As the weather warms up, insects become more active—and unfortunately, many of them make their way into our homes and yards. Whether you're seeing ants in your kitchen or wasps around your porch, spring is a critical time to stay proactive about pest control. We've rounded up the most frequently asked questions about spring pests to help you understand what you're dealing with—and how to stop it.
1. Why are insects more active in the spring?
Short answer? They've been bugging out all winter long, and now they're ready to party.
When spring hits and the temperatures rise, it's basically a wake-up call for pests that have been hiding out in tree bark, underground, or even inside your home's walls. Warmer weather, longer days, and more moisture create the perfect conditions for insects to stretch their legs, find food, and—yep—start making more bugs.
Spring is like a buffet for pests:
Ants send out their scouts to crash your picnic or kitchen.
Wasps and hornets get busy house-hunting—usually around your eaves, deck, or porch.
Boxelder bugs and stink bugs, who've been snoozing in your attic, suddenly decide it's time to explore your living room.
Basically, pests are re-emerging in full force—and your home might look like the perfect spring break destination. But don't worry—we've got the tools (and treatments) to send them packing before things get out of control.
2. What are the most common spring bugs?
Ah, spring. Birds are chirping, flowers are blooming… and bugs are moving in like they own the place.
While some pests keep to the great outdoors, others take spring cleaning as a sign to crash your indoor space. Here are a few of the usual suspects:
Carpenter ants - Big, bold, and ready to chew through your wood like it's their job.
Boxelder bugs - They love sunbathing on the side of your house and might just waltz right in.
Stink bugs - Smelly little squatters that aren't afraid to make a scene (and a stink).
Cluster flies - Slow fliers that like to gather in large groups—think unwanted houseguests who never leave.
Larder beetles - These pantry crashers love to feast on pet food, dried goods, and whatever crumbs they can find.
Fleas - Tiny jumpers with a taste for your pets (and occasionally you). Once they're in, they're tough to bounce.
Ticks - Sneaky hitchhikers that love tall grass and wooded areas. Big fans of pets, hikers, and shady spots.
Mosquitoes - Buzzing, biting, and breeding in standing water. Basically, the worst kind of party crashers.
A lot of these pests are tiny but persistent—sneaking in through the smallest cracks, gaps, or open doors. Once inside, they're not just annoying; some can trigger allergies, damage wood, or contaminate food. It's kind of like hosting a party and only the pests showed up.
3. Are stinging insects active in the spring?
Absolutely! Spring is when stinging insects start shaking off the winter blues and buzzing back into action. And spoiler alert: they're not just out to smell the flowers—they're scouting real estate, building nests, and getting a little too up close and personal with your porch.
Here are the usual springtime sting-slingers:
Wasps - Queens that overwintered in your attic, soffits, or wall voids are ready to build a brand-new nest… right above your front door.
Hornets - The bigger, angrier cousins of wasps. Loud, territorial, and definitely not here for your backyard vibes.
Yellowjackets - Highly social (in the worst way) and quick to defend their nest with an attitude—and a stinger.
Fire ants - Not your typical stinger, but their bite burns (hence the name), and they're especially aggressive when disturbed.
Stinging insects aren't just a nuisance—they can be downright dangerous, especially for kids, pets, or anyone with allergies. And because spring is when they start nesting, early action is key to avoiding a full-blown flying menace by summer.
So if you're noticing wasps doing fly-bys or fire ants throwing backyard tantrums, it's time to show them who really runs the yard. (Hint: It's you—with a little help from Greenix.)
4. How can I prevent spring pests from entering my home?
Great question—because when it comes to pests, the best offense is a good defense.
Spring is when bugs go house-hunting, and guess what? Your home is prime real estate. It's warm, full of snacks, and (if you haven't sealed things up) wide open for squatters with six legs and zero manners. The good news? A few simple steps can keep your home off the insect radar.
