New England pests can be a nuisance year round, but certain pests become especially active in homes during the spring. Spring is mating season for many pests, so it is a time to establish new colonies and move into new spaces. As prime sources of food, water, and shelter, homes quickly become targets! To optimize your New England pest control plan, it’s best to understand the top pests plaguing New England homes during this active season.
Termites and Carpenter Ants
Termites and carpenter ants can cause major damage to homes, as they both bore through wood and form colonies inside walls. Termites feed off of the wood surrounding the colony while carpenter ants seek sweeter food sources—which can be found in kitchens and trashcans. Carpenter ants will also bite when disturbed, making them an all-around nuisance.
Deer Mice
The deer mice mating season is from March to October and the mice require an enclosed, dry shelter for giving birth and tending to newborn mice. Mice can squeeze into very small spaces and will actively seek a way into homes and buildings. Once inside, mice can contaminate food sources and leave droppings inside walls and on floors. Mouse droppings can harbor dangerous bacteria that can cause illness both by contact and by breathing in dry leavings. Mice may also bite when cornered and cause damage to wood, cables, and wires within the home.
Houseflies
Houseflies have been known to carry over 100 different kinds of disease causing germs. Once flies have entered a home, they can be difficult to get rid of because they breed rapidly and move through life phases quickly. Houseflies can lay up to five or six batches of eggs over a three-day period, with 75-200 eggs per batch. These eggs usually hatch within 12 hours and move through all of the life stages within about 10 days. Houseflies don’t bite, but can cause illness by contaminating food.
Stinging Insects
Most stinging insects emerge when the temperatures warm up in the spring. Newly fertilized queens will seek new shelters in which to make colonies. Stinging insects may make nests inside of walls, in sheds, attics, hanging from eves, or in any general area that is easy to travel to and from and shelters the colony from the elements. Depending on the location of the nest, some stinging insects can cause damage to homes in addition to harming home residents and guests with painful stings.
Fleas
Fleas breed and become active when temperatures are above 60 degrees. Fleas can carry diseases and bites can cause skin conditions and anemia in humans and pets if infestations are not eliminated quickly. Fleas may also carry the tapeworm parasite, which can affect pets when fleas are swallowed. Fleas breed rapidly and hide well, and often people don’t notice they have a flea infestation until it’s too late.
If you’re experiencing a pest problem this spring, call New England pest control to help you eliminate any unwanted pests!