The first day of spring has passed and gone and we have seen increased activity in the insect world. For many insects, spring sees its emergence after a long winter sleep as they prepare to get busy for the next few months.

We have put together a list of common spring pests to watch out for;

Carpenter bees, wasps, yellow jackets and hornets – Bees of any kind and wasps are waking up from their winter slumber and looking for free pollen, which is in abundance right now, and also a new home. These insects are the pollinators of the insect world and are also beneficial. However, some colonies can become extremely large and these stinging insects can become aggressive if provoked. I mention carpenter bees specifically because we have received several calls this week. Carpenter bees specifically drill into wood to make their nests and can cause extensive damage to the wood.

Termites – Termite swarms, as I mentioned in my last article, are the new king and queen of a new termite colony. These seem to be seen at the beginning of each year. You may think of it as a flying ant, but if you have termites, you may have an underlying structural problem as they cause billions of dollars in damage to structures each year.

Ants – They are a social insect and each ant, like termites, has a specific task in the colony. Carpenter ants are a common problem and they also penetrate wood, causing damage. Ants can be seen in or around the kitchen searching for food.

To prevent insects, bed bugs, and other pests from entering your home;

• Create a barrier between the inside and outside of your home and seal the cracks and crevices around the building.
• You can choose to have your windows and doors open in the spring; check and repair window and door screens to prevent insects from entering your home.
• Eliminate standing water that can be caused by a leaky pipe or broken gutters, not only to deter mosquitoes but also termites.
• Remove weeds and trim bushes and shrubs outside your home.
• Maintain a clean kitchen by making sure crumbs are collected and surfaces are clean. If flies enter your home, they can transfer pathogens and spread bacteria that are potentially harmful to humans.
• Store open food in containers with tight lids to avoid attracting pests. If pests get into your food, then they can contaminate it, making it unsafe for consumption.
• Do a spring cleaning inside your home, vacuuming hard-to-reach areas where spiders like to hide.