Home maintenance can be challenging and time-consuming. From mowing the lawn and painting faded shutters to replacing missing shingles on the roof, it is easy to see how homeowners experience so much stress. While these tasks are common, controlling pests is also a necessary part of home maintenance. Unfortunately, you may not know where to begin. Considering the spring season is here, you may be cleaning and updating different areas of your home, so it is a great time to start preventing pests. With this guide, you will learn about the most common types of pests you should worry about in the spring and how to prevent them from affecting your home and health.

Termites

As a homeowner, you probably know a thing or two about termites. Unfortunately, you may not realize these pests swarm in the spring, attacking the wood in and around your home. While shocking to hear, termites cause an estimated $2 billion in damage each year in the United States, so learning the signs of a termite infestation is imperative.

Rotted, decaying, and hollowed areas of wood and even chipped, flaking areas of paint are common signs of a termite issue. It is also important to note that if you see one termite, there are likely others, since they breed and multiply rather quickly.

Ants

You may notice ant hills popping up around your yard in the spring season, as well. Although most people are not too concerned about these pests, ants can become a serious issue if left untreated.

Small black ants are capable of entering your home even through the smallest cracks and crevices. These ants have been known to bite, so preventing them is smart. Red ants should be addressed immediately. Also known as fire ants, these pests have painful bites that can be life threatening if you have an allergic reaction. Lastly, carpenter ants are common in the spring season. These larger, black ants feed off wood, causing costly damage to your home.

Wasps

Wasps spend the winter season in hibernation, but they emerge in the spring. Wasps fly around in an annoying manner around your home, but these aggressive insects communicate using different hormones, signaling the presence of food to other wasps. This communication can create a swarm of wasps who are ready to eat, attacking you and your family members.

A wasp sting causes discomfort and swelling. Also, many people will suffer with dangerous allergic reactions to these stings, so it is important to prevent these pests from making a home around your house.

Spring Prevention

One of the most effective ways to prevent pests from your home is to control moisture. Insects, rodents, and other pests are attracted to moisture, so removing any sources of water and humidity from your home and yard is key.

Check your crawlspace to determine the moisture content. Consider installing a vapor barrier on the ground or hire a professional to seal the entire crawlspace.

Focus on your landscaping to reduce pests, as well. High grass can hold in moisture, which will attract different pests to your yard and eventually home. Mow your grass and trim your shrubs regularly to make your yard less appealing.

Remove any unused pots, planters, toys, and other containers that may be holding water. Dump the water, wipe the containers down, and store in a dry area.

Check the foundation, attic, drywall, and floors for any cracks and crevices where small pests may enter. Use silicone or caulk to fill in these openings.

Lastly, avoid storing wood close to your home's exterior. Firewood, project lumbar, and other wooden pieces should be kept dry or stored away from your home. This will reduce the risk of termite infestations.

Spring is a wonderful time of year, but it can pose a pest problem. With this guide and a pest control service, you can understand and treat common spring pests.