Understanding Spring Bugs
By the time March hits, most of America is itching to get back to warmer temperatures and get out of the house a little more. Unfortunately, there's likely something in your house that might be ready to come out of hiding once the winter is over, too.
Springtime pests are notorious for plaguing homes, but why? Many people mistake the winter as a time when bugs die off due to the cold, but in reality, they are probably hiding in your wall voids, crawl spaces, garages, and any other area that offers them shelter from the cold.
They enter a phase called diapause, where their metabolisms slow down, reproduction slows down, and they become much less active. It's during this time that they seek somewhere warm to stay, and once the temperatures warm up a bit, they resume their regularly scheduled activities just like us.
When these insects finally emerge from their winter hiding spots and begin their hunt for food and water, they usually start with our pantries and trash. Because they have had time to rest and have had a shelter where they can begin reproducing, it doesn't take long for many homeowners to start experiencing large pest infestations.
At Greenix Pest Control, we believe that understanding why spring bugs are around and which ones you need to be on the lookout for is the first step in controlling them! Check out our 2025 Pest Forecast to find out what pests you could encounter come March.
Common Spring Bugs to Watch Out For
Honestly, most bugs become active in the spring, so don't be alarmed when you start seeing them everywhere you go. It's very common for pests to come out and enjoy warmer temperatures just like we do, so you're bound to run into a bug or two.
However, when it comes to your home's exterior and interior, there are some specific species to be on the lookout for as spring approaches:
Ants
Starting off strong with one of the most common springtime pests, you can almost be certain that you will start seeing more ants in and around your home once the weather warms up.
Ants live in colonies, so where there is one, there are many, many more. These pests are actually active most of the year, but they are typically seen in the spring and summer months. When they come out of their nests, they start their hunt for water and food, specifically food crumbs found in kitchens and near trash cans.
You might find ants hanging out near pet food and water bowls, grabbing whatever they can to bring back to their colony.
One ant to watch out for in particular as the spring hits is the carpenter ant. Carpenter ants are a species of ant that can chew through wood to build nests, often causing immense damage to a home's foundation and any other areas with untreated wood.
Spiders
A universally dreaded pest, spiders typically start making an appearance in the early spring. They tend to hide in dark corners and are generally attracted to any areas where they can catch a good meal.
What that means is that if you see spiders around your home, then you likely have other pests hanging out nearby that the spider is patiently waiting to catch. And while we appreciate the extra help with taking care of other bugs in our homes, most spiders are creepy and make us uncomfortable.
Cockroaches
Another pest to keep an eye out for this spring is the cockroach. If you haven't experienced cockroaches, chances are, you know someone who has. Cockroaches remain active all year long, but they do slow down their reproduction rate during the winter, giving many of us a little break from their torment.
However, when temperatures rise, we find ourselves back to square one, unsure of how to get rid of these ever-multiplying pests. Unfortunately, if you didn't get pest control during the previous fall or winter, cockroaches will likely have laid eggs. These eggs hatch once the weather turns, and that's when most people find themselves with a large cockroach infestation.
Mosquitoes
As soon as snow begins to melt, mosquitoes begin thawing, too. Those eggs that they laid last fall and winter are finally getting the moisture they need to hatch. A mosquito egg must be in a water source in order to hatch, so as water levels rise, a new generation of these pests come out to play.
Unlike fleas, female mosquitoes prefer human blood over animals like dogs or cats. They use the protein in our blood to help with reproduction, and we are all left covered in itchy red bites all spring and summer.
Rodents
Rats
When something goes bump in the night, it's usually the sound of rats running on your roof or maybe even in the walls of your home. Roof rats are known to come out of hiding as the spring approaches, looking for a food source after a cold winter. Homes offer the perfect blend of food, shelter, and water for these pests.
Mice
We tend to see mice come out for the same reasons that rats do: the Pest Trinity. Once temps start to rise, an increase in activity begins. Mice and other rodents begin their mating cycle again, but they start searching for a reliable food source that will give them the energy to do so.
Paper Wasps
Many areas in the U.S. can expect to see an uptick in paper wasps come spring. This species of wasp is known for building paper-like nests that have downward-pointing cells for the wasps to enter.
When it comes to wasps, many die in the winter, leaving the queen to build a new colony in the spring. Luckily, these pests are easy to get ahead of with professional pest control. Nests tend to be obvious, so when you see them begin to emerge, all you have to do is call Greenix for help with wasp nest removal!
Perimeter Foragers
From pillbugs and sill bugs to centipedes and millipedes, your home's perimeter is about to get busy. Beetles and other bugs that feed on decaying matter are about to come out in full force once the snow melts and reveals dead leaves and grasses around your home. Keep an eye out for boxelder bugs, stink bugs, and even multicolored Asian lady beetles around windows, doors, and your home's foundation.
These pests ultimately attract insects like spiders and wasps who feed on these spring bugs. And so the cycle continues---where there is one bug, there will likely be many.
Preparing Your Home for Spring Bugs
Now that you've got your bug forecast for this spring, it's time to start planning your prevention tactics!
Spring insects are about to come out in full force, and the best thing you can do for your home is be prepared for what's ahead.
Here are some quick and easy ways to prepare your home for the upcoming season:
Seal all cracks and gaps around windows, doors, and vents to prevent spring bugs from entering. Add door sweeps and use caulk around any cracks and gaps to keep your home sealed off tightly.
Remove attractants such as food, water, and shelters like firewood or leaf piles to discourage spring bugs from staying over.
Keep your home clean and tidy, including regular spring cleaning, to reduce the likelihood of pest infestations.
Consider using natural pest control methods, such as essential oils and diatomaceous earth, to repel spring bugs.
DIY Pest Control vs. Professional Pest Control
While there are some great ways to help pest-proof your home on your own, it's important to consider the differences between DIY and professional pest control:
DIY pest control methods can be effective for deterring small pests or treating the occasional spring pest.
Professional pest control methods are more effective for severe pest infestations and true prevention tactics.
DIY pest control methods can be more cost-effective but may require more time and effort.
Quarterly professional pest control services are a convenient and reliable option to secure your home, treat pests, and avoid infestations altogether.
Pest Control for Spring Bugs
Given that the spring brings on an influx of springtime pest infestations, the best way to keep your home protected is with preventative pest control tactics. At Greenix, we offer year-round services that target over 50 different types of pests, ensuring that your home is safe all year.
Before spring hits is the best time to take care of some of those spring insects, like cluster flies, stink bugs, and many kinds of other common pests. Pests use the winter as a time to come together and rest, making them easy to target all at once.
Working with the pest nerds at Greenix gives you a leg up on pests this spring!
Choose Greenix's Spring Pest Control
Work with a pest control professional who knows how to keep your home's exterior and interior protected from the threat of pests! Our team knows spring bugs can be a nuisance, but with the right preparation and pest control methods, you can keep your home bug-free!
