April Bugs That Might Require Professional Pest Control
You might be celebrating as the Virginia temperatures warm up outside and the days get longer, but rest assured you are not alone. Millions of insects and household pests are also beginning to stretch their legs or wings and make their way outside. April is often thought of as the beginning of spring, and with it comes the great awakening of insects that cause us to shriek, stomp, and swat. Here’s a look at some of the most common eastern Virginia pests you may encounter in the coming month and some pest control steps you can take to keep your home pest-free.
Ants
Most ants are considered nuisance pests, meaning they aren’t dangerous, but once ants find their way into your home, they can be hard to get rid of and usually require professional pest control treatment. During the winter, ants become dormant and seek warmer areas underground. In spring, when the weather begins to warm, they will become more active and seeking food becomes a priority. Ants come in a variety of colors and can be 1/8” to 1/2”. Most ants are harmless, but they may seek out water and food, finding it in kitchens and basements across eastern Virginia.
Cockroaches
There are several distinct types of cockroaches in eastern Virginia, but all of them have one thing in common, they’re yuck factor. American cockroaches are the most common home invaders. They’re reddish-brown, grow up to two inches, and fly. The leggy insect is an omnivore and eats cardboard, soap, pet food, sweets, and other items. They are found in warm, damp places, such as basements, woodpiles, around garbage, and in bathrooms. Cockroaches are frequently found in sewers, giving them a highway between dwellings. Although they can bite, they don’t usually pose a physical threat, but rather a sanitary one. Infestations can cause asthma attacks to those with allergies and spread germs, making surfaces and floors unsanitary. If you have a cockroach infestation, it’s time to call a professional pest control company.
Fleas
The humid, eastern Virginia spring is perfect for fleas. Once the weather warms to 60 degrees for consecutive days, fleas become active and increase their activity throughout the summer. Flea pupae can remain dormant for several months and hatch seemingly all at once when the weather becomes warmer. Adult fleas can leap seven inches in the air to land on a host and become a nuisance. Flea bites can be itchy and cause discomfort for people and are also a concern for tapeworms in pets. Once fleas infest carpet, they can be difficult to eradicate. Prevention is your best bet; if it’s too late for that, then call a professional pest control company that specializes in fleas.
Mosquitos
Hot, sticky Virginia summers are a mosquito’s paradise. Mosquitoes lay eggs in standing water and can lay around 100 eggs at a time. Mosquitos are arguably the biggest nuisance of the spring and summer. Asian tiger mosquitoes are one of the most common mosquitoes in eastern Virginia. They lay eggs almost anywhere they can find less than an inch of standing water. Buckets, tarps, clogged gutters, toys, and flowerpots can become breeding grounds. Homeowners should regularly check their property for any item that might provide a place for mosquitoes to breed. It’s also a great idea to hire a professional pest control service to treat your yard regularly throughout the season.
House Spiders
As we spend more time outside and may even enjoy evenings under deck lights and porch lights, you might see a few more spiders appear. That is because any place near insect-attracting lights makes a wonderful place for spiders to hang out. They also like to camp out near open trash cans or any place that attracts flies. Spiders like warm temperatures, good shelter, and ample food and water. Anytime one of those things becomes scarce, a spider might make their way inside your home.
Wolf Spiders
Wolf spiders got their name because they chase down their prey instead of using webs to catch a meal. They are deep brown and have long, strong legs used to pounce on their prey. As other insects that can be considered prey become more active in warmer weather, so do wolf spiders. They can be found in gardens, woodpiles, under debris, shrubs, and even in holes in the ground. If they make their home inside, you can expect to find them in garages, closets, basements, storage boxes, and attics.
Termites
Spring is the swarming season for termites, but unless you see a swarm, most termites are hard to find and require a professional to ferret them out and identify them. Without proper prevention, your home could fall prey to thousands of wood-munching creatures. A professional pest control company can identify the type of termites you have and recommend the best way to treat and control them.
Occasional Invaders: Centipedes and Millipedes
These creepy crawlers love Virginia heat and humidity. They are usually found under leaves, mulch, and logs. They occasionally wander into homes and can be found in dark, moist areas, such as bathrooms and basements. Though mostly harmless, some millipedes emit a foul-smelling fluid that can cause a skin reaction.
Before you start having to whisk unwanted bugs out the door, there are actions you can take to help keep them outside.
How to Fight Back
Start with sealing gaps in the foundation and exterior walls of your home. Keep your grass cut short and check the weather stripping around your windows and doors; replace them if necessary. Make sure that tree branches and bushes are trimmed away from your home’s exterior and woodpiles dry and away from your home as well.
Consider calling a professional pest control service. Our professional technicians at Eco Pest Control are trained to look for signs and evidence of a variety of pests and have the tools and expertise to keep them away. Begin scheduling regular treatments early in the year keeps bugs from getting out of control.
{{ data.settings.truncate && data.settings.truncate.on && data.settings.truncate.text ? data.settings.truncate.text : "Read more"}}
{{ testimonial.recency }}
{{ selectedReview.recency }}
Facebook review
Google review
Google review
{{selectedReview.source.platform}} review
Endorsal testimonial
Facebook review
Google review
Google review
{{selectedReview.source.platform}} review
Endorsal testimonial
{{ data.settings.truncate && data.settings.truncate.on && data.settings.truncate.text ? data.settings.truncate.text : "Read more"}}
{{ testimonial.recency }}
{{ selectedReview.recency }}
Facebook review
Google review
Google review
{{selectedReview.source.platform}} review
Endorsal testimonial
Facebook review
Google review
Google review
{{selectedReview.source.platform}} review
Endorsal testimonial