Seasonal Pests: Which Are Most Common In What Months?

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Seasonal Pests: Which Seasonal Pests Are Most Common in NEPA?December 3, 2024|In Pest Control|By The Pest Rangers Staff

While most homeowners instinctively associate pest control with the summertime, pests can invade your property during any season.

From rodents that make their way indoors for the winter to boxelder bugs and stink bugs that flock to basements during the fall, there is no shortage of friendly and terrifying critters that can upset your happy place throughout the year.

The seasonal climate changes of Northeast Pennsylvania mean that homeowners and business owners have to constantly adjust their pest control strategies with each new season to combat a new crop of bugs and pests.

This guide will help you pest-proof your home throughout the year by identifying what pests are common to the region during each season and providing helpful tips to prevent them throughout the year.

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Common Spring Pests

Spring ushers in the return of flowers, as well as helpful pollinators. Expect stinging insects to begin invading gardens soon after planting vegetables and crops for the new harvest season.

Spring is also the typical mating season for many insects like termites. Be on the lookout for termite swarmers searching for a new habitat to lay their eggs.

As they say, April showers lead to May flowers. This wet and rainy season can invite lots of bugs onto your property in search of moisture and warm habitat. As the temperatures rise, expect the return of mosquitoes, ants, spiders, and other smaller insects who will begin to start making their presence felt during the summer.

To prep yourself for the spring, be on the look-out for the following pests that are more active in the spring:

• Ants: As they wake from dormancy, ants invade homes, looking for food sources. They often form trails into kitchens and pantries.
• Termites: Swarming termites are on the hunt for new colonies, making spring the peak season for infestations.
• Mosquitoes: Spring rains create standing water, providing the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes.
• Flies: Flies multiply quickly in warmer weather, especially near decaying organic matter.
• Spiders: As prey becomes abundant, spiders increase their web-building activity to catch food.
• Stinging Insects: Bees, wasps, and hornets become active, building nests near flowers and homes.
• Earwigs: These pests thrive in damp environments, often hiding in mulch, leaf piles, and basements.

Spring Pest Control Tips

With renewal in the air, take steps to protect against these unwanted visitors with some helpful spring pest control. As these creatures revive, it’s important to look to your home for yearly maintenance. The harsh winter climate can often lead to unwanted cracks, holes, and other issues that can let in invaders.

Likewise, it’s a good time of year to start cleaning gutters and get rid of unwanted debris in your yard as the ground begins to thaw and the snow melts.

Finally, clear away any standing water that may form due to the excess rain. For many homes that live in hilly neighborhoods, such as Pittston, Nanticoke, Scranton, and Clarks Summit, it’s essential to get sump pumps to prevent flooding that can invite mold and insects.

Summer Pest List

Summer is considered a prime time when bugs come out, and pests begin to make their presence known. Warmer weather provides perfect conditions for pests to prosper, such as excess moisture from humidity and lots of new places to hide in your yard.

In addition to the insects listed above, ticks and fleas are two parasites that are plentiful during the summer months. With more lush greenery and food readily available, these hitchhikers will latch on to humans and animals alike.

Though insects tend to be the most bothersome pest during the warmest season, another possible, more difficult to deal with invader may be roosting in your attic: bats.

Like spiders, bats thrive on insects, so having an excess of pests on your property can be a magnet for bats.

As you head into the dog days of summer, here are the most prominent summer pests of the season to look out for:

• Mosquitoes: Their populations explode, especially in areas with stagnant water. They’re a significant health risk as they carry many diseases.
• Stinging Insects: Wasps and bees are in full force, protecting their nests and seeking nectar. Expect them to disrupt a summer barbeque or two.
• Ants: Colonies expand rapidly in summer, with ants frequently invading kitchens and outdoor gatherings.
• Bats: These nocturnal creatures may find shelter in attics as they hunt for insects.
• Flies: Houseflies and fruit flies become a common nuisance, drawn to food waste and warm temperatures.
• Termites: Some species remain active during summer, causing structural damage to wooden elements.
• Ticks: Found in tall grass and wooded areas, ticks pose health risks to both humans and pets by spreading diseases like Lyme disease.

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Summer Pest Control Tips

The best course of action to protect you and your family from these unwanted creatures during the summer months is to maintain your property. Keep greenery trimmed and yards free of excess grass and debris.

Most mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas will need to be contained using an outdoor barrier spray from a trusted pest control professional. Likewise, the same is true of stinging insects, though an organic spray will be necessary as these are protected species.

On the inside of your home, it’s more important than ever to keep a clean home by sealing up garbage and food containers. Keep that sink empty and use a dehumidifier in areas with poor ventilation to prevent excess moisture,

If you suspect you may have bats, reach out to a pest control expert for bat expulsion regulations.

Fall Pests List

As the warm weather and greenery begin to fade, so comes a new batch of seasonal pests. While the warmer temperatures wake up these invaders, the cold has them looking for shelter. During the fall, pests are preparing for places to hibernate or take shelter through the winter, and your basement could be the perfect place.

Ladybugs and stinkbugs are notorious fall pests. While not particularly harmful, they can cause a problem in your home. On the furrier side of infestation, rats, and mice are usually on the lookout for a place to nest during the oncoming winter months.

