Exploring the Diversity of Spring Insects in MA

As spring emerges in Massachusetts, most people eagerly await lush, green lawns and bright flowers. But with the budding trees and rising temperatures comes a threat: spring insects that can be anything from a nuisance to a downright destructive and dangerous force on your property.

Before these unwanted invaders establish a foothold in and around your home, be sure you know what species to expect and how to identify them. This way, you can easily pinpoint a potential infestation before it begins and respond appropriately with targeted insect control measures. Here’s what you need to know.

The Arrival of Early Spring Insects

Insects determine when to become active again based on various factors: temperatures, humidity, daylight hours, food availability, and more. For many, springtime is the signal to ramp up into full activity once again. Most homeowners will see bees, flies, and beetles as some of the first emergent visitors, and these bugs play a vital role in early environmental growth.

For instance, bees are the driving force behind pollination for many species. The pollen from plants clings to the hairy legs and bodies of the bees as they visit plants in a radius that can span upwards of five or six miles for a single bee.

Thanks to these insects pollinating flowers, eating decomposing plant matter from the previous season, and leaving their waste along their path, they are key players in the nutrient cycle that keeps the environment thriving and strong.

However, it’s possible to have too much of a good thing. If bugs become a nuisance around your home, it’s important to strategically approach the issue to restore your comfort without destroying the local ecosystem.

Hidden Gems: Lesser-Known Insects of Spring

Not all bugs serve as essential pollinators during the pivotal spring growth cycle. In fact, many Massachusetts homeowners have likely never noticed some of the lesser-known players in the spring insect awakening, either due to their tendency to stay away from people or their minuscule size.

One bug to watch out for is the spotted lanternfly, which appears like a fly with orange-brown wings speckled in black dots. These invasive pests love to eat vegetables and other nutrient-dense plants that other local fauna and insects rely on.

Additionally, they excrete a sticky substance from which a black mold grows making them best eliminated wherever they appear. Similarly, look for brightly colored spiders whose vivid yellows and reds stand out against their stark black bodies.

These large spiders, called Joro spiders, are invasive, and while they have yet to be seen in Massachusetts, they are quickly making their way up the eastern seaboard. Stopping their spread is, at least in part, the responsibility of every Massachusetts resident.

In Massachusetts, among the least popular of springtime visitors is the brown marmorated stink bug. While these annoying insects won’t harm humans, they can emit a foul and uncomfortable odor when hassled. To remove them from your home, gently sweep them out the door. You’re more likely to notice them as spring transitions into summer when they become active in preparation for more frequent wet weather.

Pest Prevention Tips

As hundreds of varieties of spring insects come out of their dormant winter states and begin to populate again, homeowners can take some basic steps to keep these bugs out of their homes, businesses, and outdoor spaces.

Tackle as many problems as possible at the source:

• Eliminate standing water mosquitoes use for breeding
• Seal entry points to prevent indoor pests
• Keep grass short to discourage ticks and other pests
• Remove safe-havens, such as piles of yard debris, where bugs may hide and enjoy moisture and security from natural predators

Proactive Pest Management Strategy

Using bug-offensive smells and helpful competitor bugs to discourage insects from spending time in your yard — will minimize the need for reactive pest control measures.

As an added benefit, preventing pests using natural methods reduces the environmental impact of pesticides and other, more dire solutions that many providers include with reactive treatment.

Prepare for Spring Insects

Bugs are a natural part of life and are essential for ecosystems to thrive. However, humans should not have to tolerate infestations in their homes. An effective pest control company can help you conquer your insect problems if you notice bugs indoors. The experts at Spartan Animal & Pest Control can offer personalized guidance to address bug problems the natural way before these invaders can gain a foothold.

Contact Spartan Animal & Pest Control to overcome the nuisance of springtime insects and preserve your home against potential damage caused by bugs, both large and small. Remember — an ounce of natural prevention is often more effective than a pound of post-infestation cure.