Spring heralds not only the arrival of fresh rains and new blooms but also bothersome pests. However, alongside these spring insects come many beneficial bugs, such as honeybees, which can make a pest control strategy difficult, since homeowners donāt usually want to harm the good bugs while eliminating the annoying ones.
As the seasons shift, homeowners will need to adapt to the arrival of spring insects in Massachusetts. The first step in preparing for spring insects is understanding what insects are most common and how they determine where to live.
From there, you can develop a robust integrated pest management strategy that keeps your home secure without harming the rest of the environment. Hereās what you need to know.
Welcoming Spring Insects
The diverse array of insects that emerge with the onset of spring include many famous bugs, such as yellowjackets, ants, and stink bugs. However, alongside these pests are many smaller and less well-known insects, including boxelder bugs and earwigs.
Pollinators thrive during this time, as they have fresh blooms to feast upon and pollen to transport to keep the ecosystem productive.Ā Similarly, both predator and prey insects establish their ecological roles during the springtime.
Spiders build new nests to catch mosquitoes and flies, while ants chart reliable courses toward food supplies for the year. Understanding these diverse behaviors can help homeowners predict which insects may cause a problem and preemptively establish control plans before an infestation occurs.
Understanding Spring Insect Phenology
The term āphenologyā describes the study of a life cycle and how a living organism changes and develops over time. Insect phenology is especially important for pest control because it can serve as a useful predictor of what issues will arise, where, and when.
For instance, mosquitoes require standing water in order to lay their eggs and develop their larvae. By eliminating this essential element of their life cycle in your yard, you can interrupt a mosquito infestation before it starts.
Similarly, many insects require certain temperatures, daylight hours, or moisture parameters to breed, molt, or eat. Homeowners do best when targeting insects whose phenology is currently relevant to the springtime conditions rather than those that will take a few more months to establish.
Managing Pest Insects
The best way to address a pest invasion is to stop one before it occurs. IPM, or integrated pest management, is the most comprehensive approach; this strategy avoids targeting individual insect species one by one (e.g., one pesticide for aphids and another one for ants, etc.) and instead addresses the root causes of pest infiltration to stop multiple types at once.
Some things homeowners can do to reduce the burden of pest insects include:
- Remove standing water on the property
- Dethatch the grass to prevent moisture buildup and safe hiding places
- Get rid of safe havens, such as branch piles
- Store trash in plastic containers
- Keep the interior and exterior of the home clean from crumbs and food items
- Clean the gutters
- Remove tall grass immediately touching the homeās exterior
- Plug entry points such as cracks in siding
If insects have already begun to invade, it is smart to call a professional. Some of the most frequent offenders in springtime in Massachusetts include carpenter ants and various wasp or hornet species, all of which an expert pest control service can address.
They will remove the hive of stinging species to stop their return, and for pests entering the home, they can identify entry points and what makes your house appealing, then address those factors for long-term success.
Public Health Considerations
Getting rid of pest insects is about more than just your comfort as a homeowner. Remember that many pests can also carry disease, which becomes a public health concern if large numbers are proliferating on your land. Mosquitoes, for example, are one of the primary vectors for sickness.
They can carry a variety of potential illnesses, such as West Nile virus, Zika virus, and dengue fever. Taking care of your property to eliminate pests benefits your entire community because youāre doing your part to keep people safe from sicknesses.
Overcome Spring Insect Infestations with Expert Help
Spring infestations are common, but they do not have to impact your property. By approaching the turning of the season with some knowledge and strategy, you can eliminate most of the insect threat before it establishes a foothold in your home.
Spartan Animal & Pest Control is a leader in spring insect control and can help you address any of a wide range of insects that are harassing your home and property.Ā Contact Spartan to schedule an appointment for an expert to visit and find the vulnerabilities that are allowing insects to stake their claim on (or in!) your home.