When preparing for the fall, keep a lookout for the following creatures:

• Spiders: As insects decrease outdoors, spiders move inside for warmth and prey.
• Rodents: Mice and rats enter homes in search of shelter and food for the winter.
• Fleas: Though less active, fleas may linger on pets or in your home as the weather cools.
• Stinkbugs: These pests seek warmth, often clustering on sunny walls or indoors.
• Boxelder Bugs: These bugs are attracted to boxelder trees and may make their way indoors for warmth.

Fall Pest Control Tips

Additionally, as the foliage begins to die and bonfires start lighting, there are plenty of leaf piles and firewood stacks for pests to enjoy. Do some final landscaping for the year by eliminating piles of leaves and debris. Gutters must also be cleaned to eliminate debris and ensure adequate drainage from rain.

Now is also the perfect time of year to begin sealing your exterior for any gaps or cracks that may invite in small pests. Apply a caulk or spray foam around small gaps around the exterior of your home and fix any broken window screens.

As you set up for fall and prepare for winter, be sure to double-check your home’s exterior and clean your decorations thoroughly before bringing them inside.

Winter Pests List

Winter may seem like a haven from pests, but this season has its fair share of invaders, too. When it is cold outside, creatures look for places to keep warm and wait out the bad weather.

With winter weather comes increased moisture; when snow falls and thaws, the conditions are perfect for creatures that love damp areas. Silverfish may be lurking beneath your humidifier or in the basement.

Rodents may prefer to nest in attics or in storage to keep cozy from the cold. During the winter months, here are the top pests to prepare for:

• Rodents: Mice and rats nest in attics, basements, and walls to escape the cold. Be on the lookout for knocking sounds coming from your walls.
• Cockroaches: Cockroaches seek out warm, moist areas like kitchens and bathrooms. German cockroaches are the most common in our area and tend to live in lower-level areas of the home, such as basements.
• Ladybugs: These beetles cluster in homes during winter for warmth.
• Stink Bugs: Similar to ladybugs, stink bugs invade to avoid freezing temperatures.
• Silverfish: These moisture-loving pests are often found in basements, near humidifiers, or in storage areas.

Winter Pest Control

The best way to prevent an invasion is to fortify your home before winter. Check your property for possible openings and double-check decorations before bringing them indoors.

Store any firewood at least 20 feet away from your home that could shelter insects like roaches and termites. Finally, fix any leaky pipes that may result from rapid freeze-thaw cycles.

Pests that Thrive All Year

Pests aren’t just a problem during one season; they are always around. While certain pests peak during specific seasons, these invaders can be a nuisance at any time of the year.

Bed bugs thrive in seasons that involve a lot of travel, while cockroaches and ants tend to find their way into homes in any way possible.

The Importance of Monthly Preventative Pest Control

The best way to protect against unwanted pests is to stop them from entering. Prepare your home against seasonal invasions by investing in a preventative pest control plan.

The Pest Rangers offers home protection plans that stop well over a dozen common pests from entering your property, including ants, stinging insects, rodents, and more. We also offer optional add-ons for pests, such as fleas and ticks, mosquitoes, and termites. Contact us to learn more and to protect your NEPA home or business throughout the year against seasonal pests!

FAQs

How can I identify signs of a pest infestation?

Look for signs, such as pest droppings, unusual odors, damaged food packaging, nests, or visible insects in your home. Many pests have specific signs you need to look for, such as mud tubes for termites or grease marks for cockroaches.

Are pest control treatments safe for pets and children?

Most professional pest control services use treatments that are safe for pets and children when applied correctly. Always discuss any concerns with your pest control provider.

When should I call a pest control professional?

Call a professional if you notice persistent pests, signs of structural damage, or suspect a large infestation. Early intervention is key to effective pest control so the earlier you call the easier and cheaper your treatment will be.

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Important COVID-19 Info From The Pest Rangers

Thank you for entrusting The Pest Rangers with the health and wellbeing of your home or business. As we work together as a community and nation to better understand and mitigate the spread of the novel Coronavirus, we are all being asked to adhere to new guidelines and to do our best to practice social distancing.

Please know that as protectors of public health, food, and property, we take our role in safeguarding your quality of life very seriously. Pest control professionals are responsible for protecting against rodents, insects, arachnids and other animals that can damage property and threaten people’s health through the spread of disease and bacteria, in addition to inflicting painful bites and stings. Our critical services extend into people’s homes and businesses, as well as major commercial operations such as healthcare facilities, food processing facilities and more.

We strongly encourage everyone to follow the advice set forth by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and our government leaders. As an organization, we are taking additional measures to ensure we provide the best level of protection for both our customers and our employees. For more information on the steps we’re taking, please see the CDC’s guidance for businesses which can be found here.

This serves to inform you that as of 03/16/2020 The Pest Rangers will be operating on a modified schedule. With Spring knocking on our door, we will continue to provide services based on client requests. Exterior services will be completed as always. If you wish to skip the interior service, please let your service professional know. If a problem exists on the interior of your home or business between our scheduled visits, please call and we will treat interior as requested at no additional charge. While pests enter the structure from the exterior we understand if you do not wish to have interior visits at this time but want to assure you that we will correct issues on the interior as needed.

If you have questions about your routine service or are experiencing a pest control problem, please call. We will do our best to provide you with the level of service and satisfaction you’ve come to expect from The Pest Rangers.

Thank you again for your continued trust and we wish you safety, health, and peace during this difficult and unprecedented time. We will all get through this together.

Sincerely,

Jeff King

President

**Pennsylvania rules Pest Management Services an essential service to PA Residents and Businesses**

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