As temperatures start to rise and the days get longer, many pests start to become more active. In Richmond, Virginia, there are plenty of pests that can invade your home this month. From pantry pests to rodents and stinging insects, it’s important to be aware of the potential threats these critters pose. Keep reading for a list of the most common pests you might find in your home right now.
Pantry Pests
Also known as “stored product pests,” pantry pests are small insects that contaminate food items such as grains, cereal, flour, and other dry goods. These bugs lay eggs in food packages or on surfaces near food sources, which can quickly spread infestations throughout your home. Pantry pests are especially active during winter months when they have limited access to outdoor food sources. Common pantry pests include Indian meal moths and sawtoothed grain beetles.
Rodents
When temperatures drop below freezing at night, rodents such as mice and rats will look for warm places to nest – including inside your walls or attic. Rodents not only can cause considerable damage because of their chewing habits, but also carry diseases such as salmonella and hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. Rodent infestations should be dealt with quickly as they can become difficult to control once established. Common signs of rodent activity include droppings near food sources, gnaw marks on wood or furniture, and strange noises coming from walls or ceilings.
Stinging Insects
As winter turns into spring, stinging insects such as bees and wasps start becoming more active outdoors – and sometimes indoors, too If there is a beehive or wasp nest nearby your home, these insects may try to enter through cracks in windows or doors looking for water sources or food. Stinging insects can be dangerous if disturbed. However, many species are beneficial pollinators, so it’s important not to harm them unnecessarily. If you do have a stinging insect problem in your home, it’s best to call us, as our pest control technicians are experienced in dealing with these creatures humanely and safely
Ants
Ants are also a common pest in Richmond homes this time of year. They’re attracted to sweet foods, such as sugary drinks or sweets left on countertops. If left unchecked, an ant infestation can quickly grow out of control because ants reproduce rapidly. To avoid an ant problem, make sure you keep all food sources sealed tightly and clean up any spills or crumbs immediately.
Spiders
Spiders tend to move indoors when temperatures drop outside. Although spiders prefer prey such as insects or small animals as their food source, they will happily snack on crickets or flies that may enter your house if no other food is available. To reduce the number of spiders entering your home right now, it’s important to seal off any cracks or crevices around windows and doors that may serve as entry points for these arachnids.
When You Need Professional Help
Pests can be a major nuisance, but by knowing what types of critters might invade your Richmond home this time of year, you’ll be better prepared if an infestation does occur. Remember that prevention is always better than the cure, so make sure you check for any potential entry points around doors and windows where rodents could sneak in or inspect stored products for signs of pantry pest activity before bringing them into the house. More than anything else, if you do find evidence of a pest infestation, don’t hesitate to contact us right away.
