COMMON SPRING PESTS IN SOUTHERN ONTARIO & HOW TO PREVENT THEM

As the temperatures rise this spring in Southern Ontario, so does the activity of insects, bugs, and rodents in nature. Spring is the time when many emerge from their winter hiding spots in search of food, shelter, and a place to breed. To help you protect your home or business, we have compiled a list of the most common spring pests and the best ways to prevent them.

Common Spring Pests & How to Prevent Them

1.  Overwintering Insects

These are actually pests that have hibernated in a dormant state inside your home or business since late fall, who have woken up indoors in early spring (thanks to the warming temperatures), and now want to get back outside. Overwintering insects include cluster flies, Asian lady beetles, boxelder bugs, pine seed bugs, and fertilized wasps.

TIP: If you have issues with overwintering insects (cluster flies, Asian lady beetles and boxelder bugs) in the spring season, a spring pest control service is an effective way to deal with these insects.

Prevention Tips:

• A preventative professional pest control service in the fall season is an effective way to prevent or minimize these pest issues in the first place. For homes and businesses situated in county living areas, these pests are commonly reoccurring, and often no amount of pest proofing can 100% resolve the issue. Fall and Spring pest services are an effective means to further minimize and control the issue.

• Year-round pest proofing - seal cracks and entry points around doors, windows, and the foundation, especially to help prevent pine seed bugs and wasps from getting inside or building nests inside (wasps).

2. Ants

Ants, especially carpenter ants and pavement ants, become active in spring, searching for food and nesting sites. Carpenter ants, in particular, can cause structural damage as they construct their nests in wood like landscaping timbers and the lumber used in homes and other structures. Nests are made by chewing an interconnecting series of tunnels and cavities.

Prevention Tips:

• Fix leaks and moisture issues, as damp wood attracts carpenter ants.

• Keep food covered or tightly sealed and clean up crumbs and spills immediately.

• Seal cracks and entry points around doors, windows, and the foundation.

3. Wasps

Wasps and hornets start building nests in spring, often near homes, decks, and sheds. Their stings can be painful and even dangerous for those with allergies.

Prevention Tips:

• Inspect for small nests early and remove them before they grow.

• Seal cracks and gaps where wasps may enter your home or business.

• Keep food and sugary drinks covered when eating outdoors.

4. Rodents (Mice & Rats)

Warmer weather encourages mice and rats to seek food sources, and they may find their way into homes, garages, and sheds.

Prevention Tips:

• Store food, including pet food, in tightly sealed glass or plastic containers.

• Trim bushes and trees away from your house or business to eliminate entry points.

• Use rodent-proof materials to seal holes and gaps around your home or business.

• Address larger structural issues with the help from a tradesperson, maintenance person or contractor.

5. Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes begin breeding as soon as temperatures rise above 10°C. They are not only a nuisance with obnoxious buzzing and itchy bites, but they can also carry diseases such as West Nile virus.

Prevention Tips:

• Eliminate standing water in gutters, birdbaths, planters, outdoor play equipment & toys, and other containers.

• Use screens on windows and doors.

• Plant mosquito-repelling herbs such as citronella, lavender, and basil.

Here are more tips for how to prevent and minimize mosquitoes.

6. Ticks

With rising temperatures in the spring season, ticks become more active, posing a risk to pets and humans by spreading Lyme disease.

Prevention Tips:

• Keep grass cut short and remove leaf litter.
• Create a barrier of wood chips or gravel between wooded areas and your yard.
• Use insect repellents containing DEET when spending time outdoors.

Here are more tips for how to prevent ticks.

Expert Pest Control Service from Environmental Pest Control

Spring pests can be a nuisance in Southern Ontario, but with the right prevention methods, you can keep them where they belong (outside!) or you can drastically minimize the pest issue and effectively control it so that it does not impact your quality of life or peace of mind.

Our pest control blog and pest library are filled with tons of helpful advice and tips for pest proofing and pest prevention. Check these informative resources out!

If you are looking for quality pest control service for cluster flies, boxelder bugs, Asian lady beetles, ants, wasps, mosquitoes, mice or rats, don’t hesitate to contact a professional pest control service, like Environmental Pest Control. We’ve been helping homeowners and businesses address spring pests with safe and effective solutions since 1988!

Enjoy spring!