Here's how to pest-proof like a pro:
Seal the deal - Caulk up cracks, gaps, and tiny openings around windows, doors, pipes, and vents. If a bug can squeeze through it, it will.
Tidy up - Crumbs, spills, and forgotten snacks are basically a buffet for bugs. Clean kitchens, pet bowls, and trash areas regularly.
Declutter the yard - Leaf piles, firewood stacks, and overgrown bushes are a pest paradise. Keep things trimmed and tidy.
Kick standing water to the curb - Mosquitoes only need a tiny puddle to throw a pool party. Empty flower pots, kiddie pools, and clogged gutters.
Mind the lights - Insects love porch lights like moths to… well, a flame. Try using yellow "bug lights" or keeping lights off when you can.
Spring pest prevention is all about staying one step ahead. Little changes now can mean way fewer creepy crawlies (and stingers!) showing up uninvited later.
And if you'd rather skip the guesswork? Let Greenix create a custom pest defense plan so your home stays a no-fly zone all season long.
5. Are there DIY pest control methods I can try?
Totally! If you're the hands-on type, there are a few pest-fighting tricks you can use to bug off unwanted visitors—at least for the minor stuff.
While DIY methods won't stop a full-blown infestation, they can help keep things in check between professional treatments. Think of these like your home's natural pest security system:
Essential oils - Not just for your diffuser! Scents like peppermint, tea tree, citronella, and lemongrass are natural pest repellents. Mix with water and spray around doorways, windows, and baseboards. Bonus: your house will smell amazing.
Diatomaceous earth - A fancy name for a totally safe, powdery substance that wrecks bugs' day. Sprinkle it in cracks, along baseboards, or near pet beds to take out ants, cockroaches, and fleas.
Clean like you mean it - Regular vacuuming, dusting, and wiping down surfaces removes food crumbs, eggs, and pheromone trails (yes, bugs leave scent trails for their friends—gross, we know).
Don't feed the freeloaders - Store pet food in sealed containers, empty trash often, and avoid leaving dishes out overnight. Bugs are always down for a midnight snack.
Natural repellents in the yard - Planting lavender, basil, or marigolds can help keep mosquitoes and other pests out of your garden space.
That said, DIY methods are kind of like putting a band-aid on a broken dam—they help, but they're not a long-term fix for bigger issues. If the pests are persistent, it's time to tag in the pros (hint: that's us).
6. When should I call a professional pest control service?
If you're wondering, "Should I call someone about this?"—the answer is probably yes.
Sure, a stray ant or a single stink bug might not be cause for alarm, but when pests start showing up regularly, it's usually a sign that a bigger party is happening behind the scenes. And trust us—you don't want to wait for the guest list to grow.
Here are a few signs it's time to call in the pros:
You're seeing the same pests over and over again (ants in the kitchen, anyone?)
You've spotted nests, droppings, or mysterious bug damage
DIY tricks just aren't cutting it anymore
You're dealing with high-risk pests like termites, carpenter ants, or stinging insects
You don't have time to be a full-time bug bouncer—we get it!
Some pests, like termites and carpenter ants, work in secret—causing major damage before you even know they're there. Others, like wasps or fire ants, are downright dangerous to tackle on your own.
That's where Greenix comes in. Our expert pest techs know exactly what to look for, how to treat it, and how to keep it from coming back. We use eco-friendly, family-safe treatments and proactive protection plans that kick pests out—and keep them out.
So don't wait until you're sharing your home with an entire insect army. Call Greenix, and let's evict those pests for good.
7. How can Greenix help with spring pest problems?
Spring's in the air—and unfortunately, so are the bugs. Whether you're spotting ants in the kitchen, wasps on the porch, or stink bugs doing their slow crawl across the living room wall, now's the time to get ahead of pest season. With a little prevention and the right support, you can enjoy the sunshine without sharing your space with six-legged squatters.
Got questions? Greenix has answers—and a pest plan built just for you. Let's kick spring pests to the curb (and keep them there).
