Seasonal Pest Control in Eau Claire
Spring is officially in full swing, and with it comes more sunshine, less snow, higher temperatures, and more blooming flowers than the cold, grey Wisconsin winter has to offer. With all that there is to look forward to this spring season, its arrival also comes with some not-so-great counterparts — pests.
As the temperatures rise, many pests begin making their way out of hibernation, becoming a nuisance to home and business owners in the area. Before it’s too late, it is important to prepare your home and combat pests proactively. To help you take the proper preventative measures, we are going to take a look at some of the most common pests that the spring season brings.
TERMITES
Termites are wood-eating insects that are known for their gormandizing appetites. These pale, soft-bodied insects live in colonies or nests either underground or within wooden structures. While termites are active year-round, swarms slow down in the winter and typically become active at the beginning of spring after it rains. Because termites consume wood, it is common for the insects to be attracted to your home or business. This is the last thing you will want, as these small insects can cause a lot of costly damage in a short amount of time.
Signs of a Termite Infestation:
- Visible termite mounds
- Sagging of floors or ceilings
- Bits of debris
- Crumbling wood of any structure type
- Cracked or distorted paint on wood surfaces
- Groups or ‘swarms’ of winged insects or discarded wings
- Mud tubes on exterior walls
If you notice termite activity in your home, don’t hesitate to call in a pest control company to implement termite control methods. Termites are extremely difficult for the average homeowner or business owner to get rid of, which is why termite removal should be left to the experts
ANTS
While you will likely see ants outside in the soil, the last thing you want is to be stuck with an ant infestation inside of your home or business. In addition to eating food, ants can spread diseases like E. coli and Salmonella. Ants live in colonies, so if you notice a few ants inside your home or business, more likely than not there are more not too far away. Keep in mind, some ant species, such as carpenter ants, can create tunnels in wood that may damage the structure of your home or business.
If you are dealing with an ant infestation, it is best to get help from an expert. Sure, you can buy ant control treatments and products in a store but they are nowhere near as effective as the treatments offered by a pest control company.
RATS AND MICE
Though mice and rats are active year-round, their breeding season is twice a year; once in the late fall and again in the spring. These rodents can be a serious problem for both homeowners and business owners. Not only are they off-putting and disturbing animals to have skittering around your home or business, but they can also harbor and transmit several serious diseases.
Rodent Control Tips:
- Inspect the outside of your home or business for holes or gaps the size of a quarter, or big enough for rats or mice to get through
- Keep all sources of food stored in tight containers
- Keep garbage cans covered at all times
There are numerous signs of a rodent infestation, and upon noticing these signs, it is important to contact a reliable rodent control company.
SPIDERS
The springtime is an active time for many species of spiders. This is when they come out to search for food. They are most commonly found in basements, garages, porches, or other sheltered areas around your home. Seeing spiders inside your home is typically an indication that there are other insects inside of your house. Because spiders prey on other insects, preventing infestations, you may want to keep them outside of your home. To keep them from getting inside, however, try the following tips.
Spider Control Tips:
- Seal all cracks and crevices around the outside of your home, especially near windows and doors
- Eliminate all sites of moisture, including clogged drains and leaking pipes
- Keep food stored in airtight containers and make sure to dispose of trash regularly
STINGING INSECTS
Stinging insects, such as bees, wasps, and hornets, spend the spring building new colonies and mating. While bees are vital to nature and should be left alone as much as possible, you certainly do not want these flying and stinging insects inside of your home, especially if you have family members that are allergic to bees. To keep keeping insects from getting inside, some things you can do include sealing entry points, putting screens on windows and doors, and planting flowers away from the house. If you see a nest or other signs of significant stinging insect activity, let a pest control expert handle the situation. Stinging insects can be aggressive, making it can be dangerous to remove active nests.
MOLES
Moles are very common in Wisconsin, although they are rarely seen. They make their presence known by the raised tunnels and mounds of soil they make in lawns, gardens, fields, and pastures. Their large, paddle-like front feet that make them very efficient diggers and landscape destroyers. No, moles are not necessarily dangerous, they are just a nuisance to homeowners. Moles are most active during the spring and summer months and are often first noticed in early spring, especially after a mild winter.
These are just a few of the many pests you will see around the west-central part of Wisconsin this spring. The best way to keep these pests from getting inside of your home is with preventative pest control methods. At 1st Choice Pest Solutions, we can safely and effectively eliminate pests from your property. With reliable insect, rodent, and wildlife control services, there is not a pest problem we cannot handle. To learn more about our residential or commercial pest control services, contact us today.