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Spring is the prime time for pests and the problems they create for two main reasons: Spring brings warmer weather and plenty of moisture- two of the things that pests need to thrive! When the temperature heats up and rain is plentiful, it triggers pests to emerge, move around, and reproduce.
Although their populations are usually smaller in the spring than in the summer, it’s this time of year that establishes how pest activity will develop throughout the coming months. Find out how moisture and warm weather contribute to pest problems and what you can do to protect your home and family this spring and into the summer.
Why Do Rising Temperatures Cause Pests to Become More Active?
Most insects are cold-blooded. They can’t function when the temperature gets too cold. This doesn’t mean that all of them die when it gets cold, though. Some have biological means of remaining alive, such as migration, going into diapause, or even creating an antifreeze-like fluid to keep them alive in the cold.
When spring arrives and temperatures rise, these insects start to wake up and move around. Their metabolism speeds up, leading them to seek out food, move more quickly, and get into a faster reproductive cycle. These changes in activity will only increase as the temperature gets warmer when spring turns to summer.
How Does Spring Moisture Create Ideal Breeding Conditions for Pests?
Many pests love moisture and don’t survive well without it. When moisture levels increase in the spring, it helps pests flourish. Spring brings a lot of rain, which increases moisture levels in the soil, making the ground where many insects already live ideal for breeding.
Moisture levels above ground also contribute to pest activity and breeding. Mosquitoes need standing water to hatch their eggs. Damp wood attracts termites and contributes to their survival. High humidity supports cockroaches and other pests that feed on mold and decaying organic matter.
Why Do Heavy Spring Rains Drive Pests Indoors?
In addition to excess moisture increasing insect breeding, it can also drive pests indoors. During a heavy spring rain, underground nests can flood, forcing ants and other insects to abandon their homes to find a drier place to live. If they’re already close to your house, it won’t be difficult for them to make their way inside, nesting in your walls or storage areas, or behind appliances.
Rodent burrows can collapse under heavy rain, pushing these pests towards your home in search of shelter. Mice and rats often move into basements, crawl spaces, and attics. Once inside, they’ll make themselves at home by building nests in secluded spaces and raiding your kitchen and pantry for food each night.
Excessively wet soil can cause insects and spiders to move closer to your foundation, where the ground tends to be a bit drier. Once there, insects can exploit small cracks in your foundation to make their way inside where they’ll happily live in your climate-controlled house.
How Does Spring Plant Growth Increase Pest Attraction?
Like pests, plants love warm, wet weather. Spring is when plants start growing, which is great news for a lot of pests. Many aphids, beetles, caterpillars, and other bugs feed on the leaves, stems, and roots of plants. Other pests, including rodents, love to eat seeds, fruits, and vegetables.
As insects feed on plants, they breed more rapidly, leading to an increase in their population. This attracts predators, like spiders and centipedes, causing an even greater pest population to be present on your property. With so many pests around your yard, it’s only a matter of time before some of them end up inside your house.
Which Pests Are Most Common During Spring?
There are a lot of pests that show up in the spring. The ones you’re most likely to see around your Tennessee home and yard include:
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Mosquitoes- These pests become active when the temperature warms up and they’re known to spread diseases through their itchy bites.
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Termites- Termites swarms occur in spring and are a sure sign of a destructive colony nearby.
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Ants- Ants become active outdoors in the spring, but if they move into your house, they can stay active all year.
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Rodents- Rodents are one of the most destructive pests to get into your home and they spread diseases as well.
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Cockroaches- Cockroaches love moisture-rich spaces and they’re known for spreading diseases.
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Stinging insects- Although wasps and other stinging insects are unlikely to move into your house, they can nest in your walls and make going outside rather unpleasant.
Why Is Spring Considered Termite Swarm Season?
Termites swarm in the spring to establish new colonies. A large group of reproductive termites, called a swarm, often emerges after a warm rain and usually congregate near a light source. After finding a mate, they shed their wings and return to the damp soil to expand their colony.
Seeing a termite swarm or their discarded wings is a sure sign that a well-established colony is somewhere nearby. If you find the termites or their wings in your house, the colony is already in your house as well.
What Can Homeowners Do to Reduce Spring Pest Risks?
All these pests don’t sound like good news, but luckily, it’s not all bad news either. There are ways to reduce your risk of a spring pest infestation if you’re willing to put in a little time and a little elbow grease. All-American Pest Control has been solving pest problems for over 65 years, so we know what it takes to keep your home pest-free. We recommend the following home pest prevention tips.
Moisture control
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Clear gutters and downspouts
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Extend drainage away from your foundation
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Eliminate standing water in buckets, toys, pet dishes, and other areas
Structural prevention
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Seal cracks and gaps
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Repair door sweeps
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Fix damaged screens
Interior moisture control
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Use dehumidifiers in basements and other humid rooms
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Inspect crawl spaces
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Routinely check for leaks
Habitat reduction
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Remove leaf piles and wood stacks
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Trim vegetation away from your siding
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Keep your grass trimmed
When Should You Schedule Professional Pest Control in Spring?
Ideally, you’ll get routine pest inspections so that you can stay ahead of any potential problems. If you haven’t had a pest inspection in a while, spring is a great time to schedule one. Even if you have had an inspection in the recent past, you may want to schedule another one if:
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You’ve seen termite swarmers or their discarded wings
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You notice persistent ant activity after rain
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You find rodents in your attic after storms
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There is increased mosquito activity near your home
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It’s been over one year since your last pest inspection
Getting an inspection this spring positions you to prevent pest problems not just now, but throughout the summer.
Contact All-American to Schedule Your Spring Pest Inspection
With the weather getting warmer and wetter, spring pests are on the move. Now is the best time to take the necessary measures to prevent an infestation in your house. Get in touch with All-American Pest Control to schedule your home pest inspection today. We’ll identify issues, if there are any, and recommend the best course of action to protect your home this spring and throughout the year.
Comprehensive Pest Control Solutions in Nashville, TN & Nearby Areas
Since 1961, All-American Pest Control has been your go-to team of trusted pest experts for homes, businesses, and home builders throughout Nashville and Middle Tennessee. Our expert team offers termite treatments, mosquito reduction, rodent removal, ant and spider control, and wasp nest removal—keeping your property protected year-round. As a local, family-owned company, we take pride in offering reliable, professional pest solutions with outstanding customer service.
We proudly serve: Brentwood, Centerville, Fairview, Thompson’s Station, Arrington, Leiper’s Fork, Windstone, Westhaven, McKay’s Mill, Ladd Park, Rizer Point, Silver Stream, Annandale, Canterbury, Governors Club, Avalon, LaurelBrooke, Belle Vista, Lockwood Glen, Lookaway Farms, Maplewood, McLemore Farms, Meadowview Estates, College Grove, Franklin, Nolensville, Primm Springs, as well as the entire Williamson County and Greater Nashville areas.
For trusted pest control in Nashville, TN, and these surrounding communities, contact All-American Pest Control today! Call (615) 824-8814 or Schedule a Free Consultation online.