gardens.
Although stink bugs are not dangerous, stopping them from entering your house is vital. If you find stink bugs inside your home, it is probably because they got in there before winter began. To avoid having to deal with them again, you need to make a plan to keep them out in the future.
3. Termites
Termites are known for being a homeowner’s worst nightmare. Unfortunately, they are common spring pests in Southern Indiana.
Termites are insects that have four wings, a thick, long abdomen, and short legs. These pests typically have brown or creamy white bodies. Their sharp jaws are constantly at work, eating through wood all day.
Subterranean termites are mainly active during spring and summer, especially on warm, calm days following rainfall. To learn more about these spring insects, check out our blog, “What Are Termites and Are There Different Kinds?”
4. Gnats or Midges
Gnats, also known as “midges,” are notorious for being annoying and difficult to get rid of. While they don’t harm people, their presence can drive homeowners crazy.
These spring insects are usually small insects with long legs and tend to be weak fliers. They have six legs, three body parts, and one pair of wings. They look like mosquitoes, but they do not have the capability to bite.
Gnats love moisture, and you will often see an increase in the number of gnats where there is more moisture or water. During late spring, male gnats gather in big swarms around water to find mates.
5. Lady Bugs
While they are considered lucky, ladybugs can quickly become a big issue when they start to swarm your home. They tend to gather in places like ceiling corners, windowpanes, or even behind walls.
Lady bugs have distinctive spotted red or orange bodies and can live up to 3 years. They can also lay up to 1,500 eggs within a few weeks of life.
During winter, ladybugs go into hibernation and don’t come back until the following spring. They may enter homes during winter to hibernate for the season.
When the weather gets warmer in spring, ladybugs wake up. This can take several weeks, and during this time, homeowners may notice an increase in ladybugs around their homes.
6. Bees and Wasps
Bees and wasps can be easily identified by their body shape. Bees have round black and yellow bodies. They tend to build their nests in open cavities like hollow trees, under sheds, or even in your home’s siding.
Wasps, on the other hand, have long, thin bodies with tiny waists. They usually build their nests in trees or on the ridge of a house.
These flying spring pests might have already found their way into your attic to hide from the winter weather. When they awake from hibernation, they’ll look for new places to start their colonies.
It’s important not to let these insects into your house because they can be dangerous if they feel threatened.
However, bees are important for our environment, so it’s best not to harm them. If you encounter any of these pests, seek help from your Southern Indiana pest control experts to safely remove them and keep your home, and the bees secure.
If you’re facing issues with termites, ants, stink bugs, or other insects invading your home or business this spring, T & G Pest Control can provide you with the help you need. Our team of experts will identify the root of the problem and design a plan to eliminate the infestation.
So, if you suspect that you have a spring pest problem, contact us for effective and reliable pest control services!