It’s March, and that means spring is practically here in Fort Worth. Unfortunately, springtime also means spring pests. After a long, cold winter, people welcome spring breezes and blooming gardens with open arms. However, many homeowners forget the pest that re-emerges with mild temperatures in all the excitement of brighter days and mild weather. Professionals know how to identify pest entry points and create long-term solutions to each property's needs. Most homeowners are facing an uphill battle against seven of the most common springtime pests without assistance.

While you might not find the same critters in every part of the country, the change in seasons and the change in temperature that comes with it may force you to deal with an increase in certain insects or animals. Keep reading to learn the top five spring pests to watch out for, and for all your urgent pest control needs, make sure to call our pros at Purple Care.

1. Carpenter Ants

Ants – particularly carpenter ants – crave sunlight, so they are more likely to go searching for food and shelter when it gets brighter and warmer out. Ants are often willing to travel far from their nests for a reliable food source, making it extremely difficult to stop them from invading your home. The best solution is simply to clean up and safely store all food remnants. You should also look out for a rustling sound in your walls, or shavings underneath your woodwork and other wooden items in your home. These pests may travel through your piping, foundation, attic, vents, telephone lines, wiring, or other cracks and openings in your home in search of food. Luckily at Purple Care, we know how to take care of ants, including the dangerous fire ants you may find in North Texas.

2. Mosquitoes

Yes, it’s true; due to climate change and other factors, mosquitoes do not just attack in summer anymore. They are common in spring as well, and in certain parts of the country, can even survive during fall and winter. Remember, mosquitoes not only leave irritating bites on your skin, but can also carry diseases such as Zika, Encephalitis, Malaria, and West Nile Virus, that may make you and your family members, and can even transmit heartworm to your pets. Fortunately, our skilled pest control team at Purple Care offers mosquito control and treatment, as well as lawn care options such as removing sources of standing water, trimming shrubs and mowing your lawn, as well as clearing of any debris that may be attracting mosquitos in the first place.

3. Termites

It is estimated that termites cause over $5 billion of property damage every year in the U.S. alone. These wood-eating insects have a voracious appetite, and will not stop until they have exhausted every available food source. It is common to find termites on your property in spring after it rains, though termites can swarm for a number of reasons in places across the country. Watch out for signs of a termite infestation on your property, such as termite mounds, hollow-sounding wood, sagging flooring and/or ceiling, mud tubes around your property, crumbling wood in any structure, cracked wooden surfaces, discarded wings from “swarmers,” and various debris in or around your home or business. Remember, never hesitate to call our experts at Purple Care right away if you believe you are dealing with a termite infestation—waiting to do so could cost you a ton of money!

4. Rats

Rats were already a big problem in 2020, since the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic drove them away from urban areas as restaurants and businesses closed, forcing them to look for food and shelter in suburban homes. Sadly, rat breeding season is April-June, so they are likely to be no less of a problem this spring. These nasty creatures can transmit disease and cause a lot of damage to your home or business, so consider installing metal weather stripping to keep them out. You should also look for/promptly caulk and seal any small holes, and make sure your garbage is covered at all times. Call Purple Care right away for efficient rodent control if you notice signs of a rat infestation on your property, including bite marks or droppings in your attic or around your property.

5. Spiders

A lot of people assume fall is the main spider season, since this is the time of the year when they breed. However, spider eggs hatch later, so you may start to notice an influx of these arachnids in spring. While most spiders are harmless, some have poisonous bites, so watch out for them in dark, cool environments, such as basements and air vents, where they may go in search of prey. It is a good idea to properly seal your windows, doors, and other openings around your house to prevent spiders from getting in as much as possible. You should also eliminate moisture on your property as much as possible and always properly clean up and store food in sealed containers to help avoid spider infestations. Remember, where pests go, spiders go, so never hesitate to call a pest control technician if you find spiders on your property.

How You Can Prevent Pests This Spring

Prevention is the key to pest control. It is much easier and cheaper to prevent the problem before it becomes a full-blown infestation. Among the ways you can integrate proactive pest control into your regular cleaning routine are:

  • Make an inventory of the foundation and exterior walls of your home and seal any cracks that might allow pests easy access.
  • Update the screens on the windows. For best results, use 18×16 mesh.
  • Make your house uninviting to spring pests. Scent-based repellents make pests Stay Away® because many animals and insects rely on their sense of smell to detect danger, find food, and mate.
  • Organise your home so that pests don't have a place to hide.
  • Make sure food debris is cleaned up and stored properly in airtight containers-don't forget the pet food!
  • Following rainstorms, pay attention to standing water, checking any objects that collect water or puddles that might have formed.
  • Consider installing yellow bug lights, which are less attractive to flying insects such as mosquitoes and stink bugs.

For more information in spring pest control, or to schedule an appointment today, call Purple Care now at (817) 880-6052, or send us a message online.