Spring is like a roller coaster track that brings pests out of hibernation and straight into summer.
Since we’re coming off a mild winter, you need to prepare for for a “spring shower” of unwanted
guests!
Here’s a sneak preview of what you can expect:
Ants, Ants…all Kinds of Ants!
Have you ever heard a children’s tune titled The Ants Go Marching One by One? The melody is
basically the same as When Johnny Comes Marching Home Again, an American folk tune.
Here’s a sample of the lyrics…
The ants go marching one by one, hurrah, hurrah
The ants go marching one by one, hurrah, hurrah
The ants go marching one by one,
The little one stops to pick up a crumb
And they all go marching down to the ground
To get out of the rain, BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
Just like the song says ants do march single file in the springtime as they forage for food and
look for potential nesting spots. They’ve hibernated all winter, and they do what you might do
after a long nap – go and look for a snack. These little guys are hungry, and it will take more
than a magnifying glass to get rid of them. Ants are often the first pest homeowners see in the
spring. If you see any foraging around your house, remember there’s a whole colony where
those came from!
Pavement Ants
Chances are good you’ve seen small brown or black ants around cracks in driveways or
sidewalks. These little guys are known for building their homes underground and scouting on
the surface for food. They’re into all sorts of snacks, like sweets, greasy stuff, and bugs, but are
not very good house guests. Once they’re in they’re tough to get rid of! Indoors, they’re most
likely having a party in your pantry.
Little Black Ants
Early spring is a common time to spot these tiny dark-colored ants scurrying around your
property. They range far and wide, from your yard to your driveway and even inside your house.
These pests aren’t particularly dangerous but can be a bit of a pain, especially if they invade
your kitchen or living space. Unlike pavement ants, little black ants prefer to nest indoors where
they can overstay their welcome!
Carpenter Ants
Danger! Danger! These are the ants you should worry about. At 1/4 to 1/2 inch long, they’re
pretty big compared to other ants. Carpenter ants come in black or red. Their name comes from
the fact they like to build nests in wood…including part of your house.

They can cause some serious damage if left unchecked. While members of this species don’t
eat wood like termites do, they do chew through it to build their homes. Because Carpenter ants
tend to be more active at night, you might not even realize a problem exists. If you see these
pests hanging around or find evidence of their presence, call pest control experts at once!
Termites
When spring arrives termite treatment becomes one of our most-requested services.
Homeowners are getting around more, and when they see support beams that resemble Swiss
cheese, termite eradication quickly becomes their top priority. You’re probably aware termites
feed on wood, paper, and other materials that contain cellulose. While known for the
catastrophic physical damage they can cause, these pests can also spread diseases and
contaminate food sources.
You’ve got to be on your guard to prevent termite infestations. Pay particular attention to telltale
signs like wood that sounds hollow when you tap on it, discarded insect wings near windows or
doors, and piles of sawdust around your walls and foundation. If you see any or all of these,
contact us immediately. A speedy reaction will help minimize damage to your structures.
Mosquitoes & Ticks
Without question these two pests rank highest on the nuisance scale. And with good reason, as
they are not only a bother to have around, but they carry potentially fatal diseases.
Mosquitoes are well-known spreaders of EEE (Eastern Equine Encephalitis) and West Nile
Virus; both pose a serious threat to you and your family.
As carriers of Lyme Disease, ticks are equally dangerous. A bite from an infected tick can lead
to serious long-term health problems if not detected and treated early.
We recommend spraying to control populations early in the spring before they can rebound from
their winter slumber. If you don’t take early action, you’ll be swatting and scratching all summer
long.
Early treatment not only provides immediate relief but is part of a season-long strategy.
Populations become extremely aggressive when cold arrives in the fall and resources become
scarce. Desperation makes both species more likely to bite humans and pets. More mosquitoes
and ticks mean more trouble. So, if you want to keep yourself and your furry friends safe, you
should take preventive measures as early as possible.
In addition to area treatments, you should apply repellents, wear long sleeves and pants when
outdoors…particularly in unimproved areas like forests and fields. Also, keep your yard clean
and tidy to minimize the chances of infestations. And if you do notice increased activity on your
property, don’t hesitate to call us to help get things under control.
Bees, Wasps, and Hornets (Oh my!)
“April showers bring May flowers” …
Taking things a step further, May flowers bring bees!

Stinging insects aren’t usually a problem until summer and fall. By then they’ve nested, are
expanding their colonies, and have become more aggressive in their quest for necessary
resources.
I’m glad to say not all buzzing insects out to sting you. Some are harmless pollinators, such as
bees and butterflies, which play an important role in our ecosystem. Learning to recognize
which are benign and which can sting you is one of the best ways to protect you and your family
when outdoors during warm months.
Carpenter Bees
Carpenter bees primarily pose a problem to the wood in your structures…but they can sting if
disturbed. They burrow into exposed wood to lay eggs. Their tunnels can damage decks,
porches, and other wooden structures.
Paper Wasps
While not the most aggressive stinging insect, these are among the most common and
obtrusive. Their nests look like papery upside-down umbrellas. They’re made of chewed wood
and saliva and are often found in places that are too close to home for comfort. (They love
building under eaves, on rafters, and on wooden fences or lumber piles. Paper wasps are most
active during warmer months and will certainly defend their nests if disturbed.
Hornets
European Hornets and Bald-Faced Hornets are two species that are equipped with stingers and
aren’t afraid to use them. European Hornets are found the northeastern United States. They
have a reddish-brown body with yellow stripes. You’re not likely to find one in our territory.
However, the black-and-white Bald-Faced Hornet is native to North America. It builds large
paper nests in trees or on building eaves and is quite aggressive when defending their home.
Since both species are dangerous if provoked, please be on the lookout for them when
outdoors.
Yellowjackets
Yellowjackets are considered the jerks on the flying insect world. They are quite “trigger-happy”
and will sting humans repeatedly without provocation. But when faced with what they consider
an intrusion their aggressive nature goes into overdrive. Yellowjackets typically nest
underground near food sources and will defend their home to the death. Walk the other way if
you see any in your area and arrange for pest control ASAP.
Before closing I want to share a few practical tips for making your place pest-free before
summer:
Drain the Swamp
Mosquitoes don’t need a lake to lay eggs. A small bucket or puddle in your backyard will do.
Perhaps you’ve got a water catchment system that’s not screened, have buckets to collect
rainwater for gardening, or just have some low spots around your yard. Be sure to drain all

standing water, keep the area clear of debris and clutter, and clean gutters. Use collected water
a and be sure to screen your catchment barrels.
Keep it Tidy
A tidy yard is more than a status symbol. It’s an effective way to prevent pests from taking up
residence. Winter debris can provide shelter and easy access to food for all kinds of pests.
Remove leaves and trash, organize materials like firewood, keep your lawn mowed, trim
bushes, and remove dead plants or branches that could be used as nesting material.
Additionally, make sure to store any food or garbage in sealed containers to prevent pests from
getting access to it.
Batten Down the Hatches
Caulk or seal small holes around your property. This includes cracks around pipes or wiring on
exterior walls, foundation, or attic. While you’re at it, be sure to check your windows and doors
for gaps or cracks that require filling. This will help keep pests out of your home.
In Case of Trouble
Sometimes pests will overwhelm you, your family, or your property despite your best efforts.
Give us a call at (405) 679-8729. We can provide a realistic assessment of your problem and
help eliminate trouble-causing pests